The task

Beginning with the fly in hand, present the fly to targets at 20, 30 and 45 ft (6.1, 9.1, 13.7 m) on-side. Begin with the line extended to 55 ft (16.7 m), then strip in until only 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) of fly line is beyond the rod tip. Adjust line length during false casting between targets. If you miss the 20 ft target, strip in to 4–5 ft beyond the tip and begin again with the fly in hand; if you miss the 30 ft or 45 ft target, strip in to the previous target. Three attempts are allowed per target; examiners allow for adverse conditions.

Required performance standards

General performance standards apply to every task — narrow loops (≤ 4 ft, measured 3–4 ft back from the nose), a straight fly leg, loops similar front and back and approximately in-plane, a line and leader that unroll completely, no ticking, and slow to medium line speed. See the exam overview for the full list.

• The fly must land approximately 15 in (38 cm) or closer to the centre of the 20 ft and 30 ft targets, and approximately 18 in (46 cm) or closer to the centre of the 45 ft target.
• You must demonstrate an appropriate trajectory for the target distances.
• The fly line may be held in the line hand throughout, and hauling is allowed.
• Shooting line, including on the final delivery cast, is permitted.

How to pass it

• Learn the recovery routine exactly as written: miss the first target and you start again from the fly in hand; miss the second or third and you strip back to the previous target.
• Use the allowed toolset — line in the line hand, hauling and shooting are all permitted here, unlike most Part One tasks.
• Vary trajectory with distance: a flatter delivery for 20 ft, a higher one for 45 ft.
• Adjust line length during false casting between targets rather than after you stop.
• Three attempts per target, so a miss is recoverable — reset your setup rather than aiming harder.

Drills

• Set the tape and measure your grouping at each distance. Count how many of three land inside the tolerance.
• Practise the miss routine until the recovery is automatic.
• Rehearse with a cross-wind, since examiners allow for conditions but you still have to deliver the fly.