Author Topic: Rods and Casting for Long Leaders (Read 779 times)

Louis Martin · « **on:** February 03, 2011, 01:52:58 PM »

OK, there's an earlier post on this topic that's very helpful. I quote from it a bit below, then ask a few questions:

QUOTATIONS FROM PREVIOUS POSTS:

Loren: "The trick is in how you use the rod--you simply cannot cast expecting the leader to load the rod. You need to use the rod's power to form the cast. No wrist, you will get tired until the proper muscles get developed.

It took me a full summer of developing what I was shown by George, taking full spools of leader material on the water, and lots of fine tuning but, I can now cast extremely accurately with only a leader and even a single tiny nymph."

. . .

Nick: "As far as casting the long leaders goes if your trying to cast the leader like you would a tapered leader its going to end up in a big mess in front of you. You need throw that rod forward hard and then stop it dead. Imagine you are trying to get the top section of your rod to go flying off (happens sometimes). Its similar to the idea of casting a regular gear rod except there is nothing to load the rod. In other word you need to make the rod load by powering it forward faster than the tip can catch up to the butt. Its the total opposite of what you learned about casting a fly rod. This why experienced fly fisherman have a hard time with it but I can take friends and family out that never held a fly rod and they get it in 10 mins."

QUESTIONS

1. Loren mentioned a Z *cough* rod, and I believe I know the brand; it's just too rich for my blood right now. Will a Grey's 3 wt 10 ft work if I learn the right stroke? I also have a Temple Fork 5 wt 10 foot. Would it be better?

2. For actual fishing, will it be best to start with a shorter leader, perhaps with a 12, then 15 foot knotless, get used to them, then go to the Hends--or should I go whole hog from the get go?

3. Loren mentions using leader material to learn. I assume he means just learn to cast a length of leader material for practice. I'd guess about 20 feet (or more) of 4X or 3x might help get me started . . . right? I'm hesitant to start off with the Hends, either fishing or practicing, mess the $15.00 leader up, get frustrated, and finally give up, as some seem to have done.

I know all this is theoretical until I get out and do it, but some guidance might keep me out of the woods so to speak. Or the loony bin.

Loren Williams · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2011, 02:05:39 PM »

Louis,

Great questions. I have the Greys and you'll cast just fine with it. It does not recover as nice as the Z but that may force you to tone down the violence and learn how to maintain momentum using the butt of the rod even better.

Start with a tapered leader of some sort-straight tippet is not going to cut it. You can also use straight 20# Maxima or Stren....just don't cheat and use a heavy fly--you want to learn to cast the leader, not lob the fly.

I would liketo stress NOT over powering the cast with your arm...let the rod do the work, you are just seeking to use a different part of the rod. It should be a quiet cast, short stroke and the cast should be on a line and very accurate.

At some point your leader will limit you--then it is time to start cutting and playing--it's a great way to begin to learn how important a leader is and what a taper really does.

My goal is for 100% contact the moment the fly hit the water..no stripping, no rod adjustment other than matching current speeds, no undo slack-all with casting accuracy.