Fishing from a boat has its challenges. From line tangles to dropping gear overboard, a poorly prepared angler can make boat fishing even more expensive than it already is. Factor in cost, risk and time restrictions, and it’s understandable why every shot matters. There’s nothing quite as stressful as waiting all day to get that opening or drift, only to mess it up out of sheer anxiety.
Justin Duggan is a friend and colleague of mine. He taught our On the Water Casts and Techniques Masterclass over at Anchored Outdoors, where he teaches eighteen chapters of tricks and tips to help increase your chances of catching more fish.
Long before we shot the class, however, we met up for a day to film this short vlog about how to ensure you’re making this most of your time on the water. Enjoy!
Justin and I ended up going down a long trail of tips and techniques. Let’s dive into these valuable insights that can make a world of difference in your fly fishing game.
Preparing Your Fishing Line
One common mistake many anglers make is not properly preparing their fishing line. Justin demonstrates how to ensure your line is ready for action. When you pull your line off the reel and lay it on the ground, it may be twisted and tangled. To fix this, get a comfortable amount of line out onto the boat deck and feed it into the water. This simple step will untangle your line, making it ready for casting.
Stripping Techniques
Instead of simply stripping the fly line straight down on top of your feet, Justin recommends stripping to the side or even forward in certain situations. By doing so, you avoid stepping on your line and can adapt to various casting conditions, like wind or obstacles in your boat. Being able to strip all around the clock face gives you greater control and versatility.
The Roly-Poly Retrieve
Justin introduces the “roly-poly” retrieve. This fast retrieve is excellent for catching high-speed fish like tuna. It’s also handy if you tend to “trout strike.” By using this method, you can maintain control of your line hand, preventing it from wrapping around the reel handle.
Line Control During Casting
Maintaining control of your fly line during casting is crucial for a successful presentation. Justin explains how to avoid common pitfalls, such as letting the line wrap around the reel handle. By stopping the line with your fingers just before the fly hits the water, you achieve a tight presentation. This is especially helpful when targeting specific fish.
Rod Tip Placement
Keeping the rod tip above the water can introduce slack into your line. Justin emphasizes the importance of burying the rod tip in the water when retrieving. This eliminates unnecessary slack and ensures a direct connection with the fly, increasing your chances of hooking a fish.
Stripping Over Your Front Fingers
For certain species, Justin recommends stripping over your front two fingers with your thumb on top of the rod. This technique reduces rod bounce during fast stripping, allowing for a more controlled and efficient retrieve.
Reducing False Casting
Many anglers tend to false cast excessively, wasting precious time and missing opportunities. To minimize false casting, focus on creating line speed. Move your rod hand quickly, and if needed, practice shooting more line on your forward and back casts. Efficiency is key when trying to catch fast-moving fish.
Shaping a Loop
Finally, Justin advises anglers to think of casting as shaping a loop from the tip of the rod. Visualize the path you want the fly to take and release the loop in that direction. This mental image helps ensure accurate and effective casting.
There you have it! These tips and tricks from Justin can significantly improve your fly fishing skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, mastering these techniques can make a world of difference in your success on the water. Happy fishing!
