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Aug 09 2010

Watch That Thumb

Justin and his thumb, casting.  Photo: Cameron Miller
Justin and his thumb, casting. Photo: Cameron Miller

Today we continue our series of weekly posts straight from The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing – a new collection of 250 nuggets of fly fishing wisdom from Kirk Deeter and the late, great Charlie Meyers.  We’re lucky enough to have gotten permission to post some excerpts from the book  – read on!

Our tip for the day is a simple, profound casting gem.

If you find this kind of this useful, you can pick up your copy of The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing right here.

Watch That Thumb

Many people are frustrated when their line bunches and dies on the forward cast. This is usually caused by going too far with the backcast, which creates an open loop.

The best tip I’ve ever heard for correcting this came from Dan Stein, a guide on the Bighorn River in Montana. He simply suggests that you keep your casting thumb in your peripheral vision at all times. Lose sight of your thumb, and you’re going back too far. Simple as that.

More Tips from the Little Red Book

  • Watch the Birdie
  • Lighten the Load
  • Flick the Tomato

Reader Interactions

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  1. Fly Casting Tips | Most Popular Casting Advice says:
    March 17, 2012 at 6:01 am

    […] Watch That Thumb […]

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