Snake Roll cast - casting instruction

Fly fishing instructor - Snake Roll casting

Snake Roll (two handed)

Snake Roll Cast

The main use of the Snake Roll cast is as an alternative to the Double Spey when there is a strong downstream wind. Like other casts, can be performed either on the forehand or backhand but as usual the backhand version is awkward.

It is a very difficult cast to describe in words but is simple to perform once it is learnt. During the first part of the movement the line will be brought spiraling from the water in a mid air circle in front of the angler allowing the "D" loop to be formed during the second movement.

Raise the rod slightly from the fished out position and describe a lower case letter "e" movement looking from the direction of the caster towards the line using the right hand or left handed backhand. Of course looking towards the caster a backward 'e' is seen for the right handed version as shown in the drawing, the rod entering from the centre of the letter, around the top and out the bottom and pulling back in the opposite direction to the cast without stopping. Continue the movement, raising the rod into the roll cast position and deliver the cast when the "D" loop is formed and the fly has touched down, like a Single Spey cast but the loop is normally made on the downstream side. Like all "dropped" Roll casts the optimum time to deliver the final forward acceleration is when the fly touches down - "touch down and go".

It is a very impressive cast when done correctly and is quicker than the Double Spey cast. It should only be used in a downstream wind because it is dangerous to make the spiraling movement if there is danger of the line being blown towards you. If you are using a sinking line of a sink tip a Roll cast will have to be made in preparation for the Snake Roll.