FREE Fly Casting Lessons at the Autumn Open Weekend
If you've ever wanted to try fly fishing, sort out a problem with your casting or simply pick up a few pointers from an experienced instructor, make sure you visit the casting pool during the GAC Autumn Open Weekend 2026.
Across all three days of the show, Guideline's SGAIC instructor John Milne will once again be offering FREE fly casting taster lessons at Glasgow Angling Centre.
The sessions are open to everyone. You might be picking up a fly rod for the first time, struggling with a particular part of your cast or simply looking for a few small improvements that will make your fishing easier.
There is no pressure and no need to arrive with all the gear. Head down to the casting pool, have a chat with John and have a go.
Why Take a Casting Lesson?
Fly casting is one of those skills where a very small change can make a surprisingly big difference.
Timing, tracking, grip and how you apply power all affect what happens to the line. It is easy to develop habits without realising it, and having an experienced instructor watch a few casts can often identify the problem much faster than trying to work it out yourself.
John has been teaching and guiding since 1999 and has spent years working with anglers of every level. That experience makes the sessions useful whether you're learning the basics or trying to tidy up a cast you've been using for decades.
What to Expect at the Casting Pool
Representing Guideline, John will have tackle available on the pool and will be on hand throughout the weekend to help visitors improve their casting.
FREE Taster Lessons: Get some one-to-one advice from John.
Fix a Problem: Ask for help with a particular part of your cast.
Try Guideline Tackle: Cast different rods and lines on the pool.
Ask Questions: Get advice on matching rods, reels and lines to your fishing.
For newcomers, it is a much easier way to learn than trying to work everything out from diagrams or videos. John can explain what the rod and line should be doing, then make adjustments while you are actually casting.
For more experienced anglers, it is a chance to work on accuracy, timing, presentation or simply get another opinion on a cast that doesn't feel quite right.
Put Your Casting to the Test
The casting pool isn't only about tuition.
Our Open Weekend Casting Competition also returns for Autumn 2026, giving visitors the chance to put their casting to the test and see where they can get their name on the leaderboard.
It is a bit of friendly competition and another good excuse to spend some time around the pool. Speak to John during the weekend for the latest details and to have a go.
About John Milne
John is a familiar face at our Open Weekends and has spent a lifetime involved in fishing, instruction and competition.
Teaching & Guiding: Since 1999.
Qualification: Scottish Game Angling Instructors Certificate - SGAIC.
Accreditation: Scottish Anglers National Association.
Writing: Regular newspaper and magazine articles.
Broadcasting: Featured on BBC Radio Scotland discussing the art of fly casting.
Qualifications are important, but what really matters around the casting pool is being able to explain things clearly. John has years of experience breaking casts down into simple changes that anglers can understand and take away with them.
If your free session gives you the bug and you want to continue learning afterwards, John also offers further tuition through Fly Casting Scotland.
New to Fly Fishing?
If you've been thinking about trying fly fishing but aren't sure where to start, the Open Weekend is a very easy way into it.
You can have your first cast on the pool, speak directly to an instructor and then head inside to look at the tackle with a much better idea of what everything actually does.
There is plenty more game fishing activity happening across the weekend too, including casting demonstrations, Fly Tyers' Row and experts from some of the biggest brands in fly fishing.
So don't worry if you've never held a fly rod before. That's exactly what the free taster sessions are there for.
Come and Have a Cast
Whether it is your first ever fly cast, you're trying to get rid of an old bad habit or you simply fancy putting some Guideline tackle through its paces, make sure you visit John at the casting pool.
The lessons are FREE, the Open Weekend is FREE to attend and parking is also FREE, so there really is no reason not to have a go.
GAC Autumn Open Weekend 2026
Friday 25th to Sunday 27th September 2026
Glasgow Angling Centre
Unit 1, The Point Retail Park
29 Saracen Street, Glasgow, G22 5HT
Friday 25th: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Saturday 26th: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Sunday 27th: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Entry and parking are FREE.
Free casting lessons, casting demonstrations, casting competitions, Fly Tyers' Row, lure tank demonstrations, expert advice, exclusive event offers, prize draws and plenty more throughout the weekend.
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