Before we get into casting, remember that although casting is an important function in fly-fishing, there are a lot of other things that are just as important ifnot more important than making a perfect cast. Reading water, finding fish,knowing the habits of the fish you are after, knowing where to cast, and many other things can be far more important than making a perfect cast. So, don’t be upset if you don’t make every cast to perfection. The number of fish you catch is usually not directly proportional to your casting ability, and as I have said several times, how “far” you can cast.If you are just getting started or if you are having problems with your cast,consider these points.Focus on accuracy, then distance. The father you cast, the more difficult it becomes to be accurate. Most of the time, accuracy is far more important than distance.Keep in mind that if you learn something the wrong way, it may take longer to learn to correct it than if you started from scratch. If you have never cast a fly or any type of fishing rod for that matter, you are in a good position to learn.Practice makes perfect but not if you are using the wrong technique.One thing you don’t need is someone who thinks they know how to cast, and really doesn’t know how, trying to teach you. If you want another person involved, select a person who knows nothing about fly casting. They can tell you if you are stopping the rod in the right position or letting it to back too far just as well as an experienced fly caster, without the added instructions he or she may throw in.If you can practice on a lake or pond, by all means do so. The water helps to load the rod on your back cast. Picking line up off of grass to make your back cast doesn’t load the rod the same way as water. Avoid concrete or asphalt paving as it may damage your fly line.