Master Two-Handed Fly Rod Casting with Ron Arra

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Cape Cod, MA
$450 price range
Updated Date: September 11, 2025

Summary

Improve your surf casting skills with expert angler Ron Arra on this personalized lesson. Ron's guidance focuses on boosting your distance and accuracy when casting from the shore. You'll pick up valuable techniques to enhance your fishing game, whether you're after stripers, blues, or other coastal species. While catches aren't guaranteed during the lesson, the knowledge you'll gain is invaluable for future fishing trips. Ron tailors each session to the tides, ensuring you learn in optimal conditions. With a small group of up to 3 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention to fine-tune your casting. Ron's expertise in two-handed fly rod casting is especially useful for tackling those tricky coastal winds and reaching distant spots where the big fish often lurk. Bring your own gear or use Ron's equipment – either way, you're in for a session that'll level up your shore fishing skills in a practical, hands-on setting.

Master Two-Handed Fly Rod Casting with Ron Arra

Casting Like a Pro

Cape Cod striped bass on hand.

Permit fish caught on fishing trip in MA

Big permit catch day in Florida

Hard-hitting striped bass action on the surf!

Vibrant rainbow trout from calm cape cod waters!

Master Two-Handed Fly Casting with Ron Arra

Ready to take your surf casting game to the next level? Look no further than Ron Arra's expert Two-Handed Fly Rod Casting lessons on Cape Cod. As a renowned angler with decades of experience, Ron's got the know-how to help you dial in your technique and boost your chances of landing that trophy striped bass. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, Ron's personalized approach ensures you'll walk away with newfound confidence and expertise.

Trip Overview

This isn't your average casting lesson. Ron tailors each session to the tides, ensuring you're learning in prime conditions. You'll meet up at a carefully selected spot along Cape Cod's stunning coastline, where Ron will break down the art of two-handed fly casting. Expect hands-on instruction, insider tips, and plenty of practice time. While the focus is on honing your skills rather than reeling in fish, the techniques you'll pick up are worth their weight in stripers. With a max of 3 guests per lesson, you're guaranteed plenty of one-on-one attention to fine-tune your form.

Casting Clinic on the Coast

Two-handed fly casting isn't just about raw power – it's a dance of timing, technique, and finesse. Ron will walk you through the fundamentals, from proper grip and stance to the nuanced movements that generate effortless distance and pinpoint accuracy. You'll learn how to read the wind, adjust your cast for different lures, and master the double haul. Expect to cover everything from basic overhead casts to more advanced Spey and Scandinavian-style techniques. By the end of your session, you'll have a solid foundation in the art of two-handed casting, setting you up for success on future fishing adventures.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Review of Surfcasting Lessons with Ron Arra - It was a good introduction to the sport of surfcasting, the rods to use and not to use, how to tie fishing lines, the lures to use, and where to look for (inlets, bird activity) when you are fishing. I would highly recommend anyone who loves to fish to try this out because it's a good skill to learn and have." - Nicolas

Target Species: Striped Bass

While this lesson focuses on casting techniques rather than actual fishing, it's all in preparation for the main event: landing striped bass. These hard-fighting fish are the crown jewel of Cape Cod's surf fishing scene, and for good reason. Stripers, as they're affectionately known, can grow to impressive sizes, with trophy fish pushing 50 pounds or more. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic fights, making them a favorite among anglers who enjoy a challenge. Striped bass typically start showing up in Cape Cod waters in late spring, with the action heating up through summer and into early fall. The thrill of casting into the surf and feeling that telltale strike is what keeps anglers coming back year after year. With Ron's expert instruction, you'll be well-equipped to present your fly in just the right spot to entice these coastal predators.

Gearing Up for Success

When it comes to two-handed fly casting, having the right gear can make all the difference. Ron will introduce you to top-notch equipment tailored for surf casting, including specialized two-handed fly rods designed to generate the power and control needed for long-distance casts. You'll get hands-on experience with different line weights and tapers, learning how they affect your cast and presentation. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – Ron's got you covered with all the necessary gear for the lesson. He'll also share tips on selecting your own equipment, from rods and reels to lines and leaders, ensuring you're set up for success long after your lesson ends.

Reading the Water

Mastering the cast is just part of the equation. Ron will teach you how to "read" the water like a pro, identifying promising spots where striped bass are likely to hang out. You'll learn to spot tell-tale signs like rips, drop-offs, and bait activity that can lead you to productive fishing grounds. Understanding how tides and currents affect fish behavior is crucial for surf casting success, and Ron's wealth of local knowledge will give you a serious edge. By the end of your lesson, you'll have a keen eye for spotting potential hot spots along the shoreline.

Beyond the Basics

While the focus is on two-handed fly casting, Ron's lessons go beyond just the mechanics. You'll pick up invaluable tips on presentation, retrieve techniques, and how to match your flies to the local bait. Learn about the importance of stealth when fishing from shore, and how to approach different beach structures for the best results. Ron will also cover essential knots and rigging techniques specific to surf fly fishing, ensuring you're fully prepared to hit the water on your own. This comprehensive approach means you're not just learning to cast – you're developing a well-rounded skill set that will serve you well in all your future fishing endeavors.

Conservation Matters

As an experienced angler, Ron understands the importance of conservation and responsible fishing practices. Throughout your lesson, he'll weave in tips on how to minimize your impact on the environment while maximizing your fishing success. Learn about proper catch-and-release techniques to ensure the health of the striped bass population, as well as current regulations and size limits. This knowledge isn't just good for the fish – it's essential for any angler looking to enjoy sustainable fishing for years to come.

Time to Cast Your Line

Ready to transform your surf casting game? Ron Arra's Two-Handed Fly Rod Casting lessons are your ticket to becoming a more skilled, confident angler. Whether you're dreaming of battling monster stripers or just want to perfect your technique, this personalized instruction is the fast track to upping your game. Spots are limited to ensure individualized attention, so don't wait to book your lesson. Grab your spot now and get ready to cast farther, more accurately, and with more confidence than ever before. The striped bass won't know what hit 'em!

Customer Review

Catch Waves and Fish

Review of Surfcasting Lessons with Ron Arra - It was a good introduction to the sport of surfcasting, the rods to use and not to use, how to tie fishing lines, the lures to use, and where to look for (inlets, bird activity) when you are fishing. I would highly recommend anyone who loves to fish to try this out because it’s a good skill to learn and have.

Nicolas .

July 27, 2025

Learn more about the species

Striped Bass

Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis) Description

The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), or Atlantic Striped Bass, Stripers, or Linesider, is a popular game fish for recreational and commercial fishers. As the name suggests, it has seven to eight stripes running down the sides of its body; its color can vary from light green and olive to brown and black. It also has a shimmering white belly and plump bodies that can grow as heavy as 70 pounds and as long as 5 feet, making it easily distinguishable from other species.

Although this fish mostly lives in saltwater during its adult life, it’s anadromous as it spawns (and is even known to adapt well) in a freshwater environment.

It can naturally be found along the East Coast (from as far north as Canada to down south in the Gulf of Mexico). However, you can find it in most water bodies in North America as the species was introduced across the continent for recreational fishing and for controlling the gizzard shad population, which the Striped Bass is known to prey upon.

Interesting Facts

Striped Bass spawn in freshwater and many of the Stripers become landlocked because of dams and other human-made obstructions; but, as earlier mentioned, they adapt well and can thrive in a freshwater habitat.

If you’re fishing for food, the Striped Bass is excellent for eating not only for its plump and meaty body but also for its exquisite, sweet taste, similar to its close relative, the Black Sea Bass.

Striped Bass Size and Speed

For those of you who are planning to fish for this species, yes, they are known to be powerful swimmers, but they’re not particularly fast, making them reasonably easy to catch. Although they can grow much bigger, most caught weigh around twenty to forty pounds.

Where do Striped Bass Live?

You can fish for Striped Bass pretty much any time of the year and can find them in nearly every body of water in the United States. It’s also worth noting that the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is the major producer while the Hudson River in New York and New Jersey is the second.

However, if you’re on the West Coast, you may want to try your luck in the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding coastline. Colorado rivers and lakes such as Lake Havasu, Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Lake Pleasant, and Lake Mohave are also known to have a great abundance of Striped Bass.

Striped Bass is a structure-oriented fish meaning they can be found around physical structures such as coral reefs, sand bars, and drop-offs. They stay at the bottom of the ocean along the shores as it looks for food. And because they love to swim in moving waters, you can most locate Stripers within yards of the shorelines.

Striped Bass Migration

One of the most exciting aspects of striped bass is their annual migration patterns. These fish are known to migrate long distances, sometimes thousands of miles, which makes them a fascinating subject for study. Striped bass prefers moderate temperatures between 55° F and 68° F. To stay within this temperature range, most striped bass migrate up and down the Atlantic coast from spring to fall.
Scientists have been studying striped bass migration for many years, and they have discovered that these fish travel from estuaries to the open ocean and back again each year. Striped bass can migrate up to 2,000 miles during their lifetime! They typically move northward in the spring and summer months when water temperatures warm up, then head south towards warmer waters in the fall.

Striped Bass or Striper — A Striped Bass Close Up

The spring striped bass migration begins from the deeper waters off the Virginia and North Carolina coasts. In the spring, the stripers start their northern migration stopping to spawn in the rivers, estuaries, and bays such as the Delaware River, the Hudson River, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Stripers continue north and eventually spend their summers in the cool waters in New England, and sometimes further North to Canada.

The striper migration bait typically begins in the fall as the water cools. If you want to experience this unique opportunity, you'll want to head for one of the most amazing events that an angler can experience. Striper bait, including pogies, peanut bunker, and silversides, will come out of bays and into the ocean early. The hungry stripers want to fatten up for the cold season as winter approaches, so they're actively searching out prey. Stripers seek out the enhanced bait pods that create feeding frenzies. Look for baitfish volcanoes erupting from the water or birds signaling the wounded baitfish. If you are truly fortunate, you will see whales coming from below the baitfish volcano. Fall migration continues all the way until December around the New Jersey coast and parts of January in the Virginia region.

Check out this detailed Striped Bass Migration article.

Is Striped Bass Good to Eat?

Striped bass, also known as "striper," is a popular saltwater fish that can be found along the Atlantic coast of North America. Many people wonder if striped bass is good to eat, and the answer is yes! Striped bass is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health.

One of the benefits of eating striped bass is its high omega-3 content. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the body, improve brain function, and even lower your risk of heart disease. Striper meat contains about 0.5 grams of omega-3s per 100 grams, making it an excellent nutrient source. Additionally, striped bass is rich in protein - a crucial component for building and repairing tissues in your body. A serving size of just 100 grams provides approximately 20 grams of protein.

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Striped Bass

Striped Bass can be caught year-round and in almost any condition; you can, however, increase your chances if you know exactly what, when, where, and how to look. Stripers are known to swim around and feed in moving waters, near structures along the shores, and you will find them where the water is cooler near the surface during dusk and dawn. Cast your lines out early or late in the day from bridges, piers, bulkheads, or even while wading in the surf.

Choosing the Right Bait

Striped Bass are mostly finicky predators being picky about the baits they will take. It’s best to use live baits such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, anchovies, bloodworms, or shad as it will help attract them with the live bait’s movement.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Although you can use almost any rod and reel for Striped Bass fishing, you can be more successful using rods that are 8 to 14 feet in length, especially for fly fishing. You should use a thinner and more sensitive yet stronger line with little stretch like a braided line. If you prefer using the monofilament type, make sure that it’s strong enough to withstand up to 20 pounds of weight as these fish are not only big, heavy fish, but also strong fighters.

Find fishing tips, techniques, and the best destinations for Striped Bass Fishing

Why are Striped Bass Called Striper?

Striped bass, or Morone saxatilis, is a popular game fish native to the Atlantic coast of North America. It is widely known as "striper," which begs the question: Why do they call striped bass striper? The answer to this question lies in the distinct markings on the fish's body.
The name "striped bass" comes from its characteristic stripes running along its sides. These stripes are typically seven to eight in number and run from just behind the gills to the base of the tail. When viewed from afar, these stripes can appear like bars or lines that make up a striped pattern on their silver-green skin.

Given that this species has such distinctive vertical stripes, it makes sense why they are called stripers. The name has become so widely used among anglers and fishing enthusiasts that it is now more common than calling them by their scientific name.

What is the Hybrid Striped Bass?

Hybrid striped bass is a popular fish species among anglers and seafood enthusiasts. As the name suggests, it's a crossbreed between two different types of bass: striped and white. The hybridization process has resulted in a fish with desirable traits such as rapid growth, aggressiveness, and resistance to diseases and parasites.

Hybrid striped bass can grow up to 30 inches in length and weigh as much as 15 pounds. They have streamlined bodies with dark stripes running along their sides, which give them an attractive appearance. Moreover, these fish are known for their delicious taste and versatility in cooking methods.

Due to its popularity, hybrid striped bass is widely farmed across several regions in the United States. It's commonly used by chefs in various dishes such as sushi rolls, grilled fillets, or stews.

Striped Bass Population

The wild striped bass population is an essential aspect of marine fisheries conservation efforts. Striped bass are a popular game fish that attract recreational anglers from all over the world. Stripers also play an essential role in the natural resources ecosystem in the Atlantic Ocean and the many tributaries like Delaware Bay, Delaware River, Hudson River, and many coastal rivers. Striped bass are a top predator in many coastal habitats, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans.

Unfortunately, the striped bass population has been under pressure for several decades due to overfishing and habitat loss. One of the primary conservation efforts underway is the implementation of regulations aimed at protecting striped bass populations from overfishing. This includes restrictions on fishing methods and gear, as well as limitations on catch limits for both recreational and commercial fishermen. Additionally, many states have implemented size limits for the fish that can be caught to allow younger fish to reach their reproductive age.

Despite these efforts, the future of the striped bass population remains uncertain. Climate change is causing significant shifts in ocean temperatures and currents that could impact the availability of prey species for striped bass.

A Few Striped Bass Resources:

-Striped Bass Migration, article tracking the Striped Bass Atlantic Coast migration

-Striped Bass Lures, expert guides weigh in with the best striped bass lures

-Striped Bass Bait, top 10 striped bass baits

-Striped Bass Cape Cod, expert guide talks about catching striped bass on Cape Cod

-Striped Bass Chesapeake Bay, expert guides talk about catching striped bass on Chesapeake Bay

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