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Walter & Group...
[GH] Here are more responses to Jeff Wagner's photos and questions. I must admit, it's not easy to see what happened to produce these images when we don't view the movements of the caster and the fly rod... a real challenge :
[GH] From Lefty Kreh :
Gordy---This is a classic example why you don't make a long vertical back cast and then drift—great example.
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[GH] From Jim Bass :
Gary,
I may be all wet about what I am seeing but the recent school I attending had a great demo on distance casting and I believe this caster is not making the stop until his arm is fully extended and stops at the end of his reach. This gives a downward start to the loop then the fly leg seems to pull the rod leg up to it. The loop as in this photo seems to have the pointed (hog nose) loop. The leader will come along for the ride. I think the folks in Europe are casting 5 wt's to a distance of 130' +. The key to this is a very late haul and as much speed as you can generate.
Not sure but I think this is what I saw. I have a DVD with many of the fellows doing this I will see how to get you a copy. I do not understand the how or why but I see what they are doing. Best Jim
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[GH] From Craig Buckbee :
gordy,
answers to Jeff's questions below, but first some thoughts:
in an effort to gather some info. i went out and cast my TCX #7 ... caveat: strung with an Airlfo Sudden Impact line which is not a distanced headed line (51 ft).
- my style is not the caster's pictured. my back cast hand position is much lower. my default back cast is a narrower legged loop.
his appears to be a highbred if you will of the 170BB and a more traditional... as far i could replicate.
- the leader wagging, dangling is very common. my casts can have that too.
there is a youtube like slo-mo video out there (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOfBLZCLzu4) of Simon Gawesworth casting (single hand rod) a long line and his leader has a similar looking droop. and he is a very smooth caster.
i do not think it is from too hard a stop, haul or like. i believe it is a function of high energy yes, but with casting a long line one needs this. not a fault per say. leader design is an issue... truncated energy flow?
- the line taper, length of head, has distinct input to the cast, especially when carrying 85'. i have to work very hard to carry 85' with a line head of 51'. that's a lot of overhang. i would much rather use a long headed line... easier to keep the loop stable at distance.
craig
1.) - what are the distinct shapes you notice about the loop and leader?
leader: droop... energy wagging tail.
loop: geometrically distinctive... battleship bow shaped.... looks like a pulley diagram out of a physics text book.
2.) - where is the leader?
in the air connected to the line! ... dangling.
3.) - what could cause this loop shape?
rod tip movement... back and down, and then back up with a good steady position after loop form... note straightness of rod leg. the line taper certainly could be a contributing factor in the loop shape.
4.) - is the rod position appropriate?
his ergonomics, body seems fine to me, but i ain't him. the rod is laid back, unloaded, paused waiting for the appropriate moment to be pulled forward.
i do not cast like the caster pictured. my hand is lower on the back cast.
5.) - could the loop be improved and if so, how?
yes. the fly leg could be closer to the rod leg. otherwise it is a very fine backcast. very.
6.) - what do you believe would be the end result of this back cast and the next forward cast which was the delivery?
if his forward cast is as good as his back cast, faults aside, it will be a swell cast. not sure, but it does appear that he is motioning forward and that worries me a bit.
his body language suggests to me that he is about to launch the line in a useful upward trajectory.... command control we are ready for lift off !
Craig
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