I've been fishing for about 20 years now and my casting hasn't changed much in all that time. I've always been aware that my casting wasn't technically perfect (I still stick the butt up my sleeve!) but it never really bothered me as I was able to get decent distance and presentation.

The problem is that I have recently started getting back and arm pain after fishing. My question is this.....do you think a casting lesson would be helpful or are is it too late now? Can the bad habits of 20 years be broken?

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And when none bite, I praise the wise
Whom vain allurements ne'er surprise.

Go for it, amazing what can be done for an "Old Dog"

It can't do any harm

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Eddie
"We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation."
Voltaire

Of course you can, I am sure infact that you could learn to cast with your nondominant arm if you needed to ,ironing out a few creases shouldnt be so difficult ,think of how many pro golfers dismantle and rebuild their swing mid carreer , help from a pro will speed up the process . goodluck with it.
PJ

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When you can see without being seen,strike without knowing why,and guess correctly where the best fish lie,they have taught you all they can.
(T.C. KINGSMILL MOORE)

A good instructor will do you wonders .
myself I taught myself with the help of Angling times and the Angling magasine with some help from a few books .
that was for lake and then river fishing , i made a fist of it and caught but no where as well or as easily as now .
Falkus ,taught me Spey casting ,was a great week ,but he was not as great a teacher as many I have been seen to since ,but what i learnt on his week translated into better single handed casting ,and a realisation that my skills were lacking ,
since then every time i have some spare cash and some free time a casting lesson /clinic /or 15 mins at a gamefair have helped me become some one who can cast a wee bit ,and use a huge amount less effort!

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Andy Wren
Winter grayling taking a year off !
Claret not just a great dubbing colour!

A casting lesson, with a good instructor, is always money well spent.

No matter how good a caster you are, you never stop learning.

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www.paypalsucks.com

I was in the same boat as yourself, I took one lesson from an instructor and my casting and presentation has improved dramataically, no more shoulder pains either

hello it is not ideal to put the rod but up your sleeve for long periods of time, can get tennis elbow and back pain, as your arm would be the rod extension too and not meant to be. anyway like others have said get a lesson and take all your gear so instructor can help with casting and rod hold. you might need to try other rods so he will have too. good luck

try a 5 weight out.

Thanks for all the replies....think I'll just swallow my pride and get some help if I want to have another 20 or hopefully 40 years casting! Anyone recommend a good casting instructor in Co. Antrim?

__________________
And when none bite, I praise the wise
Whom vain allurements ne'er surprise.

Go visit a physiotherapist rather than a casting instructor who wouldn't have clue on how to correct your newly developed medical condition. The physio person will help you strengthen your weak points. In this case there is no magic rod/wand.