How far for an average cast with a fly rod?
The overall average fly casting distance is from about 30 to 50 feet. Most guys will tell you that's about the range they cast and fish in. In some situations, of course, you find yourself needing to fish at shorter or longer ranges.
We didn't even let anyone cast beyond 60 feet even though some of these rods can easily shoot out to 100 feet when in the hands of a competent caster.
We don't normally ask a 5-weight to cast 70 feet and beyond, but the best Power Rods, with an expert caster at the controls, can easily cast all the line – 90 to one 100 feet. But this also requires an angler to double-haul well and form good, tight back cast loops.
Distance - Longer rods present the ability to cast further. You generally have to slow down your casting stroke, but a longer rod can cary more line, keep it off the water, and help give you that extra distance you want.
25-30 yards is the norm
Most anglers proficient at casting average 25-30 yards, depending on their tackle and wind conditions. When I used to guide, I'd teach people new to fishing to cast this far.
ORVIS - Fly Casting Lessons - Adding Distance To Your Cast - YouTube
Going up a weight in fly line will load the rod more to help you cast further and punch into the wind. Going down a fly line loads fly rods a bit less, giving you less energy to control for accuracy and delicate presentations of your flies.
They are capable of handling larger fish and larger flies without breaking a sweat – the 7wt is the rod of choice for anglers fishing for: Large trout. Steelhead. Largemouth and smallmouth bass.
5) It Can Also Catch a Small-Sized Fish
But it is very possible with a 6 weight to cast a size 4 dry and also cast a size 20 dry fly. Casting that tiny dry fly might not be as delicate of a presentation, but if you've hiked 2 miles and only have one fly rod to carry, the objective is to be versatile.
For those folks fishing big rivers that don't want to step up to a spey or switch rod, a 10-footer makes a wise choice for adding some distance. Long Leaders: The extra foot of length makes it easier to keep the leader outside of the guides more often—especially while landing a fish.
What affects casting distance?
A longer rod will give you a longer cast. It's really that simple. If power and action are the same, generally speaking, a 7-foot rod will cast the same lure farther than a 6-foot rod. Now if the lure is light, like 1/8 ounce, it can be a little more managable on a softer shorter rod than a longer rod.
A 10-foot rod is so much better for this style of fishing than a 9-foot rod. You will lift a much longer line from the water due to the extra length than any 9 foot rod and then you will have added power to allow you to aerialise and re-present your cast at distance much easier.
Small Trout Streamers
For more traditional trout streamers (think woolly buggers) that you may cast on a floating or slow sinking line we would recommend a 9' 5wt or 6wt. The lighter weight will make it easier to fish lighter line on and will present more delicately.
Additionally, if you plan to do any salmon, or saltwater fishing, then a 5-weight is probably way too light of a rod. As a general rule of thumb, a 5-weight is a great rod for fish between 10” and 20” long.
It is important to note that the average casting distance for catching a good-sized bonefish is about 25 – 30 feet, which is close to the average casting distance for nymphs.
ORVIS - Fly Casting Lessons - The Basic Fly Cast - YouTube
How To Double Haul - Fly Casting (feat. Flip Pallot) - YouTube