Narrow vs. wide loops / Fly Rods

I included an attachment to our last message depicting air resistance to the travel of narrow vs. wide loops.

I think most instructors understand that a tighter loop means more energy directed at the target. As Tim points out there is also less air resistance against the line even if there is no breeze. With a high school education I am not familiar with scientific terms. But I believe there is a third important factor. The larger the loop the more of the caster's energy must be used to "stand" or "support" a larger loop. Something must keep the bigger loop upright as it unrolls and I believe that energy comes from the caster.

Lefty....

Absolutely ! For that reason, the attachment in our Group message was only partly correct.

The wide loop has greater form drag as well as direct air resistance.... but the main thing, as you point out, is that less of the caster's expended energy is used to direct it to the target than is the case with the tight loop.

I'll point that out in our next message.

Best,

Gordy

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Many of us use certain terms to describe fly rods in different ways. Let's see how you do answering these questions:

1.) Your student asks you, "What is the best length for a fly rod ? " Your answer ?

2.) In trying for a bit more distance when casting your 5 wt. graphite fly rod, you feel that if you had just a bit more rod length you would be able to achieve a little bit more distance. Tim Rajeff recently showed us a trick that he uses. Do you remember what that was ?

3.) Try to come up with a good description or definition of the term ROD ACTION.

4.) We have all heard of casters describing a fly rod as having lots of POWER. What do you think they mean ?

6.) Salt water fly fishermen sometimes request a fly rod with 20 lbs. or greater LIFTING POWER. What application do you think they have in mind ?

7.) You have two fly rods. Each is rated at # 6 wt. One of them is 10' in length. The other is 8 1/2' long. The factory rep tells you that both have exactly the same EFFECTIVE ROD LENGTH. How can that be ?

11.) What (if any) changes would you make in your casting if you switch from a 10' long # 7 rod to an 8' long #7 fly rod assuming that they are both "medium fast" rods and you are using the same fly line ?

12.) What (if any) changes would you make in your casting if you switch from a 9' long # 7 fast action rod to a 9' long #7 slow action "full flex" rod ?

13.) Your student is about to enter a distance casting competition. He asks you if the size and weight of his reel will make any difference. What do you tell him ?

14.) This same student now asks you whether he should choose an up locking reel seat or a down locking seat for this event. Your advice ?

15.) Another of your students is going on a trip. He will be fishing for very large, powerful fish. The fish camp operater has informed him that he won't need long casts, but that these fish are so powerful that not many can be landed. Ten to twelve wt. systems have been recommended. He is about to purchase a fly rod for that situation and he wants to know whether a long rod or a short rod would be best. What do you tell him ?

16.) The angler in question 15.) has been advised to use a rod of a particular length. He now wants to know if this should be a stiff rod or one which is more flexible to land these big powerful fish. Your advice ?

18.) You have hooked a very large fish. As you apply pressure, your guide says, " Be careful not to break the ninety degree rule." What does he mean ?

19.) I actually had a student who had a severe allergy to cork. He'd already purchased two expensive fly rods and didn't want to spend a lot more money to solve his problem. Can you come up with a practical solution ?

20.) You know the design requirements for the rod you wish to purchase. Now what do you actually do as you compare one rod with another at your fly shop ?

23.) Of what value is the property of increased hoop strength of many modern fly rods ?

24.) Rod manufacturers use materials of greater modulus to make their rods stiffer and more responsive relative to rod weight. What else do they do to help accomplish the same thing ?