FFI's Fly Casting Skills Development

[linwood]

Keystone Fly Fishers will be holding the Foundation, Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels Fly Casting Skills Development casting instruction from 9 a.m. till noon on Saturday, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, and September 19, 2026. Location is Cranberry High School, 1 Education Drive, Seneca, PA 16346 - Venango County.

All are welcome! Attend as many times as you wish. Fee of $20 cash for ages 18 + older, and $10 cash for ages 12 - 17 will be collected each Saturday. Ages 12 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

It starts at the Foundation Level, for true beginners who might be picking up a fly rod for the first time, or a beginner with some fishing experience. Fly rod outfits will be available for Foundation Level participants. The program progresses through Bronze, Silver, and Gold Level fishing casts.

Preregistration prior to each start date would be greatly appreciated. Contact us at keystoneflyfishers1@gmail.com, or call 814 673-5478, or private message me here. Complete program information is a flyfishersinternational.org. Select: Fly Casting Education > Casting Skills Program > Fly Casting Skills Development > Anglers Guide.

 

[linwood]

The first event of 2026 is just two weeks from today. Come out, and enjoy the fun!

 

[GANGGREEN]

I'm not sure that I understand. Assuming that you were a reasonably good caster, but someone who had received little or no actual instruction, although having fly-fished for years. Which do you attend? Any? All? Only the later ones? I feel as if I'm a better than average caster, but I've always wanted to get some constructive criticism and instruction from someone with real experience and ability. I still don't wish to take the time to attend only to find out that it was clearly geared towards beginners and that I got little out of it.

 

[linwood]

Complete program information is a flyfishersinternational.org. Select: Fly Casting Education > Casting Skills Program > Fly Casting Skills Development > Anglers Guide.

Only the Foundation Level is instruction for true beginners. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Levels progress thru more advanced casts and instruction with Gold Level casts being very challenging. Instruction at all four levels is given at each event. A participant at any level that is not able to complete all the tasks of that level may wish to return on a future date to continue and complete that level. Or a participant that completes a certain level may return on a future date and work on the tasks of the next level. The five events over five months is simply our attempt to offer flexibility of dates giving participants more ability to work FCSD into their busy personal schedule. Come to as many events as you want.

I know one gentleman that preregistered for May 16th that has fly fished all over the Western Hemisphere, and is currently working at fulfilling his goal of catching a permit. Also, I know we have true beginners to fly casting who have never held a fly rod.

Follow the links highlighted above at flyfishersinternational.org and read all of the Anglers Guide for extensive details of Fly Casting Skills Development.

 

[GANGGREEN]

Only the Foundation Level is instruction for true beginners. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Levels progress thru more advanced casts and instruction with Gold Level casts being very challenging. Instruction at all four levels is given at each event. A participant at any level that is not able to complete all the tasks of that level may wish to return on a future date to continue and complete that level. Or a participant that completes a certain level may return on a future date and work on the tasks of the next level. The five events over five months is simply our attempt to offer flexibility of dates giving participants more ability to work FCSD into their busy personal schedule. Come to as many events as you want.

I know one gentleman that preregistered for May 16th that has fly fished all over the Western Hemisphere, and is currently working at fulfilling his goal of catching a permit. Also, I know we have true beginners to fly casting who have never held a fly rod.

Follow the links highlighted above at flyfishersinternational.org and read all of the Anglers Guide for extensive details of Fly Casting Skills Development.

Thank you, I fully understand now. Might have to try to get to one or more of these if I'm able. Thanks for posting the dates and descriptions.

 

[ledhead1944]

Only the Foundation Level is instruction for true beginners. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Levels progress thru more advanced casts and instruction with Gold Level casts being very challenging. Instruction at all four levels is given at each event. A participant at any level that is not able to complete all the tasks of that level may wish to return on a future date to continue and complete that level. Or a participant that completes a certain level may return on a future date and work on the tasks of the next level. The five events over five months is simply our attempt to offer flexibility of dates giving participants more ability to work FCSD into their busy personal schedule. Come to as many events as you want.

I know one gentleman that preregistered for May 16th that has fly fished all over the Western Hemisphere, and is currently working at fulfilling his goal of catching a permit. Also, I know we have true beginners to fly casting who have never held a fly rod

Follow the links highlighted above at flyfishersinternational.org and read all of the Anglers Guide for extensive details of Fly Casting Skills Development.

This explanation is very helpful. I missed the first one. Ironically that day, I picked up some used fly rods and matching reels from someone that day. When I casted those rods with the matching reels in my yard, my casting was WAY better. A lightbulb went off. The other rod and reel that I had were not balanced properly. How do I know, I put the new/old reels on that rod and my casting was just as good with the new/old ones I bought. I'm casting around 7-10 feet longer depending on fly that's tied.

Those classes are almost a 2 hour drive for me. Gary and Bob were recommended to me from Ari Hart. I have no problem driving that far to better my skills since I'm new to flyfishing. You can always use tips for improvement right?

My question is would I be evaluated and then the instructor would progress me from there? Should I bring the three rods and reels that I have for tips on when to use each one?

For information on the new/old rod and reels that I picked up recently:
Orvis Clearwater 7'9" 3 oz 5wt/Orvis Clearwater reel
Orvis Silver Label PM10 8'6" 2/18 oz. 5 wt/Orvis Battenkill 5/6 made in England

The other rod I have is a 5wt custom rod blank from Midwest Custom Fly Rods. IM6 blank 9' 5 wt, action moderate to moderate fast action. I have a TFO NXT LA1 reel with Orvis Hydrostatic Trout Wf5F line on it. That reel seems heavy to me and I can't cast as far as the other ones. I'd like to get schooled on the hows and whys of matching rod to reel combinations and how to make a rod cast better with said reels.

 

[linwood]

ledhead. Sent a direct message.

 

[Tull66]

So how was the class? I’m thinking about attending this weekend.

 

[linwood]

If attending this weekend, please call 814 673-5478 and preregister.

 

[linwood]

Due to Saturday morning's forecast, the July 18th Fly Casting Skills Development event is cancelled. There are two more opportunities to participate in 2026. August 15th and September 19th.