Instruction — March 6, 2012 — 6 min read — Updated June 9, 2026

Fly Fishing Instruction in Raleigh, NC

Mac Brown presents fly fishing instruction, casting lessons, and casting demonstrations annually at The Fly Fishing Show in Raleigh, NC — one of the largest fly fishing shows on the East Coast. The Raleigh show brings together guides, instructors, rod builders, and passionate fly fishers from across the Southeast. Mac Brown's casting sessions at the show cover tension in fly casting — the understanding that control over constant, increasing, and decreasing tension during the stroke is the key to mastering all specialty casts from small Smoky Mountain streams to 30-knot saltwater flats.

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Fly fishing instruction, lessons, and casting in Raleigh, NC

I just got back from a great weekend at the fly fishing show in Raleigh, NC. Fly fishing instruction, lessons, and casting events there are always a great time! I had a wonderful show, seeing many old friends and meeting many new ones. The Bahamian guides were a real pleasure to chat with about their local waters. Their casting abilities and their teaching of the concept of "tension" for casting were very exciting to me personally. Most of the specialty casts we teach over the years deal with understanding tension much deeper than simply flinging the line out.

The concepts of constant tension, increased tension, and decreased tension lead to ultimate control over the cast. Fly fishing instruction, lessons, and casting are often neglected by the masses, yet this is one of the most important attributes for improvement in the sport. I believe this understanding is one of the biggest things we teach for improving control. Mastering the concept of tension is the key to better control. It is applicable to small streams for controlling line placement and to the 30-knot winds of the flats in the Bahamas. Mastering a fuller appreciation of tension during the cast leads to a deeper understanding of fly casting and is, in my opinion, key for progression in your fly fishing journey.

Bahamians and Constant Tension Fly Casting

Here's a shot of Shawn Riley (left), myself, and Prescott Smith (right) outside on the casting pond in Raleigh. Shawn and Prescott work at Stafford Creek Lodge on Andros Island, Bahamas. Here's a clip of Prescott discussing "Taming the wind" from his DVD. I also have a shot of Shawn inside on the casting pond and a shot of Andy Smith in the background (Prescott's brother and fellow guide).

Fly Fishing Instruction, Lessons, and Casting

I took this shot on Sunday with a group gathered around the casting pond listening to an excellent presentation from Prescott Smith on tension and smoothness for fly casting. It was a very well-executed teaching moment for those who heard the discussion. The whole drive home Sunday evening, I thought about white sand flats, warm weather, and salty critters after hanging out with the Bahamian guides! If you're planning a trip, you can find information about various lodges here.

Fly Fishing School

This is a shot of my students from the Saturday fly fishing school. They did an excellent job picking up new concepts for their fly casting journey. We covered loop control, loop planes, negative and positive casts, oval casts, line control exercises, line retrieval techniques, single and double haul, and more during our three-hour session! These topics provide plenty of tools for practice now and in the future as you progress in your fly fishing journey.

Fly Tying

This is a shot of my buddies Dave Schmezer (middle) and Dave Brandt (right) from the fly tying section of the show. We discussed how much young people interested in fly tying could learn by watching master tiers in action. I know that when I was younger, I could have shaved at least twenty years off my learning curve if I'd been exposed to so many great tiers in one location. I always enjoy seeing tips and tricks from many tiers at conclaves and shows over the years. It motivates me to try new things in fly design.

Here is a shot of Brad Buzzi at his table. I first met Brad several years ago at the shows in Charlotte, NC. It's always fun to catch up with him and see what new things he's into with his tying. He's always full of humor and more than willing to show techniques to anyone who's interested.

Here is a picture of Enrico Puglisi at his booth. I first met Enrico in the mid-'90s at one of the fly fishing shows. He's always on the edge of bringing new products to the fly fishing scene. I picked up many new synthetics for tying large streamers from him at the show and have been playing around with them on the vise the past week.

This is a shot of my friend Beau Beasley from Virginia. Beau was busy signing copies of his new book, "Fly Fishing the Mid-Atlantic." The book is very well done, covering locations of guides and sport fishing in the mid-Atlantic states. Beau and I first met in the mid-'90s in Valley Forge, PA.

Fly Fishing Artists

This is a picture of myself and Bob Clouser at his booth. Many of Bob's patterns have made their way into my boxes over the years for all kinds of fish species. It was great seeing him at the show doing tying classes and casting demos.

Here is a picture of Gary Dubiel and Michelle at their booth. Spec Fever has information on Captain Gary's trips in the Oriental, NC area. It's always fun learning more about the coastal region of NC! I don't recall exactly when I met Gary because so many shows blend together over time. He's one heck of a nice guy!

Here is a shot from Jim Casada's web page. As a "native" of Bryson City, we always have plenty of discussions related to the local streams. I moved to Bryson City in 1987. He writes many columns and has authored numerous books on all kinds of outdoor activities. I first met Jim in my early years of guiding full-time in the late '80s. He's been a good friend for a long time and is such a resource for the Swain County area.

Fly Fishing Giants!

Dave Whitlock and I hanging out at his booth. It was great to see him and Emily at the show. It had been a few years since our paths crossed last. Many of Dave's early books no doubt helped shape my ideas on fly design at an early age. He is such an incredible talent with his illustrations! A true gentleman to the sport of fly fishing! Be sure to check out Dave's page for some genius tactics on splicing lines together. The splice connection is brilliant for line connections!

Here is a shot of Joe Humphrey from one of his pages. I first met Joe in the early '90s, and his early writings were a big influence on my underwater stream tactics. Time slipped away too quickly—I regret that I forgot to get a picture of him! Joe was one of my biggest influences as a youngster. It's always great to discuss new and old techniques with him. Getting to catch up with old friends and meet new ones is one of the main reasons I enjoy shows, conclaves, and gatherings!