I think we can all agree that casting is often the limiting factor for confidence and success while fly fishing. Perhaps more than any other variable, the ability to get the fly to the right spot can make the difference between fish and no fish. More importantly: fun and no fun.

It is a balance, though. You don’t want to establish some hypothetical standard of how someone should be able to cast before you take them out and put them on the water. You also don’t want them to be so frustrated that it is not an enjoyable experience.

I don’t have a perfect solution, but I have an idea. It is one that has worked in a number of settings for a variety of people.

Casting instruction.

Certainly, you can have your friend – the potential angler – sign up for a class through a local fly shop or conservation organization. Or, you can buy them lunch, go to a park, and help them get the fundamentals in view.

But good intentions also require some forethought. Have you ever honestly considered every component part that goes into a fly cast? It isn’t as easy as handing them a rod and telling them to “just cast it.” You being a good caster also doesn’t translate into you being a good teacher. Here are six things to think about before you try to help somebody figure out this vitally important (and fun) part of fly fishing.

Know How to Cast

This is kind of a prerequisite, and unfortunately it needs to be said. A lot of fly fishers can’t cast. As I’ll mention momentarily, casting isn’t as important as fishing. But good casting never hurts your fishing. So maybe the real #1 should be to attend a casting class yourself. Maybe.

Know How to Talk about Casting

Even if you are proficient at casting, attending a class might be worth the time and money simply so you can learn how to talk fly casting. Doing something yourself well doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to teach others. Know how to describe casting mechanics, and be ready with all sorts of relatable analogies.

Be Patient

How did your cast look the first time you picked up a fly rod? Remember: if someone is trying this for the first time, there’s a chance all they know about casting comes from life insurance commercials. Or, Brad Pitt if you’re lucky. Getting them to learn to let the rod do the work, for instance, will take time.

Be Flexible

Years ago, I was part of a national board for putting together fly fishing curriculum. One of the more tiresome meetings I endured was a debate over “fly casting standards.” Seriously. It was like a civil war between the 10-o’clock/2-o’clock and the hammer-the-doorframe factions. Are there universal elements that are necessary for good casting? Yes. But remember…

Remember that Casting isn’t Fishing

Be encouraging. Knots and hapless piles of fly line aren’t good. Thankfully, fish don’t possess genius-level intelligence. Bad casters catch fish all the time. Always try to help someone with their distance and accuracy, but remind them that their performance on grass isn’t indicative of the fun they’ll have on the water.

Remember that Fishing is about Fun

Fly fishing is fun for professionals and for hacks. Since catching fish is only part of the bigger picture, we must be cognizant of the truth that casting is a minute portion of the overall experience. So make casting instruction fun. Get a group together and incorporate challenges and prizes. Have firm plans to go fishing after “just casting.”

Don’t forget to check out the Casting Across Father’s Day Gift Guide!