Development of a simulation model for fly casting and application to overhead casting

Fly casting is both a competitive sport and the fishing technique used in recreational fly fishing. This paper presents a physics-based simulation model for fly casting including the coupled dynamics of the fly rod, fly line, leader/tippet and fly. This model extends prior models by including material damping and Reynolds number dependent air drag, both improving accuracy of simulations. The experimental data describe the casting stroke applied by the caster’s hand to the fly rod. The results demonstrate how variations in casting strokes and variations in tackle affect casting dynamics. The energy dynamics during the cast reveals the key influence of air drag and energy transfer between the rod and the fly line.