Direct Contact is an intensive, hands-on four-hour saltwater fly fishing clinic designed to connect every part of the saltwater fly fishing experience—from the angler’s hands to the rod, line, leader, fly, presentation, hook-set, and ultimately the fish.
THE DIRECT CONTACT CONCEPT
Saltwater fly fishing is a chain of connections.
Angler → Rod → Fly Line → Leader → Fly → Fish
Every connection matters.
A great cast means little if the fly lands with slack. The perfect presentation means little if the angler can't maintain contact with the fly. And getting the fish to eat means little if the angler doesn't understand how to make the proper hook-set and transition immediately into fighting the fish.
Bruce and BJ will break down this entire process and teach anglers how to develop greater control, efficiency, consistency and confidence throughout the complete saltwater fly fishing experience.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Saltwater Casting Fundamentals
Learn the casting mechanics that create efficient, repeatable casts when the pressure is on.
Topics include:
• Loop control and line speed
• Casting stroke and acceleration
• Proper trajectory
• Timing and tempo
• Effective double hauling
• Short, medium and long-range presentations
• Shooting line efficiently
• Casting with minimal false casts
• Picking up and redirecting quickly
• Dealing with wind
• Backhand presentations
• Oval/Belgian casting techniques
• Water-haul techniques
• Eliminating common casting faults such as creep and improper drift
The objective isn't simply to cast farther
It's learning how to deliver the fly quickly, accurately and efficiently when a real saltwater opportunity appears.
The Saltwater Ready Position
Learn how to properly prepare yourself before the fish ever appears.
Bruce and BJ will cover:
• Fly line management
• Proper amount of line outside the rod tip
• Rod position
• Fly placement
• Line-hand position
• Eliminating tangles
• Preparing for fast-moving fish
• Making the first cast count
In saltwater fly fishing, opportunities can happen in seconds
Being ready is part of the cast.
Presentation & Fly Control
Learn what happens after the fly leaves the rod tip.
Topics include:
• Creating direct contact with the fly
• Eliminating unnecessary slack
• Controlling the fly immediately after presentation
• Proper stripping techniques
• Strip speed and cadence
• Understanding how different species react to the fly
• Maintaining contact during changing angles
• Recognizing the eat
• Knowing when—and when not—to react
The Saltwater Hook-Set
Getting the fish to eat is only half the battle.
Learn:
• Proper strip-setting technique
• Maintaining line tension
• Avoiding the trout-set
• Setting at different angles
• Transitioning from the strip-set to the reel
• Managing loose fly line
• Maintaining pressure during the critical first seconds of the fight
Fighting & Landing Fish
Direct Contact continues after the hook-set.
Bruce and BJ will discuss:
• Proper rod angles
• Applying maximum effective pressure
• Understanding fighting angles
• Using the butt section of the rod
• Managing line during the initial run
• Getting fish onto the reel
• Drag management
• Fighting large saltwater species efficiently
• Landing and handling fish safely
Rod, Reel, Fly Line & Leader Systems
Saltwater equipment should work as a complete system, not as a collection of individual pieces.
Learn how Bruce and BJ match:
Rod + Reel + Fly Line + Leader + Fly
They'll discuss:
• Choosing the proper rod weight
• Matching fly lines to different rod actions
• Understanding fly-line tapers
• Leader construction
• Leader length
• Butt-section design
• Fluorocarbon vs. monofilament
• Tippet selection
• Knots and connection systems
• Matching tackle to species, conditions and angler ability
Real-World Saltwater Situations
This clinic is built around what actually happens on the flats.
Bruce and BJ will use decades of guiding experience to discuss real fishing situations involving:
Tarpon • Permit • Bonefish • Giant Trevally • Golden Dorado • Redfish and other saltwater species
You'll learn how casting, presentation, equipment, fish behavior and decision-making come together when the guide says:
"Fish coming—11 o'clock—50 feet. Get ready!"
TWO GENERATIONS. 44 YEARS OF GUIDING EXPERIENCE. ONE COMPLETE SYSTEM.
Bruce and BJ Chard bring two generations of professional saltwater guiding experience to this clinic.
Capt. Bruce Chard has spent more than three decades teaching and guiding saltwater fly anglers, developing saltwater fly fishing schools, hosting international fly fishing adventures, designing specialized saltwater fly fishing equipment, and helping anglers become more successful on the flats.
Capt. BJ Chard grew up immersed in the Florida Keys saltwater fly fishing world and brings his own extensive professional guiding experience, modern perspective and firsthand knowledge of today's saltwater fisheries and techniques.
Together, they offer something extremely difficult to duplicate:
Two professional saltwater guides. Two generations of experience. One four-hour hands-on clinic.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Direct Contact is designed for anglers who want to become better saltwater fly fishermen—not simply better casters.
Whether you're preparing for your first saltwater fly fishing trip or you've already chased tarpon, permit, bonefish and other species around the world, Bruce and BJ will help identify weaknesses, improve technique and show you how to make the entire saltwater fly fishing system work together.
THE GOAL
When you leave Direct Contact, you should understand not only how to make a better cast, but how to become a more complete saltwater fly angler.
Because in saltwater fly fishing, success isn't determined by one piece of the system.
It's determined by your ability to stay connected to all of it.
DIRECT CONTACT
From your hand...
to the rod...
to the line...
to the leader...
to the fly...
to the fish.
Stay connected. Stay in control. Make every opportunity count.