The Australian Casting Association, now called the Australian Casting Federation was created in 1937 and has operated continuously since then. It had three sections, fly casting, plug casting and weight (surf) casting. Australia was an inaugural member of the International Casting Federation. Now, only fly casting and plug casting continue in Australia. Fly casting consists of 6 events, 3 accuracy on water and 3 distance events on grass.

The 3 accuracy events are the Dry Fly, 5 targets set between 7 ms and 15 ms in an open triangle. The caster has three casts at each target, the first cast scores five points, the second three points and the third two points. Each delivery cast must be separated by false casts, total max score 50points.

The ICF Skish on water is the same as the ICF event 1 plus a roll cast section, max score 100 points. The dry fly section is has a max score of 50 points, the roll cast section has a max score of 25 points and the wet fly section has a max score of 25 points.

The Wet Fly has 5 targets in a straight line out from the casting platform, the first target is 10.75 m from the platform and each target 2 to 5 is 1.5 ms apart. The caster false casts to the first target, lengthening line and then delivers to the target. From then no false casting is allowed. The caster has three delivery casts at each target, the first cast is worth 5 points, the second cast is worth 3 points and the third cats is worth 2 points. The caster then strips off 1.5 m of line from the reel and delivers 3 casts to the next target etc. through to target 5. max score 50 points.

Three fly distance events are also competed for, the Fisherman’s Accuracy and Distance (the old ICF Event 2), the single handed fly distance is the same as the current ICSF Event 2 and the Salmon Fly Distance which is the same event as the current ICSF event 6.

The 6 plug events are the same as the ICSF plug events, 3 accuracy and 3 distance.

In 1974 Australia hosted a World Casting Championships in Taree, New South Wales. Only 3 nations competed in the fly section, Sweden, USA and Australia. Only 1 caster from Sweden attended, Lars Ahlstron and he also acted as Chief Judge. From the USA, Steve Rajeff, Anne Strobel and ICF Vice President Cliff Netherton attended. 15 nations attended the alternative 1974 event in Cottbus GDR.

Steve Rajeff winning the event.

Japan and Australia competed in the weight or surf casting division.

The Fisherman’s Accuracy and Distance event was included, this was the old ICF Event 2. Three accuracy rings at 35 feet, 45 feet and 55 feet from the casting platform, 1 cast at each target over 3 rounds, possible maximum event score 45 points. (then accuracy rings were scored as 5,3,2) The longest distance cast was added to the accuracy score.

Originally the line was a maximum 1 ounce (28 grams in weight). The SHD was a maximum 1.5 ounces (42 grams) in weight but lines have now been standardised to 38 gram.

Author: John Waters (Australia)