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Not to get into a big debate about casting, as
there are as many styles as there are instructors out there, and probably a few
more.
FOR MYSELF- I don't hold the rod out at arm's
length (for most casting*) or even part way. For normal range
fishing, when the balance of everything is where the rod has the power
within itself to present the fly at the distances needed (parameters), I
hold my casting elbow close to my body and move my casting arm the minimum
amount needed. This forces the technique to be developed
that uses the power of the rod, not the arm, for casting. Once mastered,
considerable increases in casting distances (and accuracy) can be achieved
by utilizing the power of the rod, not the flailing of the arm trying to be an
extension of the rod. Not only that, the 'pound of butter' aspect goes
away. One can stand in the front of a drift boat and cast 12 hours without
fatiguing, or fish difficult circumstances and do a better job of it without
tiring out. If you're like me, the old shoulder doesn't have the overhand
movement ability that it did when I was young. This technique is much
easier on the shoulder if that is a problem for you.
*Sometimes, the natural balance of everything is
off or exceeded, as when fishing extra weight, out of balance terminal tackle,
sinking lines, miss-matched lines for a rod, punching a fly into a strong wind,
dealing with crosswinds, or casting in awkward situations. Also, extreme
distance casting, such as in saltwater, especially while double-hauling,
requires that the rod arm be extended. But even in this, timing and
technique are crucial, so that the power of the rod is being augmented by
the rest of the technique, not detracted from.
Have you ever watched Lefty cast into the backing
with just the tip of a 3-piece rod? He doesn't use his arm to try to
replace the part of the rod that's not there. He does that to show how
much power is in the extra distance from the hand to the tip of the rod, that
timing and technique are much more important to good casting than power and wide
sweeping movements are.
It is my opinion that this is a main reason that
women can make great casters, relying on technique, rather
than arm strength, for casting distances. They learn to use the rod's
power, and as the timing develops, the casts get longer without much extra
muscle or arm movement being required.
DonO
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