Casting Distance

[6xAdams(Jones)]

(Is this thread still going?)
I read an article recently that has me thinking my casting mechanics have been wrong all along... So my question... Is the correct casting motion "elbow bent at a 90 degree angle and all rotation at the shoulder" or "keep hand moving parallel to the ground, keep the elbow close, and imitate throwing a football"?

 

[BrookieChaser]

(Is this thread still going?)
I read an article recently that has me thinking my casting mechanics have been wrong all along... So my question... Is the correct casting motion "elbow bent at a 90 degree angle and all rotation at the shoulder" or "keep hand moving parallel to the ground, keep the elbow close, and imitate throwing a football"?

#2

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

#2

Interesting, and #2 is more in line with how I learned and have been doing for over 30 years. However, there is at least one "well-known" casting instructor who recently taught a "well-known" flyfishing writer that the correct method is "elbow bent at a 90-degree angle and all rotation at the shoulder." I suppose I can try and compare both the next time I get a chance.

 

[BrookieChaser]

Interesting, and #2 is more in line with how I learned and have been doing for over 30 years. However, there is at least one "well-known" casting instructor who recently taught a "well-known" flyfishing writer that the correct method is "elbow bent at a 90-degree angle and all rotation at the shoulder." I suppose I can try and compare both the next time I get a chance.

I was originally taught that high elbow style casting by my Dad. It's how he casts. I then was told, by a buddy who knows way more than me about casting, to keep my elbow in and that is what my style morphed into.
I think you lose power on the high elbow style casting. You don't hit a baseball with your arms outstretched.

 

[Bamboozle]

The best casters I ever saw in action and had the opportunity to hang out with were Lefty Kreh, Joan Wulff, Mike McFarland and Ed Jaworowski and they all had one thing in common...

They all had their own style.

BTW - Nothing they explained to me rubbed off... 🙂

 

[rrt]

I have fly-fished for more than 55 years, and I cannot heave a long line. I agree with something Lefty Kreh once wrote though: There is no disadvantage in being able to cast far. However, I think DFG's last sentence in Post #18 is the most important thing about casting, esp. dry flies.

 

[wbranch]

I'm curious to learn how many Forum members have ever had at least one casting lesson given by a professional caster. Not by your buddy.

 

[wbranch]

Lefty Kreh once told me at a fly fishing show I needed lessons. That's after
I hit the end of the casting pool.

 

[dudemanspecial]

Lefty Kreh once told me at a fly fishing show I needed lessons. That's after
I hit the end of the casting pool.

Did you listen?

 

[BrookieChaser]

I'm curious to learn how many Forum members have ever had at least one casting lesson given by a professional caster. Not by your buddy.

What if your buddy is an FFI certified casting instructor?

 

[Oregon_OwlII]

I'm curious to learn how many Forum members have ever had at least one casting lesson given by a professional caster. Not by your buddy.

Not I, self-taught. I did win a casting contest once at a sportsman's show and won a fly rod as a result. It was a man-on-the-street contest, not a who's who of fly casters. I probably couldn't even caddy for the best of the sport.

 

[wildtrout2]

Not I, self-taught. I did win a casting contest once at a sportsman's show and won a fly rod as a result. It was a man-on-the-street contest, not a who's who of fly casters. I probably couldn't even caddy for the best of the sport.

Strictly self taught. I too won a casting (spin gear) contest, in the novice division, at the Philadelphia Sportsman and Outdoor show at the Phila Civic Center back in the 70's. I won a trophy, some fishing gear, and a fishing trip to somewhere in NJ, that I didn't bother going on.

They had a huge casting pool in the middle of the arena area, and we had to target hula hoops they had placed at various distances/locations. I think I only missed one of them. You could even wrestle the BIG brown bear that was there with it's trainer. I miss that show, because it covered all things "outdoors". You could even book hunting and fishing trips, with guides from all over the country. Good times.

 

[troutbert]

I'm also self taught at fly casting, but I don't recommend going that route.

Having someone show you the basics is very beneficial.

 

[kbobb]

Lefty Kreh once told me at a fly fishing show I needed lessons. That's after
I hit the end of the casting pool.

Which end?

 

[wildtrout2]

I'm also self taught at fly casting, but I don't recommend going that route.

Having someone show you the basics is very beneficial.

Makes sense. Like fly casting, I'm a self taught archer. I had nobody to teach me proper shooting form, so I read books (long before YouTube) and learned what good form looks like. Once you know the basics, practice is the best teacher.

 

[tomgamber]

As an athlete...what's the difference between lessons and repeating an observed successful technique.