Tip of the Week: When to Cast off of your off-shoulder.

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The Off-Shoulder Cast

When to Use Your Off-Shoulder Cast in Fly Fishing: Because Sometimes Life (and Wind) Doesn’t Cooperate

I remember stalking some beautiful brown trout down in Patagonia.  We were walking down the bank of one of the spring creeks and the wind was blowing like it does in Patagonia.  We spotted a gold monster and I set up for the cast.  After failing with a couple different tries, my brain yells at me... "Ever thrown an off-shoulder double-haul?!  Now's the time!" 

Fly fishing is a blend of grace, patience, and occasionally some good ol’ fashioned improvisation. Just when you think you’ve mastered that beautiful overhead cast, nature—or that overhanging tree branch—reminds you who's boss. Enter the off-shoulder cast, fly fishing’s version of a secret weapon. It’s the move you pull out when life says, "Nice try, but not today." Here’s when and why you’ll want to add this clever cast to your repertoire.

What’s an Off-Shoulder Cast Anyway?

Think of it as the fishing equivalent of trying to drive while sticking your head out the window to avoid the sun glare. Instead of casting directly over your head like a normal person, you swing the rod off to the side like a fishing ninja, avoiding obstacles, wind, and awkward tangles. It’s not just flashy—it’s functional.

When to Use the Off-Shoulder Cast

1. Confined Spaces: If you’re fishing in areas with dense vegetation or low-hanging branches on your strong-shoulder side, the off-shoulder cast can be invaluable. By angling the rod to the river-side, you can avoid obstacles that would otherwise obstruct a standard overhead cast.

2. Windy Conditions: When faced with strong winds coming down river, the off-shoulder cast can help minimize the impact of the wind on your fly line AND your flies out of your head ;-)

3. Casting Around Obstacles: If you need to place your fly precisely in a small window or around an obstacle like a large rock or downed tree, the off-shoulder cast can provide greater control in tricky positions.

Summary

The off-shoulder cast is your go-to move when fly fishing gets tricky—whether it’s battling wind, dodging obstacles, or just needing to sneak up on those ultra-finicky fish. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of casting techniques: handy, versatile, and a little bit cool. Now go out there, dodge some branches, outsmart the wind, and get after those fish!

We teach these techniques and more through our casting courses in our University of Fly Fishing.

UPCOMING COURSES TO HIGHLIGHT 

With temps on the Yakima remaining warm after noon, we are concentrating much of our work on our Tributaries!  These are the greens and the blues of the fishing slopes.  Check available dates out HERE. 

ENTIRE COURSE CALENDAR HERE 

Our University of Fly Fishing is the most unique, comprehensive fly fishing education available.    

We are experiencing the Flip-Flop and the water is dropping rapidly.  We have every class in the. catalog available currently!  Let's go fishing!

• September 5      Drift Boat Rowing
• September 7      Personal Water Craft Fishalong
• September 9      Driftboat Rowing
• /Casting Class
• September 10    Euro Nymphing Fishalong
• September 11    Trout Spey Fishalong  
• September 12    Driftboat Rowing/Casting