Are they really helpful? What say you? Thanks...
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Are they really helpful? What say you? Thanks...
When you think you know it, you don't. I try to get some 'professional' help at regular intervals. We sometimes develop muscle memory & can't understand why things don't go as planned. Try going to a conclave where a casting instructor is teaching to a group.
I can't recommend lessons strongly enough. This is especially true if you're having casting problems. A skilled teacher can detect the reason for your problems very fast and help you correct them. A really good teacher can imitate the cause of your casting problem and then show you the correct movement to fix things. Many fly shops even give free casting lessons or tune-ups. Go for the lessons. It will make a big difference. 8T :)
I have been taking lessons/working with a Master Instructor in an effort to get certified.
In addition to him helping me with my casting, I have also learned to analyze my own cast and determine what I am doing wrong just by looking at the cast and how the line ends up on the water.
Usually - in California at least - the lessons seem to run around $50 for an hour. I think they are well worth it. You can also muddle your way through it.
Just by posting the questions suggests at least that you are unhappy with some aspect of your cast and want to improve. Sometimes you need someone else looking at your technique.
If you can get a friend to film you as you cast you can often 'see' the mistakes for yourself. The problem is you need to know what it is your are looking for. You can't fix a problem if you don't know what it is. Group lessons are fine, one-on-one instruction is the best.
An hours lesson will save you a lifetime of frustration on the water. I tell everyone who is starting out to get a lesson on the basics. it makes all the difference.
Eric
I know it's a lot to suggest,,, but nearly all of my columns are about casting. Well, even the one called, 'How to cast'. :)
Is that why they call you that?Quote:
Originally Posted by J Castwell
Assuming that is not a tongue in cheek question...take a look at the film clip at the bottom of his column this week ...and other weeks.Quote:
Originally Posted by 10ae1203
Actually, I was once the casting writer for a very large group. Because there seem to be a few too many 'experts' in the casting instruction field at that time, I stole the name in humor from a real writer from years ago. It was one of his characters, I just tried to flesh him out a little. I have been fortunate though as nearly really good casting instructor has taken pity on me and tried to teach me all they know about teaching. I guess a bit of it stuck. :)
I have thusly picked up the nickname /appellation of 'JC' which was unintended. To that end we did lose an epescipalian priest who just could not get used calling me JC.
I always find it interesting that we expect our top athletes to have coaches to help with their performance. The guys at the top of their games with it be golf or football or olympic athletes, they all train with a coach. But when it comes to us learning a new skill, we think it is OK to muddle along and be a hackler. Get some lessons and then keep up with your coaching or practicing.
The first time that a quarter back throws a ball is not in the big game. He actually practices his passes before the game. Sometimes we think that we will practice while fishing. This isn't the time to practice.
Rick
I think I know what you mean but I would say it differently.Quote:
Originally Posted by Clay
The best practice for a QB is in scrimmages. That's why the first string gets the most reps.
I do practice on the stream and I think it is more valuable that lawn casting. It is the best way to learn mending because you have moving water to mend onto. It is also the best way to learn to cast under low branches and into tight quarters.
The problem is not that practicing on the stream is not the time to practice; it is that almost no one practices when they can fish. I think that is the problem.
The best time I've found to practice is when I mess up a real fishing cast. After I spook the fish, I stop and practice the cast I tried to make but could not. I'll spend 10 to 15 minutes practicing that cast until I can figure out how to do it or what I need to learn. Then I can take that image back home and practice it there. Large fish tend to live in difficult lies. I know that the same fish will likely be there when I come back, and hopefully, I will be better prepared.