SKILLS COACHING (maximum of 3 per course)

Expand your fishing opportunities by improving your casting and fishing techniques. These coaching courses are designed for those who have mastered basic casting and wish to improve their technique when using different types of lines in varying situations. They have been carefully sequenced to enable you to progressively improve your skills.

CASTING SKILLS (2 hours duration - $60 AUD for each course)

Course 1 - Basic troubleshooting - The content is designed with the beginner in mind. We will assess your casting and to correct such common problems as a large loops on forward and backcast, lack of power in a headwind, line lands in a heap or won't lay out to list a few.
Course 2 - Increasing distance by hauling - A correctly executed haul will add distance with less effort. It will also allow you to cast in winds that will chase others off the water.
Course 3 - Roll casting, Change of Direction Casts, Making a One Cast Presentation - These are considered essential skills for all fly fishers to take maximum advantage of opportunities. Roll casting not only allows effective use of sinking lines but also allows you to fish in locations that prevent normal casting techniques. Change of direction casts and making presentations with minimum false casting are a must for the saltwater environment where the quarry is often moving quickly.
Course 4 - Advanced troubleshooting - Designed for the intermediate to advanced level casters to correct most common faults such as tailing loops, poor loop construction, varying rod planes and incorrect haul technique to name a few.

FISHING SKILLS (3 hours duration - $90 AUD for each course)

Course 5 - Flats & Estuary. You’ll have tuition on casting using sink tip lines, casting heavy flies, increasing distance and improving accuracy. The merits and selection of the different fly patterns for the species you are targeting will be discussed. You'll be taught how to overcome the problems caused by wind and current and effective techniques for polaroiding and sight casting. You’ll learn the various retrieve methods, using a stripping basket to handle loose line, setting the hook and playing the fish. A comprehensive manual that includes all aspects covered is included.

Course 6 - Stream & Impoundment. Particular attention will be given to the use of sinking lines and casting techniques used to overcome the problems caused by current and to present the fly in specific situations (for example - curve casts to get behind obstacles, reach casts for fishing across current, pile casts for fishing down current). You'll be shown the tactics/techniques employed to successfully catch many species, both fresh and salt water, including the various retrieve methods, handling loose line, setting the hook, playing the fish and how to release your catch.

Course 7 - Offshore. Topics covered include the ways used overcome the problems caused by wind (including off shoulder and backhand casts), making quicker presentations and coaching to improve your casting technique to gain more distance. Also addressed will be the use of shooting heads and sinking lines and techniques used in casting from a boat. You'll be shown the tactics employed to successfully catch tuna and other pelagic species including the various retrieve methods, handling loose line, setting the hook and playing the fish.

Course 8 - Beach. Aspects covered include brushing up on your casting techniques using specialist fly lines, increasing distance and the merits and selection of the different fly patterns for the species you are targeting. You'll be shown how to effectively "read the water" to fish the surf and learn techniques to overcome the problems caused by wind, current and wave break. You'll learn the various retrieve methods, using a stripping basket to handle loose line, setting the hook, playing the fish and releasing your catch.

The length of the skills courses allows them to be run in conjunction by utilizing a morning and afternoon session. If desired, this allows you to participate in a full day and concentrate on the specific skills.

We Supply
A comprehensive manual that includes all aspects covered. Equipment by arrangement.

What You Need to Bring Along
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and protective clothing as required.
Casting Skills Courses - Rod, reel and floating fly line.
Fishing Skills Courses - an intermediate sinking line and a shooting head if you have them.