You are now familiar with casting basics. You've probably even caught a few fish. It is time to take the final step in becoming a really good caster, learning loop control. Sure, you already know how to cast well enough to catch fish, but don't limit yourself in your fishing success and enjoyment by stopping your learning now.

Loop Control is simply the ability to adjust the width of your casting loop to fit a specific fishing situation.

You may want to place your fly underneath an overhanging bush; a tight loop will get you there with minimum risk of hanging up the fly. Conversely, if conditions demand a delicate presentation with lots of slack line for a long drift, a deep loop will be necessary.

The size of the loop is controlled by your movement of the rod and the length of the power stroke. The loop will be deep if the rod moves in a wide arc with a long power stroke, while moving the rod in a narrow arc and with a short power stroke forms a tight loop. A tight loop gives you better control over accuracy and distance. A tight loop encounters less resistance and attains higher line speed in the air, providing maximum distance. The first time you fish in a strong wind you will appreciate the advantages of knowing how to throw a tight loop.

Once you gained the necessary timing and control over the length of your power stroke, casting both tight and deep loops from all angles from sidearm to vertical. By mastering this technique, you will be able to fish spots that may casters cannot reach.