WHAT MUST YOU DO TO GET CERTIFED AS A MASTER CASTING INSTRUCTOR?

2. Thus certification at the Master’s level requires more than just meeting a specified set of casting requirements. It also requires that the applicant have a broad range of experience in casting itself. Certification is the end of a process, not the beginning. The Master Caster must be the exceptional individual, able to teach others how to teach. These are rather demanding requirements, but they are the requirements that FFF wishes to be assessed.

3. Even anglers who have excellent fly fishing skills may not necessarily be certified at the Master’s level - ability in angling is only part of the certification process. Equally important is a broad range of casting abilities (for instance being able to make curve casts by more than one method) and a great deal of comfort in demonstrating them.

4. In the teaching of casting, the applicant must be able to describe the skills in as many ways as possible because different people respond differently to verbal descriptions. The ability to see casting through the eyes of the untrained caster is essential, especially since the Master Casting Instructor will be teaching others how to teach. It is strongly recommended that those at the Master’s level have a solid grasp of the literature on casting and be able to discuss the different approaches to fly casting used by acknowledged current-day authorities on the subject.

Requirements:
	Be certified as an FFF Fly Casting Instructor
	Pass a comprehensive performance test
	Analyze casting faults (performed by testers)
	Demonstrate teaching methodology
	Pass an oral examination

Master Instructor Certification testing will be available at National FFF shows and at whichever regional conclaves or meeting as can be arranged.

Master Instructor Casting certification tests will be conducted by 2 members of the Casting Certification Board of Governors.

Fee for the test is $100, with an additional $50 fee if examination is passed. Annual renewal is $25. All fees are to be submitted to the FFF national office.

Master Fly Casting Instructor Benefits: Successful candidates will receive:
	A certificate suitable for framing
	A Master Certified Instructor card
	A Newsletter for instructors
	Recognition as a Master Certified Casting Instructor and listed as such by the FFF National Office. The listing will be publicized on the FFF web page, and distributed to FFF clubs and regional councils.

Two Master Certified Instructors are authorized to conduct, teach and certify applicants for the Basic Certified Casting Instructor Program.

All Master Certified Casting Instructors will serve as advisors to the Certification Board of Governors, offering input on all levels of the certification program and how to upgrade it.

ORAL TEST FOR MASTER CERTIFIED CASTING INSTRUCTOR (Passing grade 85%) The oral test will evaluate knowledge in the following areas:
	Fly fishing equipment, including fly rods, lines, leaders, flies and miscellaneous items.
	Various fly fishing methods and techniques used in trout fishing: approach, presentation casts, line handling, hooking and playing fish and safety considerations.
	Equipment and technique modifications necessary when fishing for other popular species, such as black bass, northern pike, steelhead, salmon, bonefish and tarpon.
	Angler etiquette in various fishing conditions.
	Casting, including the essential fly casting mechanics as well as style variations of well-publicized casting teachers. A basic understanding of spey casting and overhead casting with a double handed rod.

The Board of Governor members doing the testing must be totally satisfied that the candidate is competent in knowledge and teaching skills to receive a passing grade in order to take the performance test.

PERFORMANCE TEST FOR MASTER CERTIFIED CASTING INSTRUCTOR (Passing grade 90%)
Equipment: 9 ft rod (maximum)
	Line: #7 wt floating (maximum)
	Leader: (7 ½ minimum) with a yarn fly

NOTE: In all cases, candidate must demonstrate the good, relaxed form that would be expected in a Master certified instructor, and which would instill confidence in students. The tasks would be accomplished quickly and easily. This is not a matter of taking many trials to accomplish the task once.