What is the Correct Stance in Fly Casting?

The stance in fly-fishing is a bit like steps in a dance. Imagine the fishing situation you have encountered - the dance you chose should match the music of the river. Whether you are fishing for accuracy; you need a little more distance; or conditions call for that perfect presentation cast, the position of your feet - the stance - can greatly help or hinder your "dance" experience on the water.

Stance is another one of those elements of personal choice in fly-fishing. Foot position has been described as having characteristics of a western trout stream style, an eastern closed style or a salt-water flats style.

The beauty of the human body is its ability, and need really, to achieve equilibrium - a natural state of balance. It is important to understand that the natural state of balance will shift throughout our lives and, without us realizing it; we will adjust our posture to our limitations and circumstances.

I would suggest that the variety of stance styles all have a place in our fly fishing experience and it is to our benefit to understand the advantages of variability in the placement of our feet for the variety of circumstances we will encounter on the water.

In most fly casting situations, the most appropriate stance would have the casting foot, that is the foot on the side we are holding the rod, placed slightly behind the opposite or off-hand foot. In other words if you hold the rod with the right hand, your right foot would be placed behind the position of the left foot.

The typical distance between the feet in this stance would be at a "comfortable" shoulder width - not too wide - and not too close together. The object here is to discover the most comfortable position for you. Since we are all different physiologically, we will all naturally find the foot position that is most comfortable.

The reason this stance is most appropriate is because it gives the fly caster a comfortable range of motion appropriate for most fishing situations. This is a comfortable position for shorter casts that require some accuracy and is great for longer casts up to 60 or 70 feet.

Let's say you need to make a reach cast to either the left or right. Don't allow yourself to lock-in to the same stance for these casts! Move your feet! Let the stance match the dance!

If you hold the rod in the right hand and need to make a reach cast to the left, I find the best foot position is exactly opposite the comfortable position I describe above. My normal stance limits the range of motion I have for an effective reach cast left. By placing my off-side foot, in my case the left foot, slightly behind my right foot, I open up my range of motion to the left and can execute a much more effective reach cast to the left.

Similarly, if I wish to execute a reach cast to the right, opening my normal stance by moving my right foot back, just a bit, greatly enhances my range of motion to the right. This repositioning facilitates a more effective presentation for the reach cast to the right.

For short, accuracy casts, I recommend my students stand square to the target, much like the position one would take to throw darts. Again, for really short casts placing the casting foot slightly ahead of the off hand foot can be very effective. I like to use a tip cast with the rod right in front of my face, not unlike looking down the barrel of a rifle. A stance square to the target can really enhance the accuracy of your casts.

For distance casting the stance is critical to achieving the most efficient and longest casts. Certainly there are remarkable casters, Steve Rajef and Joan Wulff most notably; who can accomplish very long casts with relatively closed stances.

For the average caster who is looking for just a little more distance, the open, salt-water style offers the greatest range of motion and most comfort.

This stance calls for the caster to significantly alter the position of the feet. I like to place my casting foot well behind the off hand foot. I also consciously bend at the knees more, almost to the point where it is a bit uncomfortable - but not too uncomfortable.

This stance allows the greatest range of motion for the distance cast. Remember, for great distances, we need to move the rod through a much wider casting arc. Also, to be most effective with the wider casting arc, the path of the rod must flow as straight a path as possible. The open stance helps facilitate the range of motion required to execute a straight-line rod path through a wide casting arc, and thus be most efficient for longer distances.

Remember, allow the stance to match the dance - and enjoy the music of fly-casting!