Question from a newbie

[Joshkal]

I was wondering if someone could give me some casting pointers. My main problem right now, is that my line bunches up instead of laying out straight? What casues this? Also, I've read a lot about "shooting" what is it, and how do you do it? Any help or advice you could give me would be great. Thanks.


Josh

[Rusty Fowler]

Josh,

Go get some lessons from Scott Swartz of Atlanta Fly Fishing School or some other master instructors. Getting lessons will save you time and frustration. They will know the techniques to use to teach you. From a guide standpoint, nothing is more frustrating than having a guest that cannot perform the necessary casts during a trip. My guess to the reason your line is pilling up on you on the forward cast is because you started going forward with your cast before your backcast was finished. Feel the rod load on the forward and the backcast. I'm not a technical caster, I cast purely on feel. A master instructor can give you all the technical info you need. One thing I recommend to everyone. Learn to double haul.

I hope this helps!

[Joshkal]

Rusty,

Thanks for the advice. The lessons are a good idea, but having just bought all my gear, I'll have to wait a while until I can afford the lessons. Until then I guess I'll be out there casting as best I can, and hoping I'm lucky enough to drop one near a trout. Thanks again for the advice!

Josh

[Rusty Fowler]

Josh,

I think you'll do fine with a good casting instruction book for the time being. Joan Wulffs books are good. Don't make things too difficult. Concentrate your efforts on a 30ft cast until you can learn from a pro. A good 30ft cast will catch you lots of trout!

Lots of people get by without lessons but getting lessons early in the game will make you a better caster in the long run.

[Robert Hafner]

Josh, Sounds like, and I only can guess from not actually seeing you cast, that you are not letting the loop form completely and dropping the rod tip too soon on the forward cast. Meaning, on your forward cast when you actually are going to deliver the fly to the fish, let the line straighten out completely or unroll, before dropping the tip to the water. Do not drop the tip faster than the line falls. This should cure your problem. It really helps to get out on your lawn and do a little practicing. Let me know when you are ready and we'll get you some casting lessons. Just Email me at flycast03@yahoo.com.

[Bob M]

Get a video. They can help a lot. Accept offers to help in person. I'd guess that you aren't stopping the rod (no power stroke) but would have to see you cast.

[Joshkal]

Rob and Bob,

Thanks for your advice. I'm looking into books, and hopefully I'll find something to get me by on. Rob, I'll probably be looking for lessons in the semi-near future. Could you let me know what your rates are? Fell free to send me a personal email if you'd prefer. Thanks again.


Josh

[Robert Hafner]

Josh, I'll Email you soon about prices. You also mentioned something about shooting. Shooting line is a way to lengthen the line or gain distance on a cast. The way it works is this: on a forward or back cast, when you stop the rod at the end of the cast or stroke as its called, the line will want jump out of your hand. If you let go of the line with your line hand, the line will "shoot" out thru the guides of the rod and will lengthen your cast considerably. Here's the key, letting go of the line has to happen exactly at the moment the rod stops on the cast and to control the line, with your line hand, make an O ring with your thumb and pointer finger. Essentially this acts as an extra rod guide and helps to keep the line under control and to not get tangled up in the guides.