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!^&%$@#! Wind Knots!!!!!
OK, so I've been at this flyfishing thing for a little while now(I guess around three or so years), but for some reason, I still get wind knots like crazy. Lately I've used furled leaders with more success, but they still happen for me. Is there something I'm doing seriously wrong? I'm not converted to the Furled leaders 100% yet, as I've not made any of my own, but when using the normal 3x-5x tapered that I use, they seem to happen far too often. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance
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bwagner;
I carry a size 13 crochette hook with me for cleaning up wind knots! I can make some real nasty ones and am thinking of geting a pattent on them!!
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bwagner,
Could be any number of things. I've been at it seriously only about 6 years now, and I still get them darned wind-knots more often than occasionally. Could be you're breaking your wrist too much. Could be your following through instead of accelerating your stroke to a rapid STOP. Could be your timing is off or your casting in too large an arc. All those things vexed me and some still do. I would suggest you take your favorite outfit to a Proshop, and ask for help. Cast in front of someone who knows what they're doing and accept all their pointers. Then buy something. It's the only way they can stay in business. Good luck.
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Life, is the time He gave you to determine where you want to spend eternity.
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Lotech Joe
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Lotech is right on... it could be any number of things. I would add to his list the possibility of a closed loop.
Another idea is to have someone video you casting and critique yourself. Look at the 4 basic components of flycasting (credit to Tony Weaver and Mel Kreiger) Loop, speed, stroke and trajectory.
Hope that helps... good luck.
[This message has been edited by alaskanfishguides (edited 06 February 2006).]
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LoTech....Thanks for the good pointers. I just wanted to add that I always buy something when I go into a shop. This is not neccesarily a good thing!! I think I might buy too much. My issue is that I should be saving up my expendatures and purchasing something cool, like a new rod or line, but instead I pick up small useless stuff like new zingers etc.... Seriously though, thanks for the tips, and I'm going to do just what you suggested. Is it wierd that my "favorite" outfit consists of a St. Croix "Pro Graphite", also, anyone who owns one of these rods, do you consider it a medium action rod, or maybe medium slow?? I'm just curious how it's seen by most people.
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Windknots? What are those? I've NEVER had one. I WILL tell you this...prepare to sue the folks you bought "knotless" tapered leaders from...I was naive & didn't check mine until I fished with 'em & those darned things have a LOT of knots in 'em! I think I got ripped off!...Now, what are those "windknot" thingies?
Mike
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This site's about sharing!
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Most wind knots are caused by tailing loops which are caused by a less than perfect casting stroke. Practice short - 25' to 30'- false casts, evaluating each loop, both forward and back. The loops should be parabolic in shape and stacked - rod, line, leader, and fly all in the same plane. Try to use the least amount of effort to get the job done.
Take some casting lessons from somebody who is REALLY good.
Bob
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I think I may have previously quoted the "wrong guy" on line, but this time I'll quote Joan Wulff.
To set it up, think of a forward casting stroke of having three phases: (1) the loading move, (2) the power snap, and (3) the follow through.
"The primary cause of a tailing loop is lack of a loading move."
-- Joan Wulff
Dynamics of Fly Casting
In other words, the cast starts off with a "power snap".
The three segments of the cast are also due to Joan Wulff.
I have been advised that to get rid of my tailing loops I needed to have a "smoother application of power" -- which amounts to the same thing if you don't like to think of a casting stroke as having "segments".
However, bear in mind that I am just passing on stuff I've either read or have been told -- so if you feel misled, don't blame me.
[This message has been edited by BigFlatBrook (edited 06 February 2006).]
[This message has been edited by BigFlatBrook (edited 06 February 2006).]
[This message has been edited by BigFlatBrook (edited 06 February 2006).]
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Uh, I think I'm done with my login name if you need to borrow it. Worked for me.
Jim
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I think maybe you can also get wind knots if you cast too well. That is, if you are using a double nymph rig like I do a lot, I think that you need to open up your casting loop, and if you cast a beautiful tight loop, you can tangle your flies - I don't know if this is true, but it's my understanding of several different casting blurbs I have read.