The Wrist

The wrist is the weakest link in the system, so it needs the most care and attention to execute a good cast. It moves all right, but in a firm controlled manner. If the full range of motion for all three joints is 100%, the wrist is only moving 10% or less as it's contribution to the cast. The elbow is the biggest contributor at about 80% and the shoulder comes in at another 10%. These percentages vary depending upon how far you are casting. Or the type of cast such as curve or tuck casts.

The Grip
But first, you may want to check your grip. I prefer the thumb on the side method, (free wrist grip or key grip) so that I have full range of motion in my wrist if I need it. This becomes very useful as you become more advanced in your casting. so, I believe it is a good habit to develop from the start. It's like a handshake or like you would grip a tennis racket or the bottom hand in golf. The index finger should be slightly ahead of the thumb on the underside of the rod.

The Roll Cast

It's best to do this cast on water because the water creats the friction and drag necessary for a good roll cast. If you can't practice on water it is possible to learn this on grass using a grass leader. This was developed by Al Buhr in Oregon for practicing Spey casting. Take a spool of monofiliment, 15 to 20 lb test, and tie a blood knot every four to six inches. First you cut the line at 15" This will be your butt section. Now tie a blood knot leaving the stubs trimmed at 3/8". Cut the next section at about 7" and reconnect with another blood knot. After you have done this about 15 - 20 times you will end up with about a 9' grass leader. The stubbs will cause drag on the grass. This leader can be dangerous to be sure to wear eye protection!

This is the basic roll cast. Begin with rod in hand and approximately 25 - 30 feet of line off the tip of the rod. Raise the rod tip, the line will slide across the surface of the water (you'll find it difficult to slide on the grass) toward you. Draw the rod tip to the one or two o'clock position. Look at your hand. It should be opposite your face and the index finger should be at about eye level. The line should be hanging straight down or slightly behind you and at rest. The forearm should be in a vertical position and slightly open. Cock your wrist back a little bit past neutral. Now, the tip of the rod is still at one or two o'clock. Chop down and forward as if you were chopping celery with a large knife.

Drop the shoulder slightly, rotating the rod tip downward extending the elbow outward, moving the wrist to neutral and, finally, at the end of the cast, fire that cocked wrist. Remember, only 10% movement in the wrist.

Tight Loops!
Floyd Dean