Dapping
Also called dap, dapping a fly
A presentation where the fly touches the water lightly while most of the leader and line stay off the water, often by holding the rod high or using a breeze.
- Group
- Working the surface
- Category
- Technique & presentation
- Level
- Advanced
- Water
- Freshwater
Last updated
What Dapping means
Dapping is a way to present a dry fly or terrestrial with minimal line on the water. The fly is allowed to kiss the water, then lifted and set back down, with the rod held high and the leader mostly suspended.
It is commonly done at close range from a bank, a boat, or a high position above the water. Anglers use the rod tip, arm length, and sometimes wind to move the fly in short taps or drifts without laying out a full cast.
Why it matters on the water
Dapping solves the problem of conflicting currents. With almost no line on the water, drag drops fast, and the fly can hover in a seam, along a cutbank, or under overhanging brush where a normal cast would skate.
Read next
- Dry flyA dry fly is a floating fly meant to be fished on the surface, where you can see it and the take.
- LeaderThe leader is the clear, tapered line between the fly line and the fly. It turns the fly over and gives you a clean, controlled presentation.
- TerrestrialA terrestrial is a fly that imitates a land insect that ends up on or in the water, like an ant, beetle, or grasshopper.
- TippetTippet is the thin, level line tied to the end of your leader. It’s the section you cut back and replace as you change flies and re-tie knots.