by Floyd Dean, FFF Certified Master Fly Casting Instructor This is the beginning of a series of articles on fly casting that will cover the basics through advanced casting. Most people think learning to fly cast is difficult. Well, it can be but it doesn't have to be. One reason why learning to fly cast has been so difficult for so many people is that there has been a lack of consistency in methods of teaching fly casting. We are told so many different methods, each presented as the 'gospel' by one instructor or another. Many of us are left totally confused as to which method to use. Some teach no movement in the wrist, or no movement in the elbow or no movement in the shoulder. Some teach the old method of holding a book pinned between the elbow and the body so as not to drop the book. Some use an analogy of pulling a light chain down to turn on a light. There are all types of devises and theories that were created in the past in an attempt to restrict the movement of those three joints in one way or another. In establishing the certification program the Federation of Fly Fishers is attempting to standardize and improve casting instruction across the country. During this process a study in fly casting is emerging that is gradually clarifying the most important basics and how they can best be taught. This process is ongoing. One fact that is becoming increasing clear is that each of us have unique body mechanics which must be taken into account. Our strength, range of motion, etc. Chris Corich will tell you that he does not have the wrist strength that Steve Rajeff possesses so he has developed his own style, that is unique to Chris, utilizing less wrist movement. A petite woman may cast better if she stops her back cast by having her forearm hit against her bicep in order to make a good positive stop and form a loop. But then, she has to add a drift and a little follow through to smooth out the cast. Each of us will need to make some adaptation according to our body mechanics. The one universal factor that is emerging from this recent study of casting is that if you take one of the three joints out of the cast completely you loose a certain amount of efficiency. It's impossible to make a really good long distance cast with a book under your arm. Or just try to throw a baseball without using shoulder, elbow and wrist. All three joints come into play. It's the same in fly casting. But to do it well it takes control of all three joints. In future articles, I will try to take some of the mystique out of fly casting as we cover the basics from the grip, roll cast, pick up and lay down, the pitfalls of double haul, triple haul, curve casting, distance casting and more. Tight Loops! |
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