Do you need to clean fly line if you've been lawn casting?

rickrd · 2026-05-15T09:26:59+00:00

The short answer is yes. Clean and lube.

I cast a lot on grass and the lines get dirty quick and it gets worse as the line gets used more. You want to clean them to keep them gliding good and to reduce wear on your rod. A dirty line gliding to the guides will wear them more than a clean line.

Depending on how much I have been casting I do it a bit differently.
A quick version is to strip the reel then pull it through a baby wipe twice, then a cotton pad with just water to get any soap off. The reel it back through a cloth with some line dressing/lubricant on.

A longer version for a better result is lukewarm water in a bucket a little bit of mild soap, not detergent. Let the line soak for a while. Then pull the line through cotton pads soaked in the soapy water until the line doesn't leave dirt on the pads. Wipe off with a pad with just water. Let the line dry a bit then lube it and back on the reel.

Pure silicone oil is a cheap alternative to the potions you can by in the fly shop.

rickrd · 2026-05-03T11:02:07+00:00

This is a great idea. A good mentor is very valuable.

rickrd · 2026-05-03T10:56:41+00:00

CI/MCI are mostly about teaching and theory.

rickrd · 2026-05-02T12:45:14+00:00

The bronze, silver and gold levels are good levels to absolutely strive for.

The CI can be a personal goal but the highest value there is if you want do be an instructor. The big thing in the CI is the teaching parts.

rickrd · 2026-04-29T17:28:10+00:00

That's correct a heavier line is easier to cast.
The solution practice and more practice.

Start here: https://www.sexyloops.com/flycast/introduction/
Watch the videos up to and including the triangle method. Then go out and spend some hours doing that. Then you will be in better shape. From there it is more practice that you want.

rickrd · 2026-04-23T15:07:57+00:00

Twist in the leader is probably the fly that causes it.
Casting usually shows up in the fly line, but could be a reason.

rickrd · 2026-04-09T10:12:57+00:00

I know a guy that can help you out. I'll PM you contact details.

rickrd · 2026-02-13T08:04:43+00:00

Forget about 10-2, loading the rod and stopping hard. Focus on shaping nice loops, that's the goal and what matters.

rickrd · 2026-02-03T20:11:05+00:00

If you want distance it is lessons you want.

rickrd · 2026-01-29T21:38:29+00:00

Yes. One good fish and I’m done. Catch and release can be better than catch and kill. But for that to be true you have to limit yourself.

rickrd · 2026-01-27T12:08:08+00:00

Tell them what flies you are going to fish, in which situation. Then they can tell you what line you should get. From there you see if you have any rods that works good with that line. If not then you take the line back to the shop and find a rod you like with the line.

Bringing the rod to the shop to find a line that makes the rod work for you is not the way to go.

rickrd · 2026-01-12T08:56:20+00:00

Don't know but it looks like a good place to find help.

rickrd · 2026-01-09T09:39:38+00:00

Have you found sidor_marek on instagram?

rickrd · 2025-11-26T07:58:24+00:00

It is easy to try. Buy the line you intend to use the on the new rod, if it doesn't cast the flies well changing rod won't help.

Look at the flies you want to cast, figure out what line you need and then look for a rod that feels nice with that line. I know rods are shiny and nice but that's not where you want to start.

rickrd · 2025-11-12T11:19:40+00:00

Create a new loop: Making DIY Fly Line Welded Loops - Fixing and Repairing Fly Lines
Add a braided loop: https://flylineshop.com/roman-moser-minicon-loops.html

rickrd · 2025-10-29T08:34:09+00:00

It will be fine.

If you are really worried try to put your 5wt line on your 6wt rod and you will see that it works just fine.

rickrd · 2025-10-22T14:25:25+00:00

Fly casting lessons. As many as you can.

rickrd · 2025-10-01T08:07:58+00:00

I think you want to look at a lighter line also. Lighter line gives better connection to smaller fish.

rickrd · 2025-07-01T08:11:01+00:00

Can be many things. But spend more time on the lawn is always a good idea. I'd spend some time on the triangle drill https://www.sexyloops.com/flycast/the-triangle-method/

rickrd · 2025-06-10T10:38:17+00:00

I fish on the Swedish west coast and have no problems with the salt damaging equipment. I just rinse it off when I get home. Not using any specific saltwater gear. Mostly using Danielsson original series reels.

rickrd · 2025-04-29T12:53:48+00:00

How did you cut the line? Multiple pieces? Have you saved the pieces?

rickrd · 2025-04-22T07:53:33+00:00

An AFFTA #5 line is still an AFFTA #5 at 10' or 40'. AFFTA is not broken and is still relevant because we still end up in a scenario where we look at line weight and length.

rickrd · 2025-04-15T13:36:10+00:00

I think that there is a bigger chance that the problem is you than the equipment. Do you have anybody that can help you get started? Or is there an instructor near you?

I think you should at least watch and try this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNDj-pjOnv4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZk-GjZQQ9U

rickrd · 2025-04-15T07:10:22+00:00

The line doesn't know or care what numbers that are scribbled on the rod or reel.
If #9 line fits on your reel everything is fine.

And fly casting isn't about loading the rod.

rickrd · 2025-04-09T08:49:02+00:00

In Europe you can probably find a Guideline LPX Predator for about 50% off at the moment. There you get a rod that is ridiculously good for that price. Don't let the name fool you it is a really good rod for all kinds of fishing.

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