Roll Your Way To A Better Cast

As in any sport, practice is an essential part of fly-casting. The way you practice, of course, depends on what you're trying to accomplish. But regardless of your skill level, there is always value in refining the basics. That's why I'm a big fan of the roll cast.

I know, the roll cast is not terribly sexy or exciting. Some casters seem to go out of their way to avoid it. That's a mistake.
 
It's a mistake, because the roll cast will get you out of any number of difficult fishing situations. It's also a mistake because a good roll cast becomes the foundation for most every other cast. Here's why:
 
Though many people think the roll cast and the standard overhead cast are quite different, they are actually very much the same. The only difference is in how you set up the forward stroke. 

Specifically, you set up the overhead cast by making a back cast, while the roll cast has no back cast.
 
Why is that important?
 
For the purpose of practice, eliminating the back cast simplifies everything. There's no need to worry what the line is doing behind you, because there is no back cast. This frees you to focus on the forward stroke. And a good forward stroke is essential not only to your roll cast, but to your overhead cast.
 
One limitation with the roll cast is that it requires water: a lake, a pond, a river, a small creek. I've even used puddles after it has rained. You need a bit of water tension gripping the line to make this cast work correctly. Yes, there are techniques for simulating a roll cast without water, but I don't recommend them for serious practice. I find they all fall short in one way or another.
 
So when you plan your next practice session, set aside at least a few minutes for this important cast. And let the good times roll.