2008-03-04 I agree - this book may just be THE definitive casting reference work.

Like any reference work (or text book) one has to concentrate on every word that is written in this book and then go over it again as many times as is necessary for the message to sink in - and then get out your fly rod and practice. I would recommend the use of a highlighter to emphasise the key phrases in order to enable you to lift out of the text those parts that are particularly important to you as an individual, even at the expense of defacing it. This is after all a learning tool, not a classical work that requires appropriate reverence.

I too am endeavouring to become a qualified game angling instructor, but very quickly realised after day one of the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Angling Course (run by the Salmon and Trout Association here in the UK) that I attended, that my technical casting knowledge was woefully inadequate. The course (perhaps surprisingly) does not teach casting or how to teach casting, so I am now in the process of putting this right and learning (in depth) about this critical game angling skill - and Hey Presto, here is part of the answers to my prayers. (The other part is taking lessons from an established master caster!)

A word of warning; I would suggest that you pace yourself through this book, take it a step at a time, and don't try to rush on to the next bit before you have fully assimilated each stage.