S4 E9 How To Maximize The Swing

In this episode of RIO's "How To" series, Simon Gawesworth talks about three key variables to focus on when swinging a fly in a river - whether for trout, steelhead or salmon. As the current varies from yard-to-yard, and pool-to-pool, so should the way you fish.
As they work their way down a pool, a successful angler constantly varies the mends they make, the angle they cast their line to the current, and the amount of tension the fly line has as it swings. These three variables go by the acronym "MAT" (Mend, Angle, Tension), and in this film Simon shows how, and why, these variables should change.
RIO's "How To" videos are a series of short films that explain all you need to know to learn a particular way to fish or cast. Where applicable, each film talks through the gear that you need, shows how to rig the gear, how to read the water, and how to fish that particular technique. These educational films are packed with information and top tips designed to improve the knowledge and skill level of all fly fishers. Each one is bought to you by a RIO employee or a RIO brand ambassador.

[@bok9201]

Thank you for an outstanding explanation of the mechanics and hydrodynamics of a swing. Your points on the use of tension or slack to control depth are a revelation that will make my swings more effective and consistent! Thank you Simon and Rio!

[@stephenrosenfeld833]

For whatever reason, I only considered the current's effect on the fly, not the line. This has opened up a whole new way of approaching my salmon fishing! If only someone had told me about this thirty or forty years ago...

[@justinblum6665]

Can we please agree that "Chuck and Chance it Colin" is the best fly-fishing insult possible?

[@mcmrv14]

When I search, “streamer casting” this is what I’m looking for. So much more helpful than the 20+ other youtubes I’ve watched.

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

Thanks Martin! Hopefully, this helps you find a good one!

[@SurfSkagit]

Amazing !!
Absolutely priceless way of sharing and help making the path so smooth to anyone willing to absorbe the concept in less than 10 minutes. A must to watch this MAT tutorial few times during the season, or even every time before stepping in to the water.
Thank you so much RIO!! truly Simon it’s putting invaluable information out there and in the most possible simple way👌

[@TERRYBIGGENDEN]

Excellent! :-)

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

Thanks!

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

I think this will be very helpful info for many of us. Excellent work, of course!

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

Thanks LineSpeedJedi...

[@stevegausch6682]

Thanks for the insight. Simon knows his stuff

[@Jayflyfishguy]

I will watch this one a few more times,great lesson Simon.
Y.N.W.A.

[@charlieboutin3341]

Great information and instructions! Thanks a lot! 👍👍🎣

[@salinastrong602]

What a legend, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bradcorrea9963]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I was fishing the same way in every type of water and I assuming missing fish. Thanks again

[@rhysdecallier4329]

Best soft hackle swing tutorial out there! Thank you.

[@briangillman735]

That's a good video

[@terryc9685]

I would love to take an advanced class from you.

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

farbank.com/pages/fly-water-travel-private-instruction-simon - here's the link if you're interested! Thanks, cheers.

[@johngiffen7262]

Why fish soft hackles downstream north country / Clyde style ,as I was taught was always fished upstream to be a more natural presentation .i would value your thoughts on this cheers

[@BrianPeters110]

It’s the difference in fishing subsurface and dries. I always find that while fishing the surface, casting upstream maximizes drift length and while fishing subsurface you maintain contact with your fly and can feel the take. Hope that helps