updated 22 July 2008 with new class dates

David Lemke, Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor, has put together a set of casting clinics and classes that provide something for everyone - from novice to the guy trying to throw part of his backing. He has laid out a number of programs for the Fall that are briefly defined below.

Fees

Casting classes are offered free to Texas FlyFishers members in good standing. Exceptions, if required, will be indicated when a class is scheduled. Classes for non-members are $50.00 a course.

Remaining 2008 Class Dates and Locations

Beginners Workshop

The Beginners Workshop series will be held Friday the 17th of October and for the three subsequent Saturdays.
- Friday 17 October 7-9PM - Classroom session at 5407 Morningside in the Rice Village
- Saturday 18 October 8AM-10AM - Outdoor session at the Meyerpark ponds.
- Saturday 25 October 8AM -10AM - Outdoor session at the Meyerpark ponds.
- Saturday 1 November 8AM-10AM - Outdoor session at the Meyerpark ponds.
Class size limited to 10 students.
To sign up for this series of classes, use the following e-mail link Beginners Class Sign Up

Beginning fly casting classes are designed to teach a person who is brand new to fly fishing the basics of fly casting. We assume that the student hasn’t received any organized fly casting instruction and has had little exposure to fly fishing in general. When you complete this class, you will have the necessary skills to start fishing with a fly rod. You will learn:

  • What fly fishing is, what a fly is, the types of fish that you catch on a fly and why choose fly fishing as another method of fishing?
  • Fly fishing equipment: proper assembly, care and maintenance of gear and considerations when selecting gear to purchase.
  • Casting mechanics: Grips, stance and style, rod arm mechanics, how fly casting works and some of the essential elements of casting that will get you started with fly fishing.
  • Specific casts: the pickup and lay down cast, the roll cast, false cast, shooting line and some basic presentation casts.
  • Practice methods to help you work on your skill improvement. Classes will be taught in two hour increments over a few weeks so that you don’t become overly saturated with new information and allowing you to time to explore and practice with your new skills. The class is in a group forum with practical exercises and personal coaching from the instructors. We will have one indoor classroom session and three outdoors classes near the water. The club provides fly fishing gear, though you can bring your own equipment if you have it. Because safety is extremely important, everyone will be required to wear eye protection and a hat. We are in Texas, sunscreen and insect repellant are always wise.

    Intermediate Fly Casting – Learning the Essentials – Where do tight loops come from?

    An intermediate casting class entitled Learning the Essentials will be held Thursday the 16th, Saturday the 19th, and Saturday the 26th of October.
    - Thursday 16 October 7-9PM - Classroom session at 5407 Morningside in the Rice Village
    - Saturday 18 Ocotober 11AM-1PM - Outdoor session at the Meyerpark ponds.
    - Saturday 25 October 11AM-1PM - Outdoor session at the Meyerpark ponds.
    Class size limited to 10 students.
    To be put on the list for this class, use the following e-mail link October Intermediate Casting Class List

    The intermediate level casting class builds on the initial essentials taught in the Beginning Fly Casting class and expands to include all five essentials of fly casting. It’s a relatively technical class with an emphasis that is chosen because it lays the fundamental building blocks required to perfect most casting skills and to make you a better fly fisherman. This intermediate class must be completed before participation in other intermediate or advanced classes. In this class you will learn:

  • The five essentials of fly casting:
  • The rod tip must travel in a straight line path.
  • Vary the size of the casting arch according to the line beyond the rod tip.
  • Pause between each cast; vary the stroke length and the timing.
  • Power must be applied at the proper place at the proper time.
  • Keep slack to a minimum.
  • How to analyze your cast and make adjustments to correct common problems.
  • Practice drills that will help you build your casting skills in a step-by-step manner. This course is taught in three 2-hour sessions: one indoor classroom session and two outdoor sessions. The club will provide 5 wt rods, reels, fly lines and leader for those who don’t have their own gear (not likely at this point). Because safety is extremely important, everyone will be required to wear eye protection and a hat. We are in Texas, sunscreen and insect repellant are always wise. Class size limited to 10 people (dependent on availability of instructors).

    Intermediate Casting – Double Haul Clinic: The beginning of an addiction for which there is no cure.

    One of the essential tools needed by most flycasters is the double haul. Its power in increasing line speed and distance to the cast makes it the cast that flycasters ultimately need to be able to perform to achieve greater control over their fly line. Once learned, many experience casters find it difficult to stop hauling.
    - Saturday 15 November from 9.00 to 11.00 AM - Outdoor session at the Meyerpark ponds.
    - Class size limited to 10 students.
    - To sign up for this class, use the following e-mail link Double Haul Class

    This short clinic is designed to give the intermediate casting student the ability to use hauling techniques in their everyday casting and to start casting greater distances than can be achieved with a single hand cast. You will learn to
  • Single haul, used to increase rod load and line speed in one direction; the
  • Double haul, which is a haul on the back cast and a haul on the forward cast; and
  • Shoot line properly in conjunction with the haul to get the desired results – a well directed, tight loop at a greater distance than could be achieved without the haul. Because this technique requires casting skill and coordination, the student must first complete the Intermediate Casting Class, Learning the Essentials. Class size limited to 6. This is a single session 2 hour clinic conducted outdoors near water. The club will provide 5 wt rods, reels, fly lines and leader for those who don’t have their own gear (not likely at this point). Because safety is extremely important, everyone will be required to wear eye protection and a hat. We are in Texas, sunscreen and insect repellant are always wise.

    Advanced Casting Workshop
    An advanced two day casting clinic entitled Casting a Two Handed Rod is planned for December 13th and 14th, 2008 on the Guad. The fee for this class has not yet been set. That and more details later.
    Class size limited to 8 students. Strong intermediate - advanced casting skills are required
    To sign up for this class, use the following e-mail link Two Handed Rod Clinic

    Dave hard at work