Hopefully you have an understanding of single hauling and now you can add to it with the double haul cast. This is when you haul on both the back and forward casts. In theory, it is a simple addition but in practice, it adds a level of complexity that will take slow repetition to master.
Benefits of Double Hauling vs Single Hauling
The point of hauling is to add energy to the rod so if you double haul you will be adding energy not only on the backcast but the forward cast. The double haul cast is the secret to being able to shoot a lot of fly line out. This can be important when fly fishing saltwater, trying to get out further from the shore on lakes and ponds, or if you are using big flies in windy conditions. Plus once you begin to master the technique it is almost like a form of moving meditation, which clears your mind and focusses you on the present moment.
The single haul is often enough on smaller streams or for shorter casts.
Developing the coordination to do both types and learning the conditions when to use them will greatly enhance your casting and fly fishing success.
How To Double Haul Fly Cast
With about 20 feet of line out hold the line in your free hand and the rod in your dominant hand. When you bring the rod back, accelerate and bring the rod to a dead stop at about 1 o’clock.
Now here is where it can get tricky. As you move the rod back and bring it to a stop, you will move your free hand holding the line down towards your hip pulling some line through the guides. A good cue for this is “brush off your pant pocket”. Then as the line straightens out behind you, bring your hand with the line back up near the reel feeding out some line.
Think of it as going down and up with your free hand to add tension and control to your line.
With the backcast of the rod, you will pull and then ease your hand back. So for one movement of the rod hand, there will be two with the freehand. It may sound complicated and can be tricky to coordinate initially but with practice, it will come with little thought.
Then as you forward cast, you will then move the free hand and as you bring the rod to a stop you will haul the line down and then bring your hand back up near the reel.
You will feel when you are doing it right because you will feel the tension in the line increase due to the flex of the rod. Visibly you will see you rod tip bend more as well.
If you get the timing wrong you can see slack in the line near the reel or the line will drop in a jumble beyond your rod.
Tips To Improve Your Hauling
Never let the line go slack. Always keep the tension between your free hand the line running through the guides.
Let the line tell you when to move your hand back up after the pull. You can feel the line tension as it unfurls behind you. Let this naturally guide your hand back to the rod.
Don’t begin your haul until your rod is near-vertical. Avoid hauling too soon as you will tend to get loops and potential knots.
Practice on the grass. The tension of the line on grass is a good mimic of the water.
Conclusion
Adding the double haul cast to your fly fishing skills will help you control your line better and let you make those long casts that will impress your friends.