I was out at a local haunt last night trying to find some stripers and I saw a few guys working the only spot where there were bass, it figures. The wind was at their backs to where the fish were and they were doing that casting technique that I have only seen on TV. They would turn around and face the wind double haul false cast a few times then a final shoot over their shoulder behind their back with the wind.
My question is other than looking foolish does that technique have any merit to distance at all, which I doubt? I was throwing just as far if not farther than they were with my double haul normal casting.
Who has time for stress when there are fish to catch.
Nick
Not sure if there is a significant impact on distance, but “casting backwards” ie using the backcast as the presentation cast is often necessary in New England winds when striper fishing. There always seem to be fish at the place very tough to approach on a normal forward cast…
I have seen Mark Sedotti do his “sling” cast which is a modified version of this sort of cast, and it does go a long way.
JC will tell ya this is a crutch for people that can’t cast with either hand (like me)
I find it handy when the wind is blowing toward the rod hand and is over 20 knots.
I don’t know why anyone would do this if the wind is from the front or rear of them
I would think it would cut down on distance
At the risk of looking a bit foolish, I use a backwards cast when fishing an area that has restricted backcast room. That way, I can carefully aim/cast into a small opening in the trees and then shoot the line out into the lake. I don’t use it too often, but it is certainly useful when I need it.
I hope the Flats Dude reads this post, he is a master and doing things backwards. I have watched him cast backwards in high winds and he seems to be less tired than I am at the end of the day. I think it has something to do with the amount of energy he is using to get the line out. I can cast almost as far as he does but MY energy output seems to me higher. I know he is a much better fly fisherman than I am because everything he does looks easy.
I also think he is able to correct his casting in the wind by looking at the line in the wind. He does turn and watch the back cast also or forward what ever you want to call the presentation part.
I have not tried to learn his style yet, I am still trying to master the DH… I can hit the backing my way but man am I tired at the end of the day.
Since getting cancer I need to make my fishing as easy as possible or I am done in a couple of hours. Fishing the salt you fish the tides not water.
All this bowls down to the easy of presenting the fly to the fish. I agree with you that the distance does not seem to be the problem, I think it is all about loading the rod at the right time and in the wind it takes more skill.
It is a useful technique to know. Two of the reasons have already been mentioned; wind blowing across the body from the rod side and a limited slot into which the backcast must be directed.
However there is another even more important reason to adopt this technique. We all know that a good backcast is essential to a good forecast and likewise most casters can put more power and control into their forward cast. So it makes sense at times with a very strong wind from your back to use the cast that you described, using your power and control into the wind and then taking advantage of the wind to complete the cast. Line is shot into the back cast aided by the wind, It is not the only way to deal with the wind from your back but it is a very effective one and easy to excute with litte practice. A good caster using this technique under the proper conditions can achieve extreme distance with a lot less effort. Accuracy will suffer.
[This message has been edited by Jim Cramer (edited 19 May 2006).]
Thanks for the input guys. Any insight is appreciated from any angle, that is why I like this site. But as far as looking at my line behind me I can do it just by turning my head. The only time that I have cast backwards is when it comes to cover like Mr. Smith mentioned where you have that one little whole in the trees behind you to put your back cast into.
Glad to see you are feeling good enough to fish again Harold
Who has time for stress when there are fish to catch.
Nick
I have a stronger back cast than forward cast. Not sure exactly what I do wrong to make my forward cast weaker, but so be it. I therefore use my back cast in certain situations to get the extra distance. It is harder to pinpoint my target, but thats a trade off.
Kirk said: "I have seen Mark Sedotti do his “sling” cast which is a modified version of this sort of cast, and it does go a long way.
I have seen Mark cast and any cast he tries is a long cast. He does 6" flies the full length of line, starting with his line on the ground behind him. I wonder if his having a forearm like Popeye helps?? He’s a nice guy and will spend time helping you cast if he can.
Most everyone’s backcast is better than their forward cast. Because you ‘stop’ the rod on the backcast whether you want to or not.
Your physical makeup does not allow the shoulder to keep going backwards. This involves severe pain…so you stop the backcast, and in turn, stop the rod.
I will take abuse and be ‘mis-underestimated’ for this but, as much as we all love fly fishing, why are most absolutely against even thinking of learning anything about casting with their ‘off hand’? I even mention it, emotions flair, teeth clench, knuckles turn white and some throw things. I taught myself to be able to do a little, sure not well, but it has come in handy more than once.
I just learned to use my “Wrong” hand this past weekend. i did it because I was sharing a spot pretty closely with a buddy, and didn’t want to hook him. I’m glad I tried it too, it’s easier than you’d think, and helped me out in this situation
JC…I would love to be able to cast with my wrong hand. I can see there are times when it would come in handy for some of my favorite spots. One drawback though…I need to get better at casting with my right hand…LOL Maybe it would help. Hmmm… maybe trying lefthanded for me wouldnt be so hard, I played lacrosse in high school and learned to throw and catch with both hands there. And its weird because even though I am righthanded, I always played hockey lefty too. Dang JC, now youi got me thinking and thats something I try not to do since it usually gets me in trouble.
As for backwards casting, yeah I have done it and can cast halfway decent that way. Sometimes when on the water and I see a fish rise, instead of turning around to present the fly, I just use the backwards cast.
Casting backwards has several advantages and dis advantages. It’s main advantage to distance is that it increases the total available length of the haul. In windy situations it is probably by far the prefered method, including “into” the wind.
It also allows for an open stance which lets you see your cast in both directions. This also can be handy when casting in a wind or with obstructions either in the forward or back cast. You can watch both loops to ensure your tracking is on if you need the distance.
It’s main disadvantage is that the open stance only allows for a full haul in the direction of the back cast. Conversly the totally closed stance allows for a full haul only on the forward cast. That is why you see some of the ISE casters casting right foor forward while someone in the wind casts left foot forward.
If you were to fish the Florida salt water flats from a flats boat, with great captains you might just learn to fish any direction at any time. I have had to cast behind myself at speed to catch that fish that the guide saw that was behind me. I have actually caught fish while letting my back cast settle into the water.
I would never tell some of the men I have fished with that they were not great casters. I have had the pleasure of meeting and being coached by some that can cast a fly rod any way they want and with either hand. They make a fly rod a dance partner and they put the fly where they want it.
Instead of poor casting techiniques I think they are showing off sometimes. Heck I know the dude shows off. I have forgot I was fishing to watch Flats Dude and others cast. When they are making their magic with a fly rod it is to me like watching a beautiful sun rise or sunset. Perfection,
now I am by no means an expert fly fisher but I can hit my target and I can hit the backing, but I work at it. I pray that one day I can cast as well as my friends and mentors. I know I will have more fun, and who knows someday someone might just watch me and learn to love the sport as much as I do. That is want this is all about loving what we do and learning from others.
Ray come on down and we will have a blast fishing, eating and sharing. I’ll bet I will learn from you also.
Nick it is great to feel better, we are shooting for remission by the end of summer. Cross you fly rods for that.