[puddlejockey]

I'm working almost every day on improving my casting, specifically "real world" casting skills , or what IMO are my troubles when on stream : Casting under limbs, between trees, throwing tight loops through tunnels..fun stuff like that.

I'm getting consistant tight loops with 30 feet of line out, and can shoot another 10-15' pretty easily , in the open, with no distractions like trying to FISH ; UNLESS I'm trying to cast extremely accuratly through holes, around "rocks" , or under limbs.

When that happens, I find myself wanting to end the casting stroke with the rod tip pointed toward my target like an arrow; whether that's under a simulated "limb", between two trees, or whatever else I can find at work to throw line at during lunch. I've deduced that what happens is that Im dropping my rod tip too much , "pointing" at my usually low target, and opening my loops WAAAY up.

What technique, or "sight picture" is normally used for extremely accurate casting strokes, without affecting proper rod arc? It seems like logically "pointing" your rod tip should send the loop in that direction...

Does that even make sense?

Thanks! ( And Yes, casting lessons are a great investment...I've invested in a few with different folks, all of whom were well qualified and great teachers in their own right, but at some point you just have to start practicing)

[puddlejockey]

Anybody??

[NCCY]

Your false cast gives you an accurate direction your fly is headed. Pointing your rod tip at your target may be a way for you to improve accuracy, but more often is "overpowering" when trying to force and get extra distance. Your distance sounds more than enough for NC/Vir. trout fishing.

[streamer]

You suggested that you are dropping the rod tip way too low. I'm going to suggest that you are not dropping it too low, but too quickly, like as a continuation of your forward stroke.

Try this:
Make a normal forward cast that comes to a hard "stop", pause there, then smoothly lower your rod tip toward the water. This will not open your loop, and the cast will still track properly toward your target.

Now, I'm not a casting instructor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.

Streamer

[flyvet]

Here is another possibility to consider: if you are aiming at a spot fairly close to you, within 30' say, your casting plane must be higher in back and lower in front so your rod tip path still stays relatively straight. If your back cast is out more level as for a longer cast and then you aim the rod tip at something close in front then you will in fact open the loop with the increased rod tip path.

[Silvercreek]

Originally Posted by puddlejockey

I'm working almost every day on improving my casting, specifically "real world" casting skills , or what IMO are my troubles when on stream : Casting under limbs, between trees, throwing tight loops through tunnels..fun stuff like that.

I'm getting consistant tight loops with 30 feet of line out, and can shoot another 10-15' pretty easily , in the open, with no distractions like trying to FISH ; UNLESS I'm trying to cast extremely accuratly through holes, around "rocks" , or under limbs.

When that happens, I find myself wanting to end the casting stroke with the rod tip pointed toward my target like an arrow; whether that's under a simulated "limb", between two trees, or whatever else I can find at work to throw line at during lunch. I've deduced that what happens is that Im dropping my rod tip too much , "pointing" at my usually low target, and opening my loops WAAAY up.

What technique, or "sight picture" is normally used for extremely accurate casting strokes, without affecting proper rod arc? It seems like logically "pointing" your rod tip should send the loop in that direction...

Does that even make sense?

Thanks! ( And Yes, casting lessons are a great investment...I've invested in a few with different folks, all of whom were well qualified and great teachers in their own right, but at some point you just have to start practicing)

Originally Posted by flyvet

Here is another possibility to consider: if you are aiming at a spot fairly close to you, within 30' say, your casting plane must be higher in back and lower in front so your rod tip path still stays relatively straight. If your back cast is out more level as for a longer cast and then you aim the rod tip at something close in front then you will in fact open the loop with the increased rod tip path.

I think Flyvet is correct.

To get a tight loop your backcast should be 180 degrees from your forward cast. This helps you keep a straight line path for the rod tip and the fly line. An open loop means that your rod tip is going in a convex path, ie, greater than 180 degrees. If you are casting down as you say, then your forward cast is down toward the target, but your backcast is more level and not tilted up enough. This causes a convex rod tip path and will result in an open loop. It is not the actual length of the rod tip path but the shape of the rod tip path that determines the shape of your casting loop. Remember that shape of the rod tip path = shape of the loop.

The more you aim down, the higher your backcast has to be. If your backcast is too high for the downward angle of of your forward cast, you will end up with a closed or tailing loop. The rod tip path will be concave = tailing or closed loop.

Another possiblity is that your timing changes because you are excited about making the presentation cast. If you make that forward cast too soon or too late, it will affect your cast. Too soon will result in "snapping the whip" with that popping sound. Too late and the back cast begins to fall, and it will open your loop and waste the energy of the backcast.

What ever you do with the rod tip after a hard stop will NOT affect the loop, but will affect how and where the rest of your fly line lands. If you drop the rod tip too fast after the stop, it will drop the fly line faster onto the water. This can result in the fly line hitting the water before your fly does. So you can tell right away if you are dropping the rod too fast.

If you don't make a hard stop but continue to drop the rod as a continuation of the forward casting stroke, then it will open your loop.

I would also suggest that you actually practice on the water as you fish. In 1996, I wrote a FAQ for Flyfish@ called Practice With a Purpose, which explains how to do this. If you blow a difficult cast, examine if you are in the best position to make that cast. Sometimes a different casting position makes for an easier cast. Then practice that cast right then and there. Try it 4 or 5 times before moving on.

I've found that this type of "on the stream practice" is better than lawn casting because it deals with real world situations. The next time you are on the stream, you will be better prepared.

[Kent]

The line goes in the direction that the rod tip travels, not where the rod points.

Think slingshot, not rifle.

[puddlejockey]

Thanks, guys- helpfull information!

In taking a closer look at my cast, you were right on the money with stopping my front cast to low!

my hard stop had actually had turned into a soft landing in the right direction... I was maybe thinking "stop" but doing "slowdown" ..I'll try to stop on the right plane for a second, then aim a little if needed.

I like the idea of trying a cast after I blow it on the stream also. I've done that a few times, but only when I set out specifically to improve my cast. I need to get into the mindset of ALWAYS improving my cast ( and maybe try the cast again BEFORE I tie on yet another fly..)