The Double Haul Explained: Boost Your Casting Distance

Tools of the Trade

Many anglers reach a point where they feel confident with a basic cast but struggle to send their line further when the situation demands it. A longer cast can help you reach feeding fish on still waters, cut through wind, or cover more water on larger rivers. One of the most effective ways to increase distance and improve line speed is a technique known as the double haul.

The term may sound complicated, but the principle behind it is straightforward. Once you understand what the double haul is designed to do and how it fits into your casting stroke, the technique becomes far more approachable. Even beginners can start to build the foundations with the right guidance, and learning it early prevents bad habits later on.

This article breaks the double haul into simple ideas, explains how it works, and shows why learning it properly can make a real difference to your fishing.

What the Double Haul Actually Does

At its core, the double haul is a way of adding extra speed to your fly line without relying on strength. Many anglers mistakenly try to cast harder when they want more distance, which usually causes the rod to collapse, the loops to fall apart, or the line to crash down in front of them. The double haul avoids this by improving line speed in a smooth, controlled way.

Instead of forcing the rod forward or backward with more power, the angler uses the line hand to pull down on the line during both the back cast and the forward cast. These small, quick pulls called “hauls”increase the speed of the line as the rod bends and unbends. You don't need extra force; it simply responds to the increased tension created by the hauls. The result is a tighter loop, a more efficient cast, and greater distance without getting tired.

Breaking Down the Movement

Many beginners struggle with videos or diagrams because they try to learn the haul as a single, complicated action. It is much easier to understand when you look at the two parts of the cast separately.

On the back cast, the rod hand moves into the back-casting position while the line hand gives a short, sharp pull across the line. As the line straightens behind you, the line hand returns toward the rod to gather the slack created by the haul.

On the forward cast, the angler repeats this movement in the opposite direction: the rod hand drives the cast forward, and the line hand performs another pull. This time downwards towards the ground. This second haul increases the line speed again, helping the line shoot forward with far more energy than a standard cast.

What matters most is timing. The haul should coincide with the acceleration of the rod on both the back and forward phase. It does not need to be faster or more powerful. A smooth, well-timed haul always outperforms a heavy-handed one.

Why Distance Matters

Not every fishing situation requires long casts, but the ability to cast further when necessary gives you more choice and flexibility on the water. I'm a great believer in the old maxim that the longer the fly is in the water the more chance you have of catching fish. On windy days, extra line speed helps you stay in control of the cast. When fish are rising beyond comfortable reach, the double haul can help you present your fly with confidence. Even if you don't need maximum distance, learning the double haul will your everyday casting. The technique encourages better timing, a cleaner stroke, and tighter loops. These positives carry over into shorter, more delicate casts as well.

Common Difficulties for Beginners

Many beginners attempt the double haul too early without first developing a consistent, relaxed casting stroke. If the basic cast is unsteady, adding hauls can make the problem worse. Tangles, tailing loops, and inconsistent line speed are common signs that the basic casting needs improvement.

Another difficulty is learning where to position the line hand. New anglers often hold it too close to the reel or pull too far during the haul. The movement should be compact, controlled, and easy to repeat. Small, accurate pulls are better than large, unsteady ones.

These issues are normal. The double haul is a timing-based skill, and it'll be much clearer when someone experienced demonstrates it in person.

Why Professional Tuition Makes a Difference

Although written explanations can help you understand the concept, learning the double haul is far easier with proper instruction. An experienced casting coach such as The Rodfather can observe your technique, identify the small adjustments you need, and guide you through the movement step by step.

Professional tuition ensures that your basic cast is sound before you add the haul, which prevents the common mistakes that hold many anglers back. With clear demonstrations and simple drills, you learn how to coordinate both hands, time your movements correctly, and keep the process smooth rather than rushed. The result, after some practice of course, is a controlled, efficient cast that you can rely on in real fishing situations.

A session with an instructor also help you avoid developing habits that are difficult to unlearn later. Once the timing becomes natural, you can use the double haul as confidently as any other part of your casting.

Building Confidence on the Water

The double haul is not just a distance technique. It adds accuracy, efficiency, and versatility to your casting. When you know you can reach rising fish or punch a line through the wind, you fish with more confidence and spend less time battling your equipment.

Learning the technique properly opens up new waters, new conditions, and new opportunities. It makes every session feel more controlled and more rewarding.

If you would like to learn the double haul—or simply improve your casting from the ground up—The Rodfather offers clear, practical tuition for all levels. With friendly guidance and hands-on instruction, you can build the skills needed to cast further, fish better, and enjoy every session on the water.

To find out more or book a lesson, visit www.rodfatherfishing.co.uk.