The roll cast: A basic fly-fishing cast for tight spots
Whether it's the first cast you learn or the second, the roll cast is a hard-working and versatile arrow in your casting quiver.
Inside this lesson
- Why roll cast?
- Waterborne casts and anchors
- Basic roll cast mechanics
- The D-loop
- Variations on roll cast mechanics
- Common roll cast problems and troubleshooting
- Essential equipment to practice your roll casts
- The Belgian cast
- Advanced applications
- Additional resources
If you're an absolute beginning fly caster, the roll cast might be the most valuable cast you can learn to get you out and fly-fishing immediately. It's less complex than an overhead cast, requiring a step or so fewer in the process, but can get you started just fine.
It's a little less versatile, so it won't serve you in every fishing situation, but if you're setting up on the edge of a pond or a river, it works great.
