Gordy,
In the upcoming revision we've included some statements that should help clarify the requirements for this task....
.....The candidate may use an artificial anchor device on the tip end of the leader if on grass, or use a grass leader... The back loop should be established by slowly dragging the line into position without the fly leaving the surface. The back loop may have rearward momentum at the time the forward cast is begun. The back loop shall not exceed one rod length. Reasons for failure now include "Thrown back loop or Switch Cast".
Regarding:: 'loops no higher than the caster's head'.....this provides a simple and practical approach for judging loop size.
Dusty
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[GH] Dusty,
That helps a great deal.
Allowing some rearward momentum for the back loop makes a big difference. Of course, there can still be a bit of momentum even if the rod is stopped unless the loop is dragged back too slowly. A judgement call for examiners.
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[GH] Question from Mike Heritage :
''Allowances will be made if casting on grass'
Exactly what allowances?
Mike'
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[GH] Mike,
I'm sure the MCI Testing Committee members were fully aware of the increased difficulty in performing these roll cast tasks when water isn't available.
These "allowances" mean that slight imperfections in loop size, distance achieved and layouts will likely not be counted against the candidate.
Subjective ? Yes... but I think this was added in the spirit of fairness to the candidate.
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[GH] Guy Manning weighs in :
Through all this discussion on the roll cast I have yet to see mention of the parallel or flat loop legs. I believe this is what they are looking for when requiring the loop being below head height. As with most of the tasks, I would be more concerned with loop shape then height. An elliptical leading edge and a flat upper leg would tell all. If the candidate can make a tight cast they can make a wide cast.
But I see most candidates not getting it, most often because they use their normal power and too much hand translation ending up with a nearly straight arm. I can make a 45 foot tight roll cast and have a finishing angle of about 110 degrees at the elbow (the elbow will be only be about 5 inches in front of the center line of the side of my body). This is much different than what Gary Eaton mentioned in his paper where it sounded like the arm was extended to its full reach. As with any cast the rod arc has a lot of influence in determining the size of the loop So if one can’t make a tight loop they need to reduce the size of the arc. If I coached someone to start with the rod further back and end up stopping when they ran out of arm, I would be teaching them to make pretty wide loops if they use their normal power. If they delayed the power until their arm were almost fully extended that might work, but to me it would be inefficient from a motion standpoint – too much motion to accomplish the task. You could get the same results with a more compact stroke and by adding more power applied during that stroke.
As for the line coming to a halt prior to the cast; I have used that quite a few times, just as I have used a switch cast. It depends on the situation. As for including a switch cast in the MCI test I say go ahead. The CI test requires a dead line cast and the MCI would have already proven they could perform it. So a switch cast should be allowed at the MCI level. I think some on the testing committee want to keep tasks too similar than they need to be between the 2 levels.
Also, if it is ok with you I would like to attach a document regarding an upcoming event:
2 Day Casting Instructors Workshop (prep workshop) to be held at the Leland Fly Fishing Ranch in Sonoma, CA. on May 21 & 22.
Guy Manning
FFF Master Certified Casting Instructor
Moderator - FFFCCI yahoo Group
www. castflys.com
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[GH] Guy,
You are right about the loops. Not much said about the size/shape and formation of roll cast loops until this message with Dusty's input on the "no higher than the caster's head" level loop being a way of quickly judging the loop when testing and, now, your discussion.
I like the oft used word picture of an "egg shaped loop" when talking about roll casting loops. Flattened enough to actually have that appearance and with reasonably parallel legs. .... NOT big, round and way up there.
As I understand it, a true switch cast ("forward Spey") is to be included in the new MCI exam complete with active D-loop, Active anchor placement, and alignments. I think one of the reasons for that is that the mastery of the switch cast is a great prelude to learning the change of direction Spey casts.
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