glenda powell

Education & OutreachOfficers'

Basic Fishing

Inland Fisheries Ireland

Manual

www.glendapowellguiding.com / +353 (0)87 2351260 / [email protected]

Maintain a Safe Working Procedure within the Team

Social Distancing and Covid 19 Guidelines from the HSE

Risk Assessment document used when delivering the Fun Go Fishing Events

Safety and Clothing while Fishing

Tools and Equipment required for Spinning

Spinning Rod, Reel, and Line Explained

Swivel, Bead, Leader and Spinners Explained

The Clinch/Improved Clinch Knot

Assembly of Spinning Equipment

Casting the Spinning Rod

Speed of Retrieve depending on water flow and height

Getting untangled and free from snags on the bottom of the river, or

overhanging trees

ContentsEducation & Outreach

Page 1

Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

Page 9

Page 10

Page 11

Page 5

Page 7

Page 7

Page 1

Fly Rod, and Reel Explained

Backing, Running Line, Fly Line, Tips, Tapered Leader and Tippet Explained

Three types of Fly Explained

Using the correct Cast for Safety

The Roll Cast, Double Spey Cast and The Snap C Cast

Fishing Etiquette on Rivers

Equipment Care

Perfect Practice makes Perfect

ContentsEducation & Outreach

Page 16

Page 24

Page 24

Page 19

Page 21

Page 23

Page 17

Page 19

Maintaining a Safe Working Procedure within the Team

It is of utmost importance that the Education and Outreach team can maintain a safe

working environment for the health benefit of themselves and the groups they are

organizing to go fishing. To enable this to happen measures have been put in place

following a long discussion on the first day of training. The team will comply to all social

distancing and Covid 19 guidelines from the HSE and have written an extensive

risk assessment document which will be used when delivering the Fun Go Fishing Events.

Education & Outreach 01

Social Distancing and Covid 19 Guidelines from the HSE

Following the guidelines from the HSE the team will ensure that everyone will:

Wash their hands often

with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing their nose, coughing

and sneezing, before eating, and after using the bathroom. The team will wash their hands

after touching someone else’s fishing equipment or belongings. If soap and water is not

available they will use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and will cover all

surfaces of their hands and rub them together until they feel dry. A hand sanitizer will be

carried with each team member at all times when working with each other or groups going

fishing.

Everyone will keep a distance of 2 meters apart and we found the use of the visual aid 2

meter stick to be a useful tool to bring to show groups how far 2 meters is. We discovered

that it is further than we thought throughout our training days on the river, and constant

reminders are important to ensure everyone remains safe and aware.

The team will ensure that surfaces being used will be clean and disinfected before and after

use. They will also ensure that all equipment is disinfected before and after use and each

part of equipment will be marked to avoid cross contamination including; rods, reels, and

landing nets. We found the fastest and most thorough way of doing this was to spray the

equipment with Dettol Disinfectant Spray which kills germs and viruses. By spraying the

handles of the rods you can cover easily all the surfaces which otherwise may be hard to

reach.

The team will monitor their health daily and be alert for symptoms. They will watch for

fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of Covid 19 and will not attend a

fishing programme if they are unwell.

Applies to IFI staff receiving training or present while delivering training courses.

Hazards

Level of Risk

Controls

Specific Procedures

Education & Outreach Activities Updatedfor Covid 19

Low

See details outlined below

Outdoor angling skills/coaching trainingcourse

1) Additional Covid Signage will be displayed at venue if deemed necessary, e.g. one-way

entry and exit.

2) All participants will be advised not to attend if they are feeling unwell or displaying

symptoms of coronavirus.

3) Where possible participants will be advised to travel separately to the venue.

4) If transport is required ensure government guidelines are adhered to in relation the use

of face masks and social distancing.

5) Participants will be encouraged to avoid congregating at beginning/end.

6) Always reverse park where possible, park safely taking account of others.

7) Participants will be asked to wear appropriate clothing and bring waterproof clothing

and extra clothing (all labelled) dependant on weather conditions. Application of suncream

and insect repllent are also advised prior to the outdoor event

Risk Assessment document used when deliveringthe Fun Go Fishing Events

The following Risk Assessment document was compiled by the team and will be used when

delivering the Fun Go Fishing Events.

Education & Outreah 02

8) Bring your own equipment where possible (all labelled) e.g. disgorger/ forceps, nippers,

notebook & pen and umbrella and foldup chair if required.

9) Participant will bring their own refreshments including water, with water bottles

labelled.

10)Hand Sanitising Station will be clearly marked where sanitising wipes or alcohol hand

rub will be available to all. Everyone should be encouraged to carry hand sanitiser at all

times.

11) Trainer/Coach will work with participants to ensure that all COVID19 measures are

strictly adhered to, namely; Hand Hygiene and Cough Etiquette and social distancing and

equipment disinfection.

12) Trainer/Coach will have mobile phone and emergency contact details

13) To facilitate an instance where contract tracing is required a daily log will be

maintained of staff members, participants and coaches involved in the event

14) No sharing of equipment amongst participants. Isolate equipment during breaks and

do not allow it to be mixed with others. Equipment used e.g. fishing rods, buoyancy aids to

be sanitised prior to use and after use and also before storing and labelled if necessary.

15) PPE will be provided to participants including safety hats, protective glasses and

appropriate flotation devices.

16) Group size to be limited to a pre-agreed number of active participants. Groups may be

further divided into pods (smaller

groups) if appropriate to assist in safe delivery of the training course.

17) A safety talk for 10 min at beginning of session will be incorporated into the program to

include a question to all participants to confirm they are free of any symptoms. (e.g. Is

everyone feeling well today?). It will also outline the use of hand sanitiser in the protection

of Weils disease and the need to protect and look for ticks which can cause Lyme disease.


18) Participants are required to observe physical distancing by keeping at least 2 metres

apart from other participants and from trainer/coach. This should be demonstrated and

marked if necessary.

19) If thunder and lightening occurs at the event, we will have an alert practiced to clearly

call all participants to immediately leave rods and equipment upright where they are and

return to a set location.

20) Unsafe venues will be avoided. Where possible areas will be avoided of deep water,

dangerous currents or where there could be falls from heights into water e.g. high walled

piers.

21) Where a coach is required to tie knots a spray bottle of water will be used to moisten

line.

22) All participants will be encouraged to respect the environment and dispose of waste

appropriately and to bring their own waste home. However, waste bag will be available

and disposed of by staff member appropriately. A hazardous waste bag will be available at

the event.

23) Where toilet facilities are present it will be indicated how they are are to be used.

Wipes to be used before and after use on touched surfaces.

24) A biosecurity kit will be available and used to ensure prevention of the spread of

harmful pathogens on equipment/boots prior to and after event.

25) First aid station will be clearly marked, with updated contents. Smaller items

may be separated in small bags to avoid cross contamination e.g. plaster and wipe for

minor cuts.

26) A response plan will be in place, outlining details of how to deal with a suspected

Covid-19 case i.e. isolation and arrangements for transport home.

27) IFI may cancel the event if measures are not being adhered to.


Safety & Clothing while Fishing

1) A Personal Floatation Device must be worn by anyone around or near water. The device

must be suitable to the person’s body weight, must be fitted properly and also have a

crotch strap which should be fastened under the crotch.

2) Eye Protection must be worn by anyone fishing or by people around anglers who are

fishing. Eye protection can be a pair of sunglasses or a pair of protective clear

glasses. This is required to help prevent the hook from getting stuck in the eye and

sunglasses will also filter out bright reflected light from the water, making it easier to spot

hazards and give some protection from wind and hooks.

3) A hat should be worn while fishing to protect the head from hooks. A thermal hat will

help to conserve body heat on cold days and a peaked cap will help to prevent

sunburn/glare on sunny days.

4) Sun screen should be worn on all fishing days as wind will burn as much as sun.

A lip balm is also recommended.


5) Be aware of overhead power lines and thunder and lightning as a lot of rods are made of

carbon fibre and can conduct electricity. If when you are fishing and you hear thunder

please stop, put your rod to one side and find shelter away from the rod.

6) A wading stick is recommended when wading to help the person to keep their balance

and also to check for rocks or holes that they may step into. The wading stick should be

used on the downstream side of the body, should be used as a third point of contact to the

bed of the river/lake and only one point of contact should be moved at a time. Wade

slowly and quietly, lifting the feet a few inches high with each step to avoid kicking rocks

and tripping up. The quieter the better so the angler

does not frighten fish. Avoid wading in soft or boggy rivers or lakes and avoid strong

currents.

7) Clothing should be layered, waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Clothing should

also be comfortable and shouldn’t restrict movement. Wear long sleeve tops to prevent

sunburn and to protect from hooks. It is important to bring extra clothing to change into if

all clothing gets wet by falling into the water. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of

hypothermia.

8) Waders should be loose and not restrict movement. Be careful to protect the neoprene

fabric feet on breathable waders by using a mat to place feet on when putting on and taking

off. The safety belt should be worn around the waist. Wear ankle/long socks and avoid

wearing jeans under waders to prevent the seams of the jeans rubbing against the skin

which could cause sores.

9) Insect repellent can play an important part in the kit bag and be aware of ticks and the

signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.

10) Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.



Tools & Equipment required for Spinning

It is important to be prepared when going fishing. Below is a checklist of the tools and

equipment required to be carried on your person for a successful day when going

spinning.

1) Spinning rod, fixed spool reel filled with line

2) Landing net

3) Clippers, forceps, leader

4) A small plastic tackle box is required to safely carry; beads, swivels and a selection of

spinners

5) The three types of spinners used on this programme; The Flying C, Spoon, Mepps

Spinning Rod, Reel, and Line ExplainedA spinning rod is a long, flexible rod used to catch fish. Various types of fishing rods are

designed for specific types of fishing and on this programme we are going to be using the

spinning rod and the fly rod. Fly rods are used to cast artificial flies and spinning rods are

designed to cast baits or lures/spinners. The length of the rod varies depending on what

type of fish the angler is fishing for. We will be using spinning rods of approximately 10

foot. One of the reasons we use quite long rods is to be able to use the rod as a lever to

avoid the spinner from getting stuck in riverside vegetation when we are retrieving the

spinner.


On the butt section of the spinning rod there is a reel seat to attach the reel, and along therod blank it will give information regarding; the length of the rod, the weight of spinner ingrams that the rod will cast, and the action of the rod. The parts of the rod are called thebutt, middle and tip. Along the rods length are rings which we call eyes or guides that wethread the line through.The spinner rating measurement is meant to describe the idealweight for ‘’loading’’ the rod when it is cast. For example on the rod it may say 10-30gms.If you try to cast a spinner that is too light the rod will not work properly and if the spinneris too heavy for the rod you may be in danger of breaking the rod. The action of the rod isdetermined by where the rod flexes along the blank. Faster action rods flex mostly nearthe tip. Medium action rods flex in the middle and slower action rods flex down into thebutt section. For a beginner/improver it is better to begin with a medium action rod asthey are easier to use. Spinning reels are most widely used because they are effective andeasy to use after a few hours of practice. The type of reel that we are using in thisprogramme is called a fixed spool reel. Fixed spool reels are either front drag or rear drag. The drag system is designed to allow line to pull from the reel when a fish is being played. If the reel drag is set too tight then the fish could break the line. The line capacity iswritten on the reel and the reel varies in size. It is important to understand that the reel androd must feel ‘balanced’ when holding the rod otherwise the angler could get tired quicklywhen casting and retrieving the line. The reel has an anti reverse clip and I suggest that thisis set in the locked position. For the beginner it is important that the reel can only bewound in one direction or they will get confused and wind the wrong way which will makea tangle in the line commonly referred to as a ‘birds nest’. The reel has a spool which canbe taken off easily if the line gets trapped under the spool. For our programme we will beusing 15lb breaking strain monofilament line and a 12lb leader. The reason the leader islighter than the main line on the reel is in the hope that if the spinner gets stuck on thebottom and the angler needs to pull to break the line free then the lighter line should breakfirst leaving the main line still on the reel.


Swivel, Bead, Leader and Spinners Explained

A swivel is one of the smallest parts of the terminal (end) tackle. It is a very useful little

object that prevents the line from undesirable tangling when retrieving especially when

fishing with a spinner where the blade is designed to rotate. The swivel consists of two

rings/eyes connected to a pivoting joint. The swivel is usually made of metal and the

pivoting joint is usually ball or barrel shaped. The line is attached to one end and the

leader is attached to the other and at the end of the leader we will tie on the spinner.

The fishing bead slides onto the line first and then the swivel is tied on. The bead is to

prevent the beginner from reeling in the swivel through the top eye of the rod which could

cause damage to the eye. The bead needs to be big enough not to go through the top eye

of the rod.

The leader is the monofilament line that will be attached from the swivel to the spinner.

This line needs to be less strong than the main line. The reason for this is to prevent the

main line being lost when the spinner gets stuck on the bottom and we need to pull to

break. We hope that the leader is the only part of the line that breaks. In our programme

we will be using three types of lure/spinner. The Flying C is a popular spinner and is used

when fishing for many species of fish. The blade of the spinner spins round and round

and may resemble a small fish swimming. There are many colours of Flying C and

normally we use a brighter colour if the river is coloured during a flood and black would

be a popular colour in clear water.


The Clinch/Improved Clinch Knot

The Spoon moves in a different way than the Flying C as it rotates from side to side and

can fished with a slower retrieve that the Flying C. The Mepps spinner is like the Flying C

and the blade spins around. The Mepps is useful in low water conditions as they come in

many sizes and weights. A small Mepps is a popular lure when trout fishing or for fishing

for Salmon in low water.

Spinners come in various weights which are sometimes written on the blade or along the

body of the spinner/spoon. We use heavier lures when the water is high and lighter ones

when the water is low.

The Clinch/Improved Clinch Knots are the knots that will be used the most during the

fishing programmes. Practice is important to be able to tie these knots securely and at

speed. This knot is also known as the Half Blood/Improved Half Blood Knot.

These knots are normally lubricated with saliva before pulling tight to seat the knot. It is

important to wet the knot before pulling tight as the monofilament will heat up and

weaken the knot. Due to Covid 19 water will be used to moisten the knot and it is

recommended to carry a spray bottle of water as part of the kit.


Assembly of Spinning Equipment1) Take the spinning rod from the protective sleeve and put the pieces of the rod together

by pushing the rod joints together firmly but not too tight. Make sure the eyes of the rod

line up. The rod joints need to be checked on a regular basis when in use, or they may

come loose, which may cause the rod to break, or the top section may be cast out with the

spinner.

2) Attach the reel by placing the reel foot in the reel seat and screw the wing nuts together

firmly. Check this attachment regularly when in use.

3) Place the butt of the rod on the grass. Ensure the line is caught under the bail arm and

then release the bail arm by clipping it to one side so the line may run freely.

4) Thread the line through the eyes making sure not to miss any. If there is a little ring

near the rod handle avoid going through this as this is a hook keeper and not an eye.

5) Pull the line through the top of the rod and give an extra two meters to work with before

clipping back over the bail arm on the reel to trap the line.

6) Slide the bead on first.

7) Attach the swivel using the clinch knot.

8)Attach one meter of leader to the other end of the swivel using another clinch knot.

9) At the end of the leader attach a spinner of your choice suitable for the river height.

10) Hook up the spinner to the bottom eye (the outside leg as to not damage the eye) and

wind up the line until tight.

11) Place the rod in an upright position in a safe place. Do not leave the rod on the ground

or someone may stand on it causing breakage.

12) Carry the rod in a backwards upright position to prevent the tip of the rod causing

damage to someone, or by breaking the tip if it touches the ground in front.


Casting the Spinning Rod To cast the spinning rod;

1) Grip the rod with the dominant hand around the reel foot with the reel foot between the

fourth and little finger. This hand does not move from this position. The other hand does

everything else.

2) Ensure that the drag on the reel is set and the anti reverse clip is locked so that the reel

can only wind one way.

3) Unhook the spinner from the bottom eye of the rod and reel up leaving approximately

30 cms between the top eye and the bead. Look behind to make sure no one is there.

4) Keeping the rod horizontal move the reel around with the other hand to ensure the

smallest distance between the line roller and the index finger on the casting hand.

5) Catch the line with the index finger on the casting hand and trap securely that it doesn’t

slip.

6) Clip the bail arm over ready for casting.

7) Place the other hand on the bottom of the rod ready for casting.

8) Slowly move the rod gently to the side to reach the key casting position.

9) Cast the rod forward (there is no back cast) by pushing the tip of the rod forward with

the top hand and pulling in with the bottom hand. As you cast forward release the grip on

the index finger when your rod is in the forward position. This requires a little practice to

get the timing correct. While casting, the top hand holding the rod around the reel should

not move.


Speed of Retrieve depending on water flow and height

10) When the lure hits the water either reel forward and the bail arm will close

automatically, or if the arm sticks, manually clip it back over using the bottom hand.

11) Start to reel immediately to gather up slack line and to get the spinner working. If the

angler is too slow in starting to reel the spinner may get stuck on the bottom.

After casting and once the lure lands on the water the slack line is quickly wound up to

have tension and full contact with the lure. Having a tight line is important to ensure that

the lure is working effectively and is moving in the way it has been designed to move. If

the river is very high after a flood the angler can wait for a few seconds to let the lure sink a

little to ensure the lure is ‘fishing’ near to the fish. In medium or low water heights it is

important to reel immediately to avoid the lure from getting stuck on the bed of the river

or lake.

Normally the lure is cast across or slightly upstream. It is not normal to cast the lure

downstream and reel back up against the current.

The speed of retrieve depends on how deep and fast the water is flowing. In slow water the

lure can be retrieved a little faster than in fast water when the lure needs to be retrieved

more slowly. If casting slightly upstream the lure needs to be wound quickly first until the

lure comes in line with you and then a slower retrieve is required after that. When reeling

the lure in keep the tip of the rod close to the water and pointing across the river to avoid

snagging the bank side vegetation.


Getting Untangled/ Free from Snags on the Bottom of theRiver/Lake, or Overhanging Trees

There are a few tips and tricks used to get the lure unstuck, and these vary depending on

where the lure is stuck – in the bed of the river or in the surrounding vegetation.

If the lure is struck on the bottom of the river first try lifting the rod to see if it comes free.

If this does not work then do not keep tugging with the rod or the rod could be broken.

Try to work out what direction the lure was moving in when it got snagged and then walk

along the bank and try to pull the lure out from the opposite direction it went in. If these

two suggestions do not work then pull to break is the last resort. Wrap the line near the

reel around the arm (long sleeves required to not injure the arm). Turn away from the lure

and do not look at it. With the rod horizontal pull away and keep walking until either the

lure comes free or the leader breaks.

Once free please check the line by running the fingers along feeling for abrasion. If the

line is damaged then cut off the damaged portion and renew the leader. Please do not

discard any damaged line by the waterside. Also check that the hooks are still in good

condition and have not been bent by pulling free from the snag.


If the lure gets stuck in the vegetation along the bank or an overhanging tree caution is

required when pulling the line. If the lure comes free when it is close to a person it may

spring back at speed and hit them or anyone else around. Avoid forceful tugging with the

rod, try wiggling the line with the tip of the rod to see if this will help it to come free. If

this does not work and the ‘’pull to break method’’ is required please ensure that the person

is not close to the lure when pulling. Use the drag on the reel to walk to a safe distance first

before wrapping the line around the arm and pulling to break. Always turn the face away

from the stuck lure before pulling.


The rod manufacturer has two specific aims when making a fly rod. The first is to produce

the best possible means of casting; the second is to provide a sensitive spring to play the

fish firmly, but be able to respond to its sudden lunges without breaking the fine nylon of

the leader.

The action of the rod can be described as tip action, medium action, or through action. The

tip action rod bends mostly at the tip, the medium action rod from the middle to the tip

and the through action bends all the way to the butt. The medium action rod is best for

beginners.

Rod length is related to its fishing purpose. On this programme the double handed rod is

being used, and these rods are mostly used for salmon fishing. These rods are normally 11-

15 foot long and allow for ease of casting when casting a longer distance while salmon

fishing. The other type of fly rod is the single handed rod, and these rods are normally 7-11

foot long and can be used to fish for a wide variety of fish including; trout, salmon on

smaller rivers, sea trout, pike and bass.

The double handed rod has two handles for using both hands while casting, eyes along the

rod blank to thread the line through, and a reel seat to hold the fly reel.

Fly Rod, and Reel Explained


Backing, Running Line, Fly Line, Tips, Tapered Leader andTippet Explained

Along the butt section of the fly rod there will be written information. This information

will inform the angler; how many sections the rod has, what weight of line is required to

load the rod properly, and the brand of the rod. The weight of line required to load the

rod is the most important information as a line that is too light for the rod will not load the

rod properly and a line that is too heavy will over load the rod and may cause the rod to

break.

The fly reel serves two purposes. The reel should hold 100 yards of backing, the running

line and the head/belly of line. However the reel must not be overfilled so that the line

rubs tight against the case of the reel. The weight of the filled reel should balance the rod.

If the outfit is not balanced, more effort will be required to cast. There are many brands,

prices and styles to choose from, but the beginner should look for one which is simple and

robust with a tightly fitting spool and adjustable drag. The drag should be set to allow line

to be pulled from the reel easily without causing the line to overrun and cause a tangle

inside the reel.

The reel should be filled to capacity as this reduces the number of turns of the spool

needed to wind in the line, which may be important when playing a fish. The backing line

is of course vital if the fish fights hard and swims further away then the length of the fly

line. There are various reel fittings on rods, but all should hold the reel tightly so that it

cannot fall off. Screw reel fittings are more secure.

Before the line is wound onto the reel the beginner should decide which hand he/she feels

more comfortable to use for winding.

The backing is the first line to be wound onto the fly reel and for a double handed reel this

should be approximately 100 yards. This line is used to fill up the spool and also to help

the angler if the fish runs a large distance away from the angler’s position when a fish is

being played. The backing will not be used for casting purposes. The backing is tied on

with an arbor knot and should be wound tightly onto the reel under a little pressure.


The running line is approximately 100 feet and this is attached to the backing with a nail

knot or with a loop to loop connection. The running line is used when shooting line to

gain further distance and can be made from nylon or a coated nylon depending on the

angler’s preference.

The fly line is the main belly or body of the line and this is the line that is used to provide

the weight to load the rod when casting. This line is attached to the running line with a

loop to loop connection and for a beginner the floating version is the best line to purchase.

For the beginner it is recommended not to get a head length over 33 feet long. This line

needs to be the correct weight for the rod that it is being used on to balance the outfit.

At the end of the head there are two choices to make. If the conditions are such that only a

floating line is required, for example when the river is low then a tapered leader will be

added to the end with another loop to loop connection. If the conditions are such that a

sinking tip is required then a sinking tip needs to be added to the floating line by a loop to

loop connection and 6 foot of tippet on the end of this.

The tapered leader is usually made of monofilament and is fatter at the butt section which

attaches to the fly line. The leader tapers along its length, like a rat’s tail, to a fine point at

the end. This helps with fly line and leader turnover when casting.

The tippet which comes in different strengths is used at the end of a tapered leader if a

lighter point is required when using a small fly. The tippet is also used at the end of a

sinking tip.

The tapered leader and the tippet is used as an invisible link between the fly line/sinking

tip to were the fly is tied on so the fish cannot see the leader, and it also helps with

movement of the fly.


There are many types and sizes of flies. On this programme three flies will be used. In the

photo there are three Cascade Flies tied in different ways. The double hook fly, the single

hook fly and the tube fly. The double hook fly gives a good hook up when playing a

salmon. The single hook fly is used mostly on catch and release rivers. The tube fly which

in this case is made from brass is used as added weight to get the fly down in the water if

the river is high after a flood.

Three types of Fly Explained

On this basic double handed casting programme three casts will be learned. The Roll Cast,

Double Spey Cast and Snap C Cast. It is very important that safety always comes first

therefore, it is important that the correct cast is used depending on the direction of the

wind.

The grip on the rod should be light and not too tight with the top hand holding the top

handle and the bottom hand holding the bottom handle. The feet should be slightly apart

and should be facing opposite the target. The line should be held under the index finger of

the top hand while casting.

The Roll Cast is not a fishing cast as it does not change direction well. This cast is used to

get out of trouble, to straighten the line before another cast is used to change direction, and

is used when using a sink tip or a heavy tube fly to get the line to the surface of the water

before the change of direction cast is used.

Using the correct Cast for Safety


When a cast is performed a D Loop is made. It is important for safety thatthe D Loop is always blowing away from the caster.

When the wind is blowing downstream then the Double Spey Cast is used.When the wind is blowing upstream then the Snap C cast is used. There isan easy way to remember this. Downstream wind equals DownstreamArm at the top of the rod, and the name of the cast is Double Spey. Remember 3 D’s. If there is no D in it then it is the Snap C Cast that isrequired as the wind is blowing upstream.

If there is no wind then choose the preferred cast and change to practicethe casts while fishing.


The Roll Cast is used as a safety cast to get the line straight before the change of direction

cast is performed. The Roll Cast is also used to bring a sinking tip or heavy fly back to the

surface before the change of direction cast is performed.

1) The rod tip starts low and the rod is pointing downstream.

2) The rod tip is lifted slightly and then moved to the side ‘cutting the trees with the tip of

the rod’. This movement is quite slow as there is no back cast.

3) The rod is raised slowly to key position where the D Loop is formed, ‘up the banana’.

Make sure at this point that the bottom hand is not too far away from the body.

4) The caster looks for the line lying on the water which is called the ‘railway track’ and the

rod is cast forward aiming close to the track without crossing over the track.

5) The rod is cast forward by ‘flicking the mud off the stick’ and aiming high. The rod

should come to a stop on the forward cast.

6) The line should roll out above the water and not on the water.

The Double Spey Cast is used when the wind is blowing down the river. This cast must not

be used when the wind is blowing up the river as this could be dangerous. This cast is a

change of direction cast and sounds and looks more difficult than it is. The downstream

arm should be holding the top of the rod and the other hand placed on the bottom handle.

1) Start with feet pointing opposite the target and the rod tip pointing downstream and

close to the water (paint brush in paint tin) with the line on the dangle.

2) Lift the rod vertically and complete a ‘big slow rainbow’. Make sure the rainbow is

complete with the rod tip nearly touching the water on the upstream side of the caster and

that the fly is still downstream of the angler.

3) ‘Cut the trees’ horizontally with the rod tip.

4) ‘Climb the banana’ and pause for a very small amount of time to ensure the D Loop has

time to form.

5) Perform the forward cast by ‘flicking the mud off the stick’ with the rod coming to a stop

6) Follow the line back to the water with the tip of the rod for the follow through move

7) To add a little tempo to the cast remember to run the mouse as you are ‘cutting the

trees’. Remember; Rainbow, Trees Banana, Flick.

The Roll Cast, Double Spey Cast and The Snap C Cast


The Snap C Cast is used when the wind is blowing up the river. This cast mustnot be used when the wind is blowing down the river as this could be dangerous. This cast is a change of direction cast. The upstream arm should be placed atthe top of the rod and the other hand on the bottom handle.

1) Start with feet pointing opposite the target and the rod tip pointingdownstream and close to the water (paint brush in paint tin) with the line on thedangle.2) Lift the rod to approximately 11 o’clock.3) Complete a swift large backwards C. Remember C stands for commitment. Ifthis move is too slow it will not work. Finish the C in the same position that therod started the cast.4) Keeping the rod horizontal ‘cut the trees and climb the banana’.5) Pause for a short time to let the D Loop form.6) Perform the forward cast by‘flicking the mud off the stick’ with the rodcoming to a stop.7) Follow the line back to the water to complete the follow through move.


Fishing etiquette is a code of polite behaviour among members of the angling fraternity.

Here are a few important points to consider;

1) Carry your State Licence with you at all times if fishing for salmon or sea trout. If you

kill a fish then it must be tagged immediately and logged into the log card on the licence.

If you release the fish then this must also be logged on your log card before returning to

fishing.

2) Ensure that you are fishing on the correct beat (section of water) and that you know the

upper and lower boundaries. Do not stray onto other beats.

3) Never start fishing in front of any angler who is already on the water – downstream of

them. Always start fishing upstream of them and this applies to anglers on your bank of

the river and also to the other bank.

4) Never wade more than a third of the way across the river. Wade so as to create the

minimum possible disturbance.

5) Never cast back towards your own bank.

6) Never ‘hog’ a lie on the water. Take a cast and then take a step or two downstream

before the next cast is made. By doing this, rods from both banks will be able to fish in

harmony.

7) Do not continue to fish in the proximity of an angler who has hooked and is playing a

fish.

8) Keep well away from the bank of the river when not fishing. In this way, you will not

disturb the fish or any angler already on the river.

9) Return all coloured salmon.

10) Return all kelts.

11) Practice Catch and Release if possible to protect the fish for future generations.

Fishing Etiquette on Rivers


All equipment costs money and should be treated with care and respect. Please ensure to

keep all rods in the bags/tubes that they came in and wipe down with a soft cloth to clean.

Do not store wet rods in the tubes. Reels should be kept clean from grit and dirt when in

use by carefully placing the rod on a grassy area if possible. Fly reels should also be

oiled/greased each year. Fly lines should be cleaned twice a year with a fly line cleaner that

you can purchase from any tackle shop. Lines should never be left in direct sunlight as they

may melt. Never leave waders in the car wet, hang up to dry before storing in the mesh bag

they came in. Also be careful that the small tackle boxes holding flies, spinners etc do not

get stored in a wet condition or they will rust. Take home and air out after use.

Equipment Care

Perfect Practice makes PerfectIt is important to realise that the only way to improve is to practice what has been learned.

Below is a log card for you to fill out as you practice. Aim to practice three times per week

for 30/60 minutes per session. I have left a comment box for you to record your success

and difficulties. Practice with the spinning rod and fly rod. Also practice assembly of all

equipment including know tying. Enjoy your practice time.


Date/time Location Activity Comments

Practice Log

glenda powell

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