double haul

[tigfly]

Watched JC's little casting video, over and over to try to find out how to double haul without a tailing loop. I can shoot to 60 ft without a double haul but every time I try to go farther I get a tailing loop. Any advice would be appreciated.

[randyflycaster]

You're probably applying too much power too soon. Try starting your double haul a little later.
Randy

[Jack Hise]

I think Randy nailed it. I'm the worlds worst doublehauler even though I've had help from both Ladyfisher and JC. Just can't get the timing down!
LF pointed out that by letting the off hand do some of the work casting would be less tiring and that may be the problem!! Let the off hand add the extra power not the casting hand. Did that make sense? Ah well it's late and I should be in bed!!

[Heritage Angler]

tigfly - Here's a video of Joan Wulff teaching the double haul:

http://www.midcurrent.com/video/clip...namics_17.aspx

Joan Wulff is considered by some to be the "First Lady" of flyfishing, but we here on FAOL know that title already belongs to Ladyfisher.

[Greg H]

Bruce Richards (FFF MCI)recommends matching the power/energy of the haul from the line hand to the effort of the rod hand, and matching the timing and length of haul to the rod hand as well. I agree you may be hauling too soon, but you also are probably hauling too abruptly and over too short a span.

[Steve Molcsan]

Watched JC's little casting video, over and over to try to find out how to double haul without a tailing loop. I can shoot to 60 ft without a double haul but every time I try to go farther I get a tailing loop. Any advice would be appreciated.

If I may suggest, cast with thumb on top and dip the rod tip ever so slightly at the end of your forward presentation I like to feather the dip with a slight thumb pressure to the cork.
All assuming your hauls are done effectively of course.

[Uncle Barry]

Good afternoon TFly.
A couple of suggestions and why, which could help.

First,
if your learning or trying to master the idea of Double Hauling.

DON'T use a light fly rod !
In its place use at least an 8w rod.

the reason for this suggestion is you will feel the power, the pulling that loads the rod far easier, then when you start to understand the forces at work, THEN use a little rod !

There are other reasons, however the feel of the loading is everything.

Second,
on your back stroke,
follow the rod hand (with your line hand)upwards till you can touch both hands together around about your ear,
then
release line into the back cast,

THEN
as you start your forward stroke
start to move both hands together, then you line hand with start to drift away from the rod, and this hand will finish at your side.
release line into your forward cast

THEN
when the line has extended and PULLED forward, which will straighten the line and be exerting a forward direction, hold the line

and while your rod is being moved into the back cast position,

AT THE START of this action, just give the line a little tug (thats all thats needed)

THEN
The rod is now vertical, follow your rod's path with your line hand

all over again.

BUT
What ever you do,
do NOT start this process with a 'lot of line' out,
just start with only 40 feet of line, then master the action and the movements

THEN start to cast some distance.
If then you fail, then go back to a short cast, and start all over again.

AND NOW
the easy bit.
you can practice these actions, the movements without even holding your fly rod, you can you this right there in the bathroom or watching TV.

PS, most people will think your been out in the sun too long.

Kind regards,
UB

[wayneb]

Hi Tigfly;

Uncle Barry gave some great instructions, the only thing I can add is to use the slowest rod you can, it makes it easier to feel the rod react and get your timing right. Once you master double hauling on a slow rod, it's easy to transition to faster rods.

Wayneb

[randyflycaster]

Also, ending your downward haul too late - after you abruptly stopped your casting stroke - might cause your loop to tail.

Casting with a slower rod makes me more prone to get tailing loops, so I have to remind myself to slow everything down.

Randy

[Steve Molcsan]

Question, are your getting a tailing loop for and aft,
or just on the final lay down?