Walter & Group.....
Another approach to Guy's question by Peter Minnick:-
Gordy...I had a student last year whose cast "just didn't look right". In a slight off vertical rod plane the line followed below and to the side of the rod tip. I thought that gravity was taking over and that by applying more power[moving the hand faster] the line would follow and roll off the rod tip thus solving the problem. In this case it did....I think it's a case of using the underpowered curve cast to the right instead of a pick up and lay down....Peter
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Answer to Master question by Chris Dore:-
Gordy
I don’t know how accurately I can answer that question, as I haven’t yet achieved Master status, but I would like to take a stab at it in the hope that I will, one day, become an MCCI.
I know this list is not complete, but I do believe it’s a good start for someone not quite there yet.
Ralph Tomaccio
FFF CCI
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Ralph ..... I think it is, too. G.
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Bill Toone is getting to the missing ingredient ! :-
What after the
Masters?
I do not see the
achievement of becoming an MCI as the final destination in one’s ability and
understanding of casting. It may be a resting point for a brief period but
certainly not the end point. As I spend time around other Masters and
especially BOGs I realize how much more there is to know and understand. I
also know that without maintaining involvement both on the cerebral side and
physical side all the skills and understanding one had when they were testing
will diminish. As a Master one must always stay on top of your game.
Continuing education and practice are a must.
In addition, after
achieving the label of Master one should feel an obligation to give more back to
the FFF casting programs by becoming involved in testing of both CCI and MCI
candidates, becoming a mentor of those interested in achieving those levels as
well as those just interested in just becoming better casters. A sort of
pay it forward approach as repayment for all the effort those who have gone
before you have put in to the program and assisting in your
accomplishment. One must also become more involved in the behind the
scenes activities such as involvement with the various casting related
committees (I am now on the Ethics Committee) with an eye on one day being on
the BOG.
Regards,
Bill
Toone
But first, if I may I'll tell a story, that I'm sure you will
relate.
When I took my CCI test, I was less than enthusiastic. The
club I had been involved in, and at which I had been giving casting lessons,
decided that I was "certifiable". So they suggested I take the exam and
see if I could get my CCI. The day of the test was during an unusually
blustery stretch of weather, and that morning it was blowing an honest 20 at
daybreak. When I pulled into the parking lot of the shop where the test
was to be held, I peeked into back. There was only a rudimentary "casting
pond", with little more than wet plastic laid out. I was relieved, as
surely, no one would be expected to perform roll casts under such conditions
(roll casting was my weakness). When I walked into the area, the first
thing I see is some guy bang out an incredible roll cast that literally went out
of sight - over a hedge - easily in the 100' range. I was stunned!
In my mind I was already sneaking away and making up excuses for back at the
Club. But, I couldn't leave... I had to find out just how that guy could
make such a cast!
Of course, that "guy" was Tom White. You and Tom put
on an excellent class, and I became a CCI... and the next goals began
forming.
At every turn on this path, someone else figuratively "bangs out
another 100' roll cast". I've been humbled and honored to meet and learn
from so many great people and anglers. Casting theory, angling techniques,
ACA events, community involvement, the literature, it goes on and on. It
is truly a shame that the benefits of the FFF are such a well kept
secret.
When I heard one avid fly angler ask Pete straight out... "what
is the FFF going to do for me?"... I realized what the answer to his/your
question is.
After the inevitable glory and riches that will come
with my MCI (hah!), my goal will be to "pass it
on". I'll never roll cast like Tom White, but I
hopefully can inspire others in some other way. Getting my MCI has been a
personal goal, but I see it also as an obligation. If all the MCIs in the
State of Florida put just a little time back into the program, that avid fly
angler woudl not have to ask whats in it for him... it woudl be well
known.
So... the other short answer: "the student becomes the
teacher"... and hopefully an "inspirer".
(Maybe you shouldn't send this
out... after re-reading it I realize I may be a bit hard on the current MCIs
here in Florida).
Gary Meyer