The task

Demonstrate a cast to at least 75 ft (22.9 m). Begin the task with the fly no farther than 50 ft (15.2 m). Shooting line and hauling are permitted. Make at least 2 false casts before the delivery cast.

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 beyond the end of the fly line with the leader relatively straight.

How to pass it

• Build the carry to 50 ft, make at least two false casts, then shoot on delivery — the fly has to land beyond the end of the fly line, so the shoot is part of the task.
• The leader must be relatively straight on landing; a collapsed or piled leader fails.
• Hauling is permitted, so use the double haul from Task 14 to build line speed.
• Watch for creep and tailing loops as you add power — a tailing loop at distance is the most common way to lose this task.
• Aim high and let the line shoot rather than forcing the rod.

Drills

• Progressive carry: 50, 60, 70 ft, shooting on the final delivery each time.
• Shoot-line drill: mark the fly line near the tip so you can see how much line actually shoots.
• Practise into a light head wind to build a reliable tight loop under power.