I had a frustrating experience in my first venture to a small "pocket water" type creek featuring lots of logjams, overhanging trees, and thorn bushes. Some of the pools were so small I don't think I could have managed to get enough line out to make a cast even if there had been no obstructions. In other places, roll casts were the only option, but sometimes even there I couldn't get enough line out to make a decent roll cast.

Now I realize the main thing for me to do is just learn to cast better -- I'm still very much in the novice stage. And I will keep practicing.

But two questions:
1. I was using an 8 ft., 4 wt. rod with a moderate action. Might it have been any easier if I'd been using a faster action rod?

2. Is there a good book I could look at for suggestions for how to deal with these situations?

Thanks.

Barracuda