FFF Certification
- This topic has 11 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated Oct 27, 2012 at 11:58 am by
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For a a bunch of years, I’ve wanted to get the Federation of Fly Fishermen Casting Certification but unfortunately never had the time to practice, go to the workshop/test, etc. But with retirement I’m spending more time teaching casting and have the time to pursue the certification.
My major concern is where my skill level is relative to the test requirements. I’ve been fly fishing for over 40 years and “graduated” from Joan Wulff’s advanced casting program, but I could be a long way from passing the test. According to the FFF Web site 50% of people who take the test fail it the first time.
I think a good approach would be to try to work with a master casting instructor for a day and maybe do a practice test. Unfortunately the guy responsible for the Somerset, NJ workshop is unresponsive so I seem to be stuck.
Zach, I think I remember an old Podcast or article where you went through a program and got certified. If you or any other members could offer some advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
Hey Michael –
The three hardest components of the test are the distance section, the roll cast, and the tailing loop demo.
Zach,
Thanks for the advice. I was thinking about the 5 wt versus the 7 wt thing. In fact, I don’t even own a 7 wt. I have a closet full of 4’s, 5’s and 6’s but 75 feet accurately is not easy – nor is a 50 ft roll cast. I try it (with random success) on the Delaware all the time. And as you say, the pressure of the test will certainly impact form and accuracy.
Thanks for the advice.
Michael,
I got my certification three years ago and really enjoyed the process. Definitely hook up with a certified instructor or two to prepare. A master would be really helpful as they are more familiar with the testing process since they help administer them. However, anyone that helps prepare you cannot administer your test.
I found the hardest performance part for me was the accuracy casting, specifically the offshoulder at 20 and 45 ft. The 20ft sounds easy, but you aren’t casting much more than just the leader which makes it quite difficult. You can fail one of the performance tasks and still pass, but the part you have to know forwards and backwards is the explain and demonstrates. The examiners want very short answers within the framework of Gammel’s five essentials. Be able to expand on your short answer as needed. Check out the past issues of the Loop on the FFF website for the Gammel’s essentials and lots of other useful info.
I would definitely recommend a 7 wt for the test. You want to give yourself every advantage you can. You could probably pass with something smaller, but you never know the conditions of the test day. I have a certified friend who had to take his test with a strong wind coming from his rod arm side. Besides, you need to be able to make things look easy and the 7 wt will help with this. Most people use the SA Orange Competition Expert Distance line for the test. If the examiners have trouble seeing something, they will make you repeat it. The bright orange line helps with this. The long head helps with the long roll casts and long carries for some of the tasks. Whatever setup you chose, practice exclusively with it.
I agree with Zach that you want to be able to do everything on the test easily before you take it. Like you mentioned, it is good to have someone certified administer a mock test beforehand. When I was prepping for the test, I generally casted at least an hour every day working on the tasks. I also spent a fair amount of time going through study materials.
Good luck and keep us updated on your progress!
I strongly suggest you do a dry run with a CCI or MCI if possible. All the other other advice is right on as well.
All good advice. I’d have two suggestions. One is to make all answers as short and concise as possible. and phrase the answers as you would when teaching a novice caster. If you think the examiner wants more detailed info, ask first if he wants your explanation as you would give to student. Don’t ramble, and make dang sure you know what you’re talking about…or you’ll step in it.
Secondly, make really sure you understand tails and the possible errors that precipitate them. And no, “over-powering” the rod is NOT one. Be prepared, after demo-ing a tail, to explain what you did to cause the tail. And then be ready to demo another tail with a different cause. If you understand tailing loops, then you’ll have at least 4 errors under your hat and be able to demo all. Then you should be able to explain the single reason all those errors caused a tail. Bruce Richard’s method for diagnosing and correcting the cast is key here (read and understand everything Bruce has on the study materials!).
Definitely got for it. Pass or fail, it’s a great learning experience.
Kent - FlyFishGA
I’ve finally connected with the running the exam in my area. He’s offered to give me a dry run and see where I stand. If nothing else this will get me out of my lazy casting habits. (Joan Wulff would be screaming at me these days!)
Mike
You have received some good advice, the best advice I can give you is to find a mentor to help you. We have found that most people that have a mentor will have a better chance to pass on the first try. Here is the most important thing that we look for on the CCI test. We want to know how well you can teach fly casting. Being able to cast well is very important but teaching is more important. Find a MCI and try to work with him/her, and take a pre-test. Just so you know that I know what I am talking about I have been a MCI since 1998, on the casting board of governors and chair of the CCI test committee. If I can help you in any way please ask and I will see what I can do.
Dave
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