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    Title: 1
    Here are some questions from the European Master's Exam.....

    1.     What are the reasons for learning the double haul ?

    The double haul adds load to the rod and increases line speed.  This aids in distance csting, wind casting, and general line handling.

    2.     Explain the most important factor for casting accuracy!

    Having a straight casting plane directed at the target.  This might mean changing the trajectory of the casting plane.  But most always means having a straight back cast and forward to be most accurate.

    3.     How do you combine casts for getting a longer drag-free float ?

    You might combine a standard straight line cast with a curve or use a mend to increase slack line and allow the fly a longer float without drag.

    4.     When do you use the reach-cast and when the bow-cast ?

    The reach cast and bow cast are used to get a longer float or avoid an obstacle or current.   The reach cast may be used more for even current, no multiple currents.  Bow cast can be directed within a faster or slower current that is in the line of the desired target.

    5.     What is the result of a high rod stop on the back cast ?

    If the entire casting plane has been changed the high rod stop on the back will produce a high backcast.

    6.     What is the result of a straight line movement of your rod tip during the power stroke ?

    A tight loop.

    7.     What is the most important factor in distance casting ?

    Line speed.

    8.     What is the best term to describe the most important part of casting ?

    Stop

    9.     Describe the line angle when casting 20 feet or less !

    45 degrees (approximately)

    10.  Why do you make a positive stop at the end of the back and end of the forward cast ?

    To transfer energy from the rod into the line, and create a loop.

    11.  What is the main function of the double haul ?

    Increase load on the rod and increase line speed to overall increase line speed and power.

    12.  When should you make maneuvers of the rod tip to make various slack line casts ?

    When you are fishing over opposing currents or when obstacles need to be avoided (pocket water).

    13.  How do you cast directly into a wind ?

    1.     High Backcast low frontcast

    2.     Side are cast under the wind.

    3.     Normal casting stoke with increased line speed

    4.     High trajectory Belgian cast

    5.     Tighten loop

    6.     Galway cast

     

    14.  Why should there always be tension on the line between your hand and the 1e guide ?

    Retain a feeling of connectedness and keep slack out of the system to prevent tailing loops (dip down rod path)

    15.  What is the most important factor in distance casting ?

    Line speed

    16.  Why do you mend the line ?

    To keep slack in the line on the water to prevent the fly from dragging against the current

    17.  What can you tell me about the direction of front and back cast when casting a well-shaped loop ?

    The front and back cast should be 180 degrees apart and remain in the same vertical and horizontal plane.  This will prevent tailing and wide loops (vertical plane, casting plane) and rounded backcasts (horizonatal plane, line plane)

    18.  When does the loop start to form ?

    Directly after the stop.

    19.  How does the twisting of the wrist on the back cast influence the casting ?

    It opens the loop horizontally,  this removes the effectiveness of the cast by using more energy.  This is a natural tendency of the wrist when taken behind the shoulder. 

    20.  How does the way of holding the handle change when casting long distances ?

    This is a matter of style and does not need to change.  But many distance casters choose a key grip versus a thumb over grip.

    21.  How do you perform slack line casts best ?

    By imparting the slack just after the stop in the direction and for the duration (size) that is desired.

    22.  Can you do spey casting only with spey rods ?

    No

    23.  Are the basic fundamentals of the casting stroke in the casting of two-handed rods similar to single hand rods ?

    Yes

    24.  How do you pick line off the water correctly ?

    By lifting the line off the water until the leader is only on the water or the fly is only on the water, then beginning the back cast.

    25.  What is the result of a good, positive stop ?

    Good energy transfer, good loop formation, and easier casting.

    26.  What happens if you unload the rod before the line of the back cast is straightened ?

    Since the rod is going to be stopped or drifting back as the line is unrolling I am not sure this is possible.  I would assume it would kill the cast.

    27.  Should you drift the rod forward to keep the line tight when the backcast is unrolling ?

    At times yes, usually done after the drift back, Slide Loading (Joan Wulff).

    28.  What is fly casting all about ?

    Bending and unbending the fly rod in a specific manner to move the fly to the desired target. (getting the fly to the fish to catch fish)

    29.  How does the rod hand motion change from a short to a long cast ?

    Long cast, long stroke; short cast, short stroke (possibly also a style change, some casters have more wrist movement (hand) movement in short casts and less in long casts)

    30.  When should you release the line when trying to shoot line forward ?

    Directly after the stop, seen as the stop by some.

    31.  Does a rod's action contribute to the tailing loop problem ?

    In the hands of competent caster no.  But, depending on the persons own style and muscle type, possibly.  A caster use to a fast rod that throws a slow rod may tail because of the more abrupt power application of the faster rod.  A caster use to a slow rod that uses a fast rod generally will not have this problem as they are use to casting with a very smooth speed up and stop.

    32.  What can you tell me about the line speed in distance casting ?

    Fast line speed long cast, slow line speed shorter cast

    33.  How do you cast sink tip lines ?

    Wider loops and softer casting, not as abrupt stops

    34.  How do you cast heavy nymphs or streamers ?

    Wide loops and softer casting, not as abrupt stops, Belgian,oval, or circle cast (also above)

    35.  Are wind knots caused by high or low line speed or independent from it ?

    They are truly independent of it, but may be more frequent because of high wind speeds and people not accustomed to handle it.

    36.  Does going up one line size make distance casting easier ?

    It makes casting shorter distances easier but may actually make casting long distances harder (depending on the rod)

    37.  Is a smooth casting stroke most efficient ?

    Yes

    38.  Should the rod travel in a wide arc when casting long distance ?

    The rod will travel in a wide arc during the distance casting stroke, but the tip will travel in a more or less straight line path.

    39.  Describe how to make a correct double haul(except tournament casting) !

    The line is pulled on in the same length and same speed as the power application the casting hand is making.  The line is then given back as the line is unrolling to prevent slack.  Then performed again.

    40.  Describe a slack line cast !

    A cast made to impart slack on the water to prevent drag on the fly.  The rod is stopped after making a normal cast, then moved in the direction the slack is desired and for the size of the slack desired.  A short movement to the right for a short amount of time produces a small amount of slack to the right.  A larger movement for a longer amount of time in whatever direction produces a larger slack area in the cast.

    41.  Explain the casting flaw that most commonly causes tailing loops!

    An unsmooth application of power.  (dipping down of the rod tip)

    42.  Describe how to pick up a long line from water !

    Start slow and lift high until very little line is left on the water (preferably leader only) then begin back cast.

    43.  Describe the difference of a short cast in comparison to a 30-40 ft. cast !

    A short cast uses a short stroke and less power (slower speed) a longer cast uses a longer stroke and greater power (more speed)

    44.  Describe the mechanics of shooting line when distance casting !

    Release the line immediately after the stop

    45.  Describe how and when to use a reach cast !

    A reach cast is made directly after the stop.  Line is shot while the rod is moved perpendicular to the target to the right or left.  A reach cast can be used in a variety of situations; differing currents, avoid obstacle, line wont lay over the fish, same current but longer drift.

    46.  Explain the arm motions during a basic casting stroke !

    The arm would be horizontal.  As the line is picked up from the water the forearm raises until the leader only is on the water.  The power stroke is then applied and the forearm is moved crisply rearward and raised slightly at the elbow, then stopped abruptly.  Once the line has almost completely unrolled the forearm move forward for the loading move, the elbow is then dropped as the power stroke is completed and the rod is sped up and stopped.  The forearm would then follow the line to the water surface until horizontal again.

    47.  What mistakes create tailing loops and how do you eliminate them ?

    Abrupt power application, excessive arm movement, to much power, to early of a stop, narrow casting stroke, two stage casting stroke, pushing forward.  Corrected individually different but all of them require smoothing out the stroke and using the proper stroke length to the amount of line being cast,

    48.  Describe the most important presentation casts an when to use them !

    Curve casts and slack line casts.  When a drag free drift is required, an obstacle needs to be avoided, or the line should not be directly over a fish.

    49.  Describe how to make a positive stop !

    Flex the muscles in the arm and wrist, squeeze the grip.

    50.  Which is the most common casting mistake when making a backhand cast ?

    Coming in front of the body.

    51.  Why have a lot of beginners a horizontally opened loop while backhand casting ?

    Unfamiliar motion, awkward motion.  To much a arm movement.

    52.  How would you explain to a student all of the basic motions required for learning the Double Haul ?

    By pantomiming (Krieger) the cast with no rod,

    53.  Demonstrate and explain the hand motions of the basic casting stroke !

    Hand follows the arm and snaps back slightly in the back cast and forward slightly in forward cast, this is part of the power stroke (style, not necessarily with every caster)

    54.  Demonstrate and explain the arm movement of the line hand when double hauling !

    Explained in the double haul above.

    55.  How would you teach someone to cast a tighter loop ?

    Use the shorter stroke possible with the amount of line being cast with the most efficient stop and smoothest cast.

    56.  Which instructions can you give a beginner for casting a double handed rod ?

    Do not use to large a casting stroke, wait for the line to unroll, and don’t overpower the cast.  Follow the basic principles of single handed casting.

    57.  Explain how to hold the handle of a two handed rod !

    (style) many would say to have the non-dominant hand on the bottom part of the lower grip and the dominant hand on the top ¼ part of the upper grip.  Using a thumb over grip.

    58.  Explain the most important casts with a two handed rod !

    Single spey, double spey, snake roll.

     

     

     

     

    2. Fly fishing techniques

     

     

     

     

    1.     Describe all of the different methods of fishing sub-surface flies: types of weight, lines, indicators, etc.

    2.     When and how do you make a line mending ?

    3.     Dry fly movement - especially skittering - how do you efficiently combine the two wrists to strip and bounce the rod.

    4.     What logical steps would you go through to find out what the fish are feeding on, how to match it and how to fish it ?

    5.     What is the difference between free-stone streams and spring creek-type water and how do you attack each ?

    6.     Describe how you hook, land and release fish !

    7.     How do you fish a sedge imitation (dry fly) ?

    8.     How do you fish a stonefly imitation (dry fly) ?

    9.     How do you fish a mayfly imitation (dry fly) ?

    10.  What do bulges on the surface mean to you, and what sort of do you need in this case ? imitations

    11.  What does the tailing of trout tell you ?

    12.  What does dead-drift fishing mean ?

    13.  In which part of rivers and streams can you find nymphs of the clinger type of mayflies ?

    14.  In which waters can you find mayflies of the digger type ?

    15.  Which landanimals are important for flyfishing and how do you fish them.

    16.  How do you sharpen a hook ?

    17.  What do you do when you only get short strikes on dries and wets ?

    18.  How would you rig a multi-fly system, wets and dries ?

    19.  How would you handle wind, going from a light breeze to strong ?

    20.  Explain the strategy to fish a mangrove-lined shoreline vs. open flats ?

    21.  Describe use of etiquette when wading a stream, in drift boat and float tubing on a lake !

    22.  How does the mending of the line influence the float of a fly ?

    23.  When do you use the single spey and when do you use the double spey cast ?

    24.  What can you say about how to strike a salmon ?

    25.  How does the water temperature influence the choice of the fly when fishing for atlantic salmon ?

     

     

     

     

    3. Fishing tackle

     

     

     

     

    1.     Which type of fly line would you choose for instructing the double haul ?

    A weight forward line one size heavier than the rod.

    2.     What does the modulus of graphite in a rod pertain to ?

    Stiffness

    3.     How do you cast a sink-tip line ?

    Wider loops, softer stroke.  Belgian cast, oval cast, circular cast

    4.     Which type of fly line is the best choice for teacing a beginner to cast a two handed rod ?

    Shorter bellied spey line

    5.     Which is the best line to spey cast ?

    A line with the length of belly that most suits the length of line being cast (Rajeff).

    6.     What is not a good shooting line to be used with a shooting taper ?

    A larger diameter line that does allow for the line to go through the guides easily.

    7.     What are nearly all fly line cores made of ?

    nylon

    8.     What can damage a fly line if it gets in contact with it ?

    Chemicals, rocks, etc.

    9.     Why is backing made of dacron instead of nylon ?

    No stretch.

    10.  Which rod type is most proven to throw tailing loops ?

    The one most different from your casting style and body type (Rajeff)

    11.  Which fly line of the same weight has got the smallest diameter ?

    Sinking

    12.  Which of the following lines will sink fastest? WF8S II / WF6S II /WF8SII/ WF10S II ?

    WF8SII, Smaller diameter

    13.  Which is the most commonly accepted leader formula (Butt:Taper:Tippet) ?

    60%, 20%, 20%

    14.  Which is the major advantage of a Spey rod ?

    Longer rod, cast distances with less effort.

    15.  Explain why it can be advantageous to use one size lighter line than a rod is rated for when casting very long distances ?

    The rod will load with a greater amount of line in the air making it possible to aerialize more line.  Example six weight may load with a six weight line with 30 feet in the air but with a five weight it may take 45 feet in the air.

    16.  Explain why it can be advantageous to use one size heavier line than a rod is rated for when casting very short distances ?

    Opposite of above.  Rod loads with less line in the air.  Shooting to short distances with minimal casting space.

    17.  What wheight of shooting taper do you choose for a 6 weight rod ?

    Usually 30 feet, depends on the scenario.  I need to carry more line the air possibly a 45 foot shooting head may be better.

    18.  What does a progressive rod action mean ?

    It progressively gets thinner from the butt to the tip.

    19.  Which material is best as running line for shooting tapers ?

    dacron

    20.  Are the first 12 m of a WF line and a sink-tip line of the same weight ?

    Yes, Sink tip is smaller diameter, more dense

    21.  For which sort of fishing is a DT the best choice ?

    DT’s make mending easy and roll casting can be easier, when compared to a WF with a short head

    22.  For which sort of fishing is a #8 9' fly rod a good choice ?

    Bass and pike fishing use large flies, bone fish, some stealhead situations.

     

     

     

     

    4. General

     

     

     

     

    1.     What have you learned from teaching and can pass on to other instructors to help their teaching ?

    Learn to utilize every available way of teaching.  You will never cover every possible situation.  But, by being able to draw certain casts and problems, vocalize them in several different ways, show them, and let the student feel them.  All students will be able to learn from you.

    2.     Discuss how you, as the only instructor, would organize a class of 20 beginning fly casting students and help them progress to the point where they are false casting and shooting line. Consider all aspects of the class including such things as the physical arrangement of the class, your teaching progression, and your teaching methods.

    (short version) Start with short in class explanation, showing details of the cast.  Then demonstrate the basic cast.  Put the rod in the students hands and go through the motions with no line on the rod, then line the rods and pull out 30 feet of line for every student.  Give them 15 minutes to experiment and cast with false casting the line three times then laying it down.  Come back and give the students a break while you attend to each student indivually watching them cast and explaining good points and things to work on.  Start again having the students do a basic pick up and lay down cast.  Attending to every student while they cast.  Then move to pick up and lay down with a shoot.  Demonstrating first.  Then allowing the students time to experiment (15 minutes).  Come back give a break while each student is advised on their casting.