The task

Teach an intermediate caster the adjustments needed to maintain consistent narrow loops while false casting to change distance from 30 ft (9.1 m) to 50 ft (15.2 m), and the reasons for those adjustments. The candidate may use the line hand, and hauling is permitted.

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.

• Convey your understanding of how the Gammels’ Essentials of Fly Casting create and maintain a narrow loop with a straight fly leg throughout the task:
• A) Pause.
• B) Slack.
• C) Path of the rod tip during the casting stroke.
• D) Variable casting arc.
• E) Application of force.

How to pass it

• Intent: to show you understand, and can teach, the adjustments the Essentials need when distance changes.
• The spine of the lesson is: as the line lengthens, the arc must widen, force must increase smoothly, and the pause must adjust to the longer line.
• Slack must be removed before the stroke — say how you check for and eliminate it.
• Keep the rod tip path straight throughout; that is what preserves the narrow loop with a straight fly leg.
• You may use the line hand and haul — say why you would or would not add the haul at these distances.

Drills

• Cast 30 ft, then 50 ft, narrating each adjustment as you make it.
• Teach it to an intermediate and have them identify which Essential they changed.
• Practise the five Essentials as a spoken checklist while false casting.