Unlike the Reach cast, the Reach mend cast is very useful when fishing across sections of rivers which have an uneven flow, or alternatively it can be used for placing a cast around obstacles in the water on both rivers and stillwaters.

In this particular instance, let us concentrate on the uneven flow scenario which is the Reach mends most common use. The only difference between the two casts is the introduction of an extra movement after the stop at the end of the forward cast. Let me explain:

Due to the fact that you are now faced with an uneven current speed (fast and slow flowing sections) you need to ensure that your fly (especially a dry fly) does not get dragged away quickly from the slower section of the current (if that is your target area) when your fly line lands on the faster flowing section. So to prevent this happening you need to throw an upstream mend into your fly line at the exact position on the water where the current is fastest (rather like a "v" on it's side > or this < ) this will hold your fly in the taking zone for much longer inviting a fish to take.

It is here that the extra movement is required which makes this cast different from the Reach cast. So in addition to stretching out your casting arm upstream of your cast, (as described in the Reach cast section) and whilst the fly line is still air bourne, you must then bring your rod tip back to a position in front of you. This must be done after the rod tip has stopped in the forward cast and dependant on how long you wait after the stop before you introduce these movements (Zig Zag) will dictate where your mend will manifest itself along the length of your fly line and therefore where it will land on the water in relation to the flow, allowing you to put it exactly where you want it. Picture 1 shows the mend at the far end. Picture 2 shows the mend midstream and Picture 3 shows the mend nearest to the angler. which one you require depends on where the fastest part of the flow presents itself on the water.

Timing the Ariel Mend Stop (Zig Zag) with no pause will send the mend to the far end. Stop, Pause (Zig Zag) will send the mend mid way across the current. Stop, Pause, Pause (Zig Zag) will bring the mend close to you.

The size of the Zig Zag movement will dictate the size of the mend you put into the fly line, and the amount of fly line you shoot into the cast can be used to do two things, it will allow you to either dictate the distance at which you throw the mend or if necessary you can also use it to assist with the size of mend you require whilst performing the Zig Zag movement.

< Back