Five Feet Short on Purpose

Five Feet Short on Purpose

We’ve all been told not to false cast directly over a fish we’re targeting (that’s upstream and facing away) because that could spook them.

Makes perfect sense, right? I’ve always thought it best to false cast off to the side a bit, and then drop the fly on the fish when ready.

But I’ve soured on that technique a bit and here’s why: Most fish have eyes on the sides of their heads, so they can see to either side. But they can’t see through their tails. Their true blind spot is directly behind them. So it makes sense to false cast right behind the fish, just about five feet short.

Err on the side of caution, starting about ten feet short, then gradually let out line with the line-managing finger on your rod grip, or your hauling hand, if you manage line distance that way. All you really need to do is shoot about five feet of line on the final cast–that's just over half a rod length. Anyone can do that, especially with a little practice.

I’ve learned that rather than trying to measure out the perfect distance off to the side, I’m better off false casting an imperfect, intentionally short distance right behind the fish, getting the angle right, staying in the blind spot and then shooting out a few feet of fly line at the end.

I spook far fewer rising fish that way.