FCI Clinic FAQ
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Q: What is the FCI about? A: As a whole, the FCI is focused on advancing and integrating the science, medicine and art of fly casting through fly-casting analysis, fly-caster training, and biomechanical/medical research. Much of what we do in our clinics involves using a blend of hands-on instruction, sports-medicine/rehab feedback, and technology to make fly casting (and thus fly fishing) more enjoyable for our clients.

Q: Is the clinic only for those with injuries or pain? A: No, the FCI is open to any caster who is interested in casting healthier and better (perhaps preventing pain or injuries in the future). Some casters do attend because of injury or other physiological issues, but there are other casters who attend simply to work with the technology and to focus on honing some aspect of their casting.

Q: Is the clinic only for highly experienced casters? A: No, the general clinic is open to casters of all levels, but we recommend that casters have several years of dedicated experience before attending. The clinic is fast-paced, and is not designed to provide an introductory environment. Fly casting itself (not general fishing) is the core focus, and casters without experience and a goal in mind may find themselves frustrated.

Q: Do all clinic participants have the same curriculum? A: Certain aspects of the clinic are designed for all clients — the motion-capture session, medical/rehab time, videotaping and so forth. The actual casting instruction is tuned to each client's needs and desires, and the focus can range from core competencies, to accuracy, to distance work, and many aspects in between. We encourage clients to let us know ahead of time what they are interested in pursuing in terms of casting skill enhancement We also encourage clients to focus on a limited number of areas (perhaps even a single key area) for improvement. Keeping the educational scope in check helps to make the most of a client's time.

Q: Will attending the clinic turn me into a great caster? A: Dedicated practice, coupled with directed instruction and significant self-critique can go a long way toward making a very good caster. Innate physical capacity is also part of the larger equation. The FCI, despite its technology and instructive excellence, is not a magic machine for creating casting greatness. We can assist our clients with a portion of their casting journey, but in the end, how one chooses to apply oneself will make the ultimate fly-casting difference.

Q: What casting gear should I bring to the clinic? A: We encourage you to bring the rods, reels, and lines that you use the most or that you feel are central to your fly-casting concerns. You are welcome to bring as much casting gear as you like, but most clients find themselves focusing on no more than two primary rod/reel/line combinations. The FCI does not provide any additional gear (although we do have a set of "baseline" research rods which can be used during motion-capture or other data-gathering times).

Q: What else do I need to bring to the clinic? A: Most importantly, all the fishing gear you want! After that, we stress bringing clothing that is appropriate to the venue. For example, Montana in June can mean sun and 80-degrees, or rain and 40-degrees, or everything in between. Pack as for a fishing trip, with base-layers, fishing shirts, fleece, a rain jacket, a wind-shell, and any other appropriate technical clothing, such as technical pants and all-terrain shoes/boots. You do not need to bring the usual "classroom" items. The FCI provides all clients with customized three-ring binders and consumables like note pads and pens. We also provide some little "extras" like FCI baseball caps.

Q: What types of technology does the FCI use? A: The FCI uses a number of cutting-edge technologies. Perhaps the most significant is a three-dimensional, high-speed motion capture system (based at Montana State University). The system runs at 200 frames-per-second (a typical U.S. camcorder runs at 30 frames-per-second), and provides a full 3-D image of a caster that can be viewed from any angle. It is especially helpful in focusing on details of body/joint movement, as well as the position/motion of the fly rod (for more info, see the Research page). The FCI also uses a goggle-based, real-time video-feedback system developed by instructor Walter Simbirski that allows a caster to watch themselves cast. In addition, a digital video camera and other casting analysis tools are employed to provide both instructional and research data.

Q: Do I get a copy of my technical data? A: Yes, but it will be sent to you post-clinic, due to data-processing and video-editing time frames. There is a CD containing the results of your motion-capture session, including special visuals. There is also a day-by-day video analysis that it is ultimately provided as both a physical DVD and as a QuickTime/iTunes-compatible file (as playable on a video-iPod). Other clinic-related data and a set of "memorabilia" digital photographs are included on a third disc.

Q: What fishing is available at or near the clinic? A: Fishing is dependent on where the clinic is held. Some clinics are held on private property, and private fishing is sometimes immediately available. Other clinics are held in places where fishing (public or private) is nearby, either via "do-it-yourself" or guided trips.

Q: Does the FCI offer speciality clinics (e.g. for guides)? A: The FCI is looking into offering clinics with a narrow client focus (such as guides or certified casting instructors). Any such clinics will be made available through the FCI Web site.

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