Before you head out to a lake or river, be sure you learn how to cast. It's really discouraging when you are out there on the water and having to constantly untangle your leader, tippet, and fly. You might think of getting Joan Wulff's video(s) on fly casting. Her's are definitely some of the best. Though I'm basically self taught, after having seen her "Dynamics of Flycasting," I have to recommend it. It certainly improved my casting after watching it. Outside of that, find a long stretch of lawn to practice on. Do a little every day, and, after a little while, you'll get the hang of it. Without practice, it'll be a lot of frustration and no fish. It's been a little over two years for me, and I can tell you that practice does make perfect.

--Ceviche