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Thread: Fly Casting Basics 1

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Stilbaai
    Posts
    990

    Default Fly Casting Basics 1

    Hi Guys,

    I will do a series of casting tutorials and trust it will help some newcomers and also some of the older ballies who know all about casting a fly 40m


    Good fly casting starts with the proper body position and also the connection between caster and the fly rod, the grip. Body and hand movement will determine the path of the rod tip and ultimately where the fly will en up. Here is the basics.

    The Grip

    Thumb on top




    Positives

    • Effective power application during the power snap (quick acceleration followed by sudden stop on both the forward and back cast).
    • Offers effective control during all phases (loading phase, power snap phase, follow through/drift phase) of both the forward and back stroke.
    • Great for accuracy when needed – the fly will end up in the direction which the thumb stopped during the forward stroke.


    "Tennis Racket" Grip



    • I often see fly anglers gripping the rod in this way, avoid this one like the plague, offers no positives.


    Index finger on top.



    Positives

    • This grip offers some degree of control when accuracy is needed, mainly on streams. The thumb on top is still superior as an all round grip.


    Negatives

    • Lack of power during the power snap.
    • Not suitable for heavier rod weights.


    Body Position

    Turning sideways




    Positives


    • This position allows a longer casting stroke since the casting arm can be moved further back without rotating the upper body.
    • See how the line straightens without rotating the upper body.
    • A fly rod can be compared with a bow and arrow, the more it bends (longer casting stroke) the further the arrow flies i.e. casts further.


    Negatives

    • Not the best position for accuracy.


    Standing Square



    Positives

    • This position offers greater accuracy over shorter distances like when fishing streams.


    Negatives

    • Shorter stroke length (less distance), due to limited arm movement.
    • When looking back the upper body rotates which causes the rod tip to move inwards in a curved shape, opening up the casting loop.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    West Coast
    Posts
    883

    Default

    Awesome
    Where are the next in the series !
    /d
    What ever you do never confuse Fishing With catching Fish !!!!
    Fish Are Friends Not Food

    But your reasoning has a fatal flaw; it overlooks the fact that to comprehend it requires that one rub a few brain cells against each other. The heat thus generated produces the light that illuminates the fact, but alas, not everybody has the resource required to fuel the process --SG

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    WP
    Posts
    1,468

    Default

    Nice Philip, looking forward to the rest
    Regards
    Craig

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Stilbaai
    Posts
    990

    Default

    Hi Guys,

    Will do some more week after next. Please add where I might have left something out.

    Cheers

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