"I have been fly fishing for many years now, but have always struggled when leaving the relative ease of fishing to stationary trout on a small mountain stream and heading out on a saltwater trip for bigger fish that are always on the move in consistently challenging conditions (namely dealing with wind while trying not to wrap the line around my feet while perched on a bobbing skiff). So I signed up for Bill Stewart's three-lesson Saltwater course package. Having completed that course and recently returned to the salt in search of juvenile tarpon, I am very pleased with the improvement these lessons yielded in my ability to deliver the fly accurately and at the necessary distances in these conditions while managing line. Bill's method of beginning with basic cast mechanic improvements to build a solid foundation, then layering on saltwater specifics and building in application-specific muscle memory will make you a better caster in general, and get you tuned up and ready for your next saltwater trip as well. I highly recommend Bill and this course."
Clay S.
June, 2024
Instructor's Note... Clay and his son had a successful tarpon fishing trip to the Yucatan and wrote:
"Thanks again for your instruction and advice. I felt a lot more comfortable delivering the fly this trip than on prior ones in the salt."
Awesome Clay!
"As a relative newcomer to saltwater fly fishing, the best thing I did to prepare for an upcoming trip to Mexico was taking a saltwater specific casting lesson from Bill. Bill covers all the essentials like loop control, accuracy, the double haul, speedy presentations, etc. Unlike other casting instructors, Bill sets himself apart by providing a simulation that is about as close as you can get to being on the bow of a flats boat. He replicates the excitement and pressure of making quick shots at targets amazingly well. Spending some time with Bill before you get on the plane will hugely benefit you and your guide."
Robert Blank
May, 2024
Instructor's Note... Rob returned from a successful roosterfish excursion to Mexico and wrote:
"Baja was a success! Super quick and accurate shots lead to numerous roosters being landed. Thanks again for your help and advice."
Way to go Rob!
"I started fly fishing three years ago for the first time. I spent a lot of time reading books, online articles and watched YouTube videos on casting techniques. I then practiced what I learned while on the river several times a month. Over the three years I’ve done a really good job building up muscle memory on the WRONG way to cast. Bill (Rockin-the-Hatch) patiently worked with me to break down that poor muscle memory and replace it with training that is creating a new muscle memory for proper casting. I have already seen drastic improvements on the river. I went from catching no fish and spending much of my time dealing with tangles to catching fish on every outing and rarely dealing with tangles. Bill’s coaching technique is very effective. He has tools such as videos with comments that provide very helpful feedback that you can watch anytime. If you want to improve your casting quality (whether it’s a drastic improvement or minor adjustments) then I highly recommend Bill for your casting coach!."
Gary Counts
April, 2024
Instructor's Note... Gary successfully completed both the Bronze and Silver Casting Skills Challenges that are part of Fly Fishers International's program. He is now working toward achieving the Gold Skills Challenge.
"I had the privilege of taking a lesson from Bill Stewart of Rockin' the Hatch Fly Fishing to improve my casting. I have been fly fishing for decades and have become quite competent at catching fish. However, when I started fly fishing, I watched videos on three VHS tapes produced by Doug Swisher on casting and thought I had reached a reasonable proficiency in casting and presentation. After a few minutes of casting with Bill Stewart, I realized how little I knew about casting. That the path of the rod determines the shape of the loop, "Narrow arc, narrow loop, wide arc wide loop". Rough or uneven acceleration causes tailing loops and tangles. After a couple of hours of instruction, my casting improved significantly, and I look forward to continual improvement. Bill also gave me casting drills that I can practice so I don't go back to incorrect casting habits. I've wrestled in high school and college and understand that perfect practice makes perfect. Muscle memory, if developed correctly, helps make casting instinctive instead of mechanical, and you don't have to think about it like step 1, step 2, step 3, step 4, etc. Unfortunately, I have bad muscle memory on my casting stroke and it's very difficult to change it. I know that if I keep doing the casting drills correctly, my casting will improve to where it should be.
Thanks, Bill for the casting instruction. I will highly recommend you to anyone who wants to improve their fly casting and presentation."
Phil Iwane
Umpqua Signature Tyer
Aug, 2023
"Bill Stewart is a student of this game we call Fly Fishing - he began learning the subtle nuances when he was a boy and in essence began teaching, albeit himself, when he was 8 years old. His learning experiences have evolved into a teaching style that is comforting for any and all ages and aptitudes. I have had the privilege of being a student as well as an instructor apprentice - and Bill can communicate and convey confidence with aplomb. So easygoing, easy to understand, and easy to put into practice. Simply the best."
Tim Priser
Volunteer Instructor, Orvis Park Meadows Fly Fishing 101, 201, and 301 courses.
Sept, 2021
"Bill, just wanted to drop you a line of appreciation. Not only have you taught my wife the basics of a sport we now enjoy together, but you have also managed to help me improve my casting! I have fly fished for many years but after going back into the basics of casting you taught her I realized I was developing some bad habits and could do better. You have increased my skill and given me the knowledge and technique to become a more proficient fly fisherman. Tight loops, tight lines, Thanks!"
Eric Keesen
May, 2023
"Two hallmarks of an excellent teacher are passion and patience. When it comes to teaching fly casting, Bill embodies both. He shares interesting insights about the physics of this device we know as a fly rod, and he has a talent for clearly communicating the 'why' along with the 'what' for improving casting techniques. Putting these concepts into practice is easier said than done, and Bill has been unerringly kind and encouraging as I fail and flail around. I'd highly recommend Bill for anyone, beginner or expert, who wants to learn about fly casting and improve their game."
Abe Kean
Founder, Access Point Maps
April, 2023
Instructor's Note... Abe is the developer of "accesspointmaps," a GPS enabled fishing aid that can help anglers find new areas to fish in Colorado. You can find his app in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store or online at www.accesspointmaps.com.
Abe successfully achieved FFI's Bronze casting skills challenge and is well on his way to completing the Silver Skills Challenge.
"I’ve been using a fly rod for around 38 years now. I was taught by a friend and have received various tips and suggestions on casting over the years from many fishing partners. However, after an hour with Bill, I’ve come to realize that learning from ‘amateurs’, however well intended, will make you an ‘amateur’.
Bill is a certified casting instructor for a reason. He knows what to teach, how to teach it and how to correct the mistakes and bad habits acquired over the years. It was a wonderfully insightful hour and I’ll be back for more. Whether you’re just starting or, like me, have years of bad habits, Bill is the guy to get you on the right path to using a fly rod."
Jeff Swenson
Fly Fishing Instructor, Cabela's
April, 2023
"I highly recommend casting lessons with Bill Stewart . Not only has he improved my casting, it has lead to many *a-ha* moments that have made my casting so much more efficient."
Cindy Scholz
Education Director
Colorado Women Fly Fishers
July, 2022
"Thanks, BilI! I am upset at myself for not doing this sooner. It’s such a great joy to work with you and learn from you. Thank you for your time yesterday. You are a good teacher, and every part of the class was valuable. You had learning tools and put great effort into your class. I am honored to say that I had lessons from you."
Ryan Rupert
Avid Saltwater Fly Fishing Enthusiast
July, 2023
Instructor's Note... Shortly after receiving this kind note from Ryan, he put his casting skills to use to achieve the rare "Super Slam" in Belize (Catching a Bonefish, Tarpon, Permit, and Snook all in 1 day). Way to go Ryan!
Private Casting Instruction