Fly Fishing Tip: Buck the Wind

Casting directly into a strong wind or with a strong wind coming in on your casting arm can present problems. One way I try to combat a wind blowing straight at me is to cast a tight loop on my forward cast and keep it down close to the water.  Another method is to use a side arm cast to keep the line flowing down close to the stream so the wind does not catch it.  In a severe wind, especially when I am wading at the Outer Banks I turn around and shoot my back cast. You can always switch hands and cast with your other hand if the wind is on your normal casting arm. Since you already know what is needed to cast properly this last ploy is much easier than you might expect.