How to Cast With a Strike Indicator

The strike indicator is a yarn, cork, plastic or foam device anglers use to suspend one or more weighted flies in the water. Strike indicators are popular with lake and river fly anglers because the tool controls the depth and provides a visual for strikes. Casting with a strike indicator is much different than the standard 10 and 2 techniques. The wind resistance of the device requires a major adjustment to your casting style. The result is a less technical cast with increased power and line speed.

Instructions

  1. Overhead Cast

    • 1

      Begin with the rod tip pointing at the water and the line held tightly in your free hand. Lift the rod tip quickly and continue the backcast motion as the rod tip drifts past the three o'clock position.

    • 2

      Pull down on the line as you make the backcast. Pull quickly to increase the line speed and overall power of the backcast.

    • 3

      Pause at the end of the backcast until you feel the weight of the strike indicator pull on the rod. Begin the forward motion with as much rod speed as you can generate. Make a second pull on the line to continue the high-speed motion.

    • 4

      Stop the forward motion when the rod tip is parallel to the water. Slowly drop the tip down to the water as the cast unfolds.

    Water Haul

    • 5

      Pull line off the reel and allow the river current to pull the line downstream. Stop when you reach the desired distance for your cast.

    • 6

      Grip the rod in one hand and the line in the opposite hand. Lift the rod tip slowly to remove the first several feet of line from the surface of the water. Point the rod tip downstream, at a slight angle.

    • 7

      Snap the rod top upstream quickly to cast the line and strike indicator. The resistance from the current acts as a sling shot and adds power to the cast.

    • 8

      Lower the rod tip to the water and point the tip at the indicator. Follow the indicator with the tip as it drifts downstream. Repeat the cast when the indicator is directly downstream with tension on the line.