Author Topic: Euro-nymphing practice (Read 913 times)

Clyde Olson · « **on:** June 14, 2011, 10:42:22 AM »

As a guy new to Euro-nymphing and not being close enough to spend much time on river waters, but having had the advantage of controlling for 30 hours at the '11 SE Regionals and Nationals watching the best performing and Paul Bourcq getting me started, I'm asking some input on how best to practice, hoping this will also help others in my shoes as we start out to learn this nymphing technique(s). In the mail is an Echo ShadowPE 3106. My 3119 and 4106 switch rods are just a bit heavy in hand to comfortably fish all day. I've got a community pool and some tidal rivers to use---and there's always the grass!

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2011, 05:44:02 PM »

So, what in particular would you like some guidance on Clyde? Leader/Indicator formulas/suggestions? Ideas for practicing on nontypical water? etc?

btw, welcome to the forum! Always happy to talk about advance nymphing techniques.

Paul Bourcq · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2011, 07:22:10 PM »

Clyde nice to see you on here. First leave savannah and move to wnc.....on a serious note I would find a leader with a sighter and fish it with multiple techniques.you should come up and float the nanty soon

Clyde-i recently passed my fff casting instructor and want to thank you for those days spent teaching me spey casting on the river. Im certain a thorough understanding of dynamic tension made me better prepared.

Clyde Olson · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2011, 09:17:59 PM »

My first response got timed out so I'll try it again. Dejon I think what I'd like is some tips on casting mono. This site has been great in finding out about leaders, indicators, etc., but the actual mechanics of mono casting is fuzzy to me. Is the cast continuous? Any water loading? As you extend the cast---fromCZ/POL to FR/SP---how do the mechanics change, if any? I'm casting mono now, but am I doing it correctly or simply modifying the usual fly line cast? Perhaps I'll do it better with the EchoShadow that's on its way to me than the two switch rods I now have.

And Paul, if I moved to WNC I'm sure I'd have to move there without my wife of 52 years and good fishing or no, I'd be miserable in no time. Thanks to you for my start in this very exciting Euronymphing thingy. By the way, my two days on the Trophy section up in Cherokee after the Nationals were the two best days I've had there. Thanks in great part to watching some great fishermen at the Nationals.

Clyde Olson · « **Reply #4 on:** June 15, 2011, 07:49:55 AM »

Dejon---Just saw your thread on the "Perfect Euro Cast" and it was very helpful.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #5 on:** June 15, 2011, 06:07:09 PM »

Clyde, I get the sense I'm outclassed here in trying to technically describe the mechanics of casting to you.

Regardless, If you're referring to an all level mono "leader" such as 100ft of 20lb mono. Then yes, water loading and "sling-shotting" are essentially what we're doing. After all, we're not "casting" line in the classic sense so much as we are propelling weighted flies utilizing this leader. Having a light rod that will load that minor amount of weight can be night and day when trying to wield this approach.

Couple things to consider:
1.) Radical, mid stroke changes in directory (target) are what usually create bird nests. If you need to change target at a great angle use 2 or 3 "false casts" or waterloads to get there.
2.) Try a "helicopter" full 180 swing to get under brush.
3.) Light tip rods that load easily work well with this technique (The echo is excellent).
4.) Effective hand-twist (managing line) is essential with this technique.
5.) Visual indicators like the curly work well at distance.

If you know you're going to be fishing at least one heavy fly and the "plop" won't generally scare fish this technique can be absolutely deadly. With no heavy fly line to manage or scare fish you can effectively present flies at distance with great stealth and direct contact.

Clyde Olson · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2011, 08:20:37 AM »

Dejon, between your "Perfect Euro-cast" thread and the above response, I've a better idea of how to cast pure mono without fly line, aided additionaly by what I saw at the comps. The thing that stood out for me at the comps was the continuity of the cast among the guys who seemed to me were doing it well: most seemed always to have a micro-set at the end of the drift(which is a rod loading move), then seamlessly, without any hesitation(which would have killed the water-load), transitioned into the back then forward cast in Belgian-castish fashion. Your tip to "flick" the forward cast from the 12 o'clock stop-position(not 10) I think will prove to be important. Your input, along with Allain B.s thread on the Hends leader "on the cheap" and the extreme importance of the leader in casting mono will be a big leg up for me as I start euroing in earnest. In many respects the factors important here were also important to me in learning a bit about spey casting.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #7 on:** June 16, 2011, 10:15:57 AM »

Excellent observations Clyde. Your comment on the micro-set at the end of the drift is an essential element I forgot to point out. Without it you've basically lost your forward anchor point and would have to strip-in to regain control.