Whether casting to a tailing bonefish, tucking a mouse pattern under an overhanging branch, or delivering a size 18 BWO upstream of some fishy pocket water, being able to put the fly where you want it is a valuable skill in all avenues of fly fishing.
There are many potential causes for a lack of casting accuracy, but the most common fault we see on a regular basis is poor tracking. Simply put, tracking refers to the horizontal path of the rod tip. In order to cast as accurately as possible, it’s important for the rod tip to track in as straight a line as possible between BOTH the back cast and the forward cast. In other words, the most accurate cast possible will be made with a back cast directed 180 degrees from your target.
Remember, during the cast the fly line always follows the path of the rod tip. So, if you find that your fly is consistently landing off the mark in the same general direction, odds are you are a bit off track.
Straighten up that back cast, drive the forward cast directly towards your target, and your fly should be hitting the mark in no time.
Good luck out there!
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