Tom White on Roll Casts

Walter & Group :

 

 

Tom...

 

Yes.  Here, minimizing  OVERHANG is critical.  You do need to have heavier line always turning over lighter line in front of it for a decent roll cast.  That's why the long belly lines perform so well for distance.

 

I'll also call attention to the fact that some call the live line roll cast a, "switch cast".  Surely an MCI candidate should be able to perform both.

 

Gordy

 

 

 

Gordie;

I know the "Distance Roll Cast" could be just a "term', but here is how I see the difference between a Distance and conventional - when it comes to testing.

 

First the Conventional Roll Cast.

The length of the fly line head is what I consider first. If a candidate only has a 30' head for instance and performs a roll cast to 30' and under, there is no problem. They don't have to consider the OVERHANG - distance from the tip of the rod and the back taper, as the heavy part of the line is in the rod tip and will transfer the energy from heavy line to same size or smaller.

 

If they perform a longer roll cast - where the running line is in their tip and they have a considerable amount of overhang, THEN they have to understand the principles of energy transfer.

 

When they do a live line roll cast, it is as you know, less critical. But when the examiner makes them stop and do a static roll cast THEN we as examiners can see if the candidate understands the principles.

 

Most candidates through education have learned to select the CORRECT line for the tasks they have to perform on both the CCI and Masters exam. Similar to selecting the correct line/taper during fishing conditions. ie if the roll cast is over 30', it would be better to use a longer front taper - similar to the XXD or TT lines.

 

So, without getting into a "terms" battle on what to call each roll cast, it is important for the candidate to break it down to the examiners satisfaction and both perform and explain the difference.

 

I personally will require a Masters candidate to perform both a static and live line roll cast - at distances over 40'.

 

Thanks;

Tom White