Oakland Casting Club

I am in pursuit of the Fly Fishing Federation’s Casting Instructor Certification.
John Wurzel, the primary fly casting instructor for the Oakland Casting Club is willing to help me work toward that goal. We have worked extensively on my fly casting since June 2010. I can now roll cast 60 feet and can aerial cast between 80 to 90 on any given day. When the situation dictates, I am now also able to land my fly accurately at various distances of 20, 30 and 45 feet at the Oakland Casting Pond. Fly casting accuracy and distance is and important part of the testing process for the FFF Certification.
The fly casting lessons that I received from John have had a positive and immediate effect on my fly casting performance. I now receive «compliments» on my casting ability. John Wurzel is the individual at the Oakland Casting Club that helped me «get there».
He has a unique teaching method that allows you to make a personal mind/​body connection to the fly casting task at hand. John’s regimen «always» begins with a «conversation at one of the picnic tables at the OC Pond. He spells out what he has in store for you and draws upon analogies and information that makes sense. He gets you excited about the process and you can’t wait to get started. John is an effective communicator and that is a quality which any type of instructor should have.
You get the distinct impression that he’s taught hundreds of students in this same manner and is successful. It is also apparent that the Executive Members of the Oakland Casting Club have appointed him «The Fly Casting Instructor» because of his dedication to teaching fly casting at the Oakland Casting Pond.
During the summer, John arrives at the OC Pond at 5:30 am everyday and goes long into the day. It’s that type of grinding dedication that allows people from all walks of life and differing schedules to have access to him. Having access is important, especially when, you’d like to improve your fly casting skills and are willing to put in the time. John is there to help either in person, or over email.
It is easy to see that he loves teaching and is selfless when it comes to sharing his knowledge of fly casting.
Many individuals from the Oakland Casting Club are very generous with expertise when it comes to fly fishing, fly tying and fly fishing destinations. When I made it known that I was traveling to West Yellowstone this past summer, several club members offered advice on lodging, restaurants and fly shops. I had no idea so many of the members had made the trip to West Yellowstone in previous years. One man told me that he had been going to fish Montana for the past 30 years.
Improving my fly casting will not only help me gain my FFF Certification, but will also help me become an improved fly fisherman. Spending time at the Oakland Casting Pond and meeting some of the Club Members has been invaluable to the point that I enjoy visiting two or three times a week.
Thank You Everyone!

While it may not be located on the fancy lawns of Golden Gate Park, the Oakland Casting Club is definitely in a class of its own. I can think of no place better to go and practice your fly casting in the East Bay while potentially ‘rubbing elbows’ with some of the top internationally recognized fly casters. The park is open to the public 7 days a week, and on any given weekend its a great place to go and relax while practicing your loops. The club members are always friendly and willing to give advice to any stranger who shows genuine interest and a friendly attitude. You don’t even have to be a club member to enjoy the amenities, but I’m willing to bet you’ll find yourself asking how to apply after just a few visits.