Walter & Group......
Just got back for a few days..........
We need to know more about Spey Lines and lines for two handed casting in general.
Since I am not a two handed casting expert and need to learn just as some if not most of you, I have asked Al Buhr to help us with some basic information on this subject. (As many of you know, Al is chairman of our CBOG Two Handed Casting Committee.)
As you can see when you review the attachment, I also asked Ally Gowans to come up with a quiz to start the ball rolling.
After reviewing your answers, I'll share Ally's answers along with some from Rick whorwood, Kirk Eberhard and Dennis Grant. All of these experts know more about Two handed fly casting and fishing than I'll ever know !
Gordy
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QUIZ:
Spey lines
1 - Generally speaking what types of lines are not suitable for Spey casting?
2 - Generally speaking what types of lines are commonly used for Spey casting?
3 - Why are those listed in (1) unsuitable and why are those listed in (2) suitable?
4 - Recommend the head (front taper + main mass (belly) + back taper) length to rod length for a promising student.
5 - How much floating line (multiple of rod length) can be comfortably aerialised into a 'D' loop with a long belly Spey line, single Spey cast and 45 degree angle change?
6 - As (5) for a Double Spey cast with a 90 deg angle change?
7 - How do the answers given in (5) and (6) vary for the following conditions:
a) - Standing on a casting platform?
b) - Wading ankle deep?
c) - Wading up to waist level?
8 - What can be done to increase the length of line aerialised in a 'D' loop for a Single Spey cast and what is likely to deteriorate during the casting sequence as this length is increased?
9 - What determines the maximum mass of a custom fast sinking tip attached to a Spey line?
10 - When Spey casting with a fast sinking tip how can you reasonably sure that the line/fly will cast cleanly?
11 - How does the leader/fly assemblage influence Spey cast and for Underhand casting?
12 - Who popularised the modern Underhand cast? What are the advantages and disadvantages of Underhand casting compared to Spey casting?
13 - The rear portion of the head of many WF Spey lines is comparatively heavy, why?
14 - What disadvantage (from a fishing perspective) is encountered due to the heavy rear portion with certain types of line?
15 -What type of line was preferred by Scotsman Alexander Grant who often cast over 160ft without shooting any line over 100 years ago? What type of cast did he use? What type of rod and where did it get its name from? Which of the modern lines most closely compare with Grant's line?
16 - What do you expect to see if uncontrolled running line is used with a shooting head and:
a) - The running line is too light/lacks friction?
b) - The running line is too heavy/excessive friction?
c) - Imagine that you are wading waist deep in a fast flow. Describe how the drag effect of loose running line can be reduced whilst casting?
d) - How can turnover be improved?
17 - Howling upstream wind, standing on a long steep bank four feet above the water (the bank rises to 100 ft). Fishing with a type 3 sinking line into deep water. What cast would you suggest?
18 - Wind is downstream and you are positioned back against a wall built right at the water's edge with no possibility of wading? Choose an outfit and casting method to make best use of the situation?
19 - For what purposes was "Skagit" casting styles developed? What techniques are common to all Skagit casts?
20 - What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a double tapered line for Spey casting?
Best wishes,
Ally Gowans
Here are just a few additional questions asked by Rick Whorwood:-
21. - What is the primary function of the rear taper of a Spey line ?
22 - Which is better, a long rear taper or a short one ?
23 - Is it necessary to have a rear taper on a Spey line ?
24 - Can you think of any advantage to using a shooting head rather than a full Spey line ?
25 - Do you know of any group of Spey fishermen who are known for cutting off the rear taper of their Spey lines ?
26 - In general, how are Spey lines rated ?
Rick / Gordy
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Some of us have been discussing the geat value in what I call the "study buddy" way of preparing for the MCCI exam... (Or just to learn as much as possible about fly casting/fishing/teaching).
Years ago, when Rick Whorwood and I were studying for our MCCI exams, we teamed up and began to email one another questions. The idea was that we agreed to answer them with two answers.... one as brief as possible, and the second more detailed. It was amazing how much we each learned ! All this despite the fact that we lived more than 2000 miles apart (Rick in Ontario, Canada, and I in South Florida.) This was the actual start for our Study Group.
It occured to me that we could help promote that concept here with our Group. I've gotten many questions over the past few years about problems preparing for the exam from folks who live in areas where there isn't easy access to others doing the same thing or even local Masters.
Any one of you who would like to have someone with whom you could communicate privately for study can write me requesting that I list your name and email address on the Group format with a request for someone else to agree to do this with you.
This could be of even greater value if any two of you joining up for this purpose had experience with different kinds of fly fishing and/or different teaching experiences.
If you like this idea, TAKE THE BALL AND RUN WITH IT !
Gordy
Attachment:
Fw_ Spey lines.email
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