Go to Puget Sound Fly (Lakewood) and talk to Anil about it. If you are a Seattle guy, to to Patrick's and talk with Jimmy. Basically, go to a fly shop. It is what they do.
Every spring I do a tune up with a certified casting instructor for about an hour. It helps me every time. I wish I had done it 13 years ago when I started fishing saltwater. Some guys have too much pride to go to a casting specialist, but it is their loss.
I strongly suggest buying a Lefty Kreh video for casting instruction first. I watch mine several times per year, especially before a big tarpon trip.
I hear that John Wulff's newer book is very good. Her earlier casting workbook is substantial. I always recommend her DVD:
"The Dynamics of Fly Casting." www.royalwulff.com
Lessons in any technique driven sport, and coaching in others, will go a long way towards mastery.
While I am not in love with FFF's curriculum I do think that searching out an FFF certified instructor insures that you are securing someone who has taken their skills and instructional journey seriously. The shops mentioned above will be a good start.
In the two sports that I focus on I devote several to dozens of hours in instructional situations every year, and these are activities where I have been active and an instructor for 40 - 50 years. I find that after 10 years you think that you are dialed. After 20 years you think that you have mastered it. After 30 years you are discovering that you have huge gaps in your quiver of skills. And after 40 years you realize that it is all a journey, never a destination.
True that. Much more productive fine tuning good skills than struggling with bad habits. Worth while even if you are decent if you have a good teacher.
Interview them for "fit" or compatibility with a person's personality....
I interviewed 4 FFF THCI over the phone and found one that fit my personality.
Not all instructors of the same certification level are the same in teaching styles.
First one on the phone wanted to dictate where and when a lesson will be booked on his timeline.
Second one had no time for newbies - too busy with existing students training for certifications.
Third one said his style or no other way - and only certain equipment.
Fourth one was flexible on where, when, any style, any gear, any waters, and was personable.
Interview them for "fit" or compatibility with a person's personality....
I interviewed 4 FFF THCI over the phone and found one that fit my personality.
Not all instructors of the same certification level are the same in teaching styles.
First one on the phone wanted to dictate where and when a lesson will be booked on his timeline.
Second one had no time for newbies - too busy with existing students training for certifications.
Third one said his style or no other way - and only certain equipment.
Fourth one was flexible on where, when, any style, any gear, any waters, and was personable.
Learning on water is best bet, but there some good books as well. Mel Kreiger's classic comes to mind
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