Another thing, learn how to roll cast... Most places you end up fishing, you don't have the room to back cast. Roll casting is IMO easier to learn and you can use it just about anywhere. You can't cast quite as far, but in most situations, that distance isn't really needed.
CJ, do you use the "classic" overhead "chop" Roll Cast?
If overhanging branches are a problem and can't get a back cast or overhead cast, a sidearrm of back hand roll cast will allow a double haul and enable the fly caster to shoot line for distance.
AP, remember that you are casting the flyline - not the fly.
Theo, IMO a fly is anything that can be cast on a flyline - even an eathworm ...
