Mastering The Double Haul

Mastering The Double Haul

One way to get more distance out of your cast is to use a double haul.

This involves using your “off” hand to hold the fly line and pulling that line, then giving it back, as you make forward casts and backcasts. What this does is increase the resistance and flex in the fly rod, making the line virtually heavier at the critical moment, and ultimately increasing line speed when you shoot the cast.

It is the hardest technique to teach to any fly caster, because no matter how you describe it, the double haul is ultimately a matter of timing and feel.

The most common mistake is that casters know and feel when to pull down on the line, but they don’t give the line back to shoot through the guides. They pull, and then they find themselves with their arms far apart, with slack line that inevitably spoils the cast.

Imagine your hands bungee-corded together. As soon as you make that pull on the backcast, let the imaginary bungee bring your hands closer together, and feel the line slip through your fingers.

The best way to get the feel of the double haul is to start with a mini-haul. Pull just a few inches at a time, with short casting strokes, until you sense the timing.

With practice, you’ll find that hauling becomes ingrained in your timing. You’ll know how to make strong, sharp hauls when you’re booming an 8-weight through the wind on the flats, and you may also catch yourself, perhaps subconsciously, mini-hauling as you cast the 3-weight at brookies in a small stream.

Joan Wulff on the double haul. “Advanced double-hauling techniques for generating added line speed and distance enable you to reach your full potential as an accomplished fly caster.”