I finally realized that my casting would not get better until i found a way to see the correct way to cast and the incorrect way to cast. I ordered a video “Improving Your Casting With Jack Dennis.” Although I find it to be some what helpfull, most of the casting is done in an open atmosphere background which makes it hard to see the line and the rod tip when he is casting. Also, the angle of the camera is either really close or fairly far away. Can anyone recomend a video that has a dark backdrop with a bright line to help improve visibility on the loop or the rod tip?
Thanks
Jeremy
Just saw a previous post. will the Lefty video work out better?
Stop in at Bill Kiene’s shop. I have stopped up there a few times during “business appointments”. They’ve got a very knowledgeable/skilled staff and a casting analyzer that could help you. Can’t beat the price… (I have no business interest-just piscatorial.)
Quinn http://kiene.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?t=2752
PS They also have a great and friendly BB for the locals there too. http://kiene.com/messageboard/index.php
SAc…YES, I can. I’ve used a wonderful casting vid. by Whitemouse Productions called something very close to “Saltwater Distance Flycasting”.
By my opinion it is THE BEST casting vid around because it’s not just about distance, it stresses the technique we all need from up close to distance.
The main recommendation comes by way of exactly what you asked for …the guy provides a wonderful contrasting backdrop so you can “feel” the rod and see his line!!
I’ve found a place where I use the same contrasting elements (against some evergreens) to watch my loops…or lack thereof! Works well!
I’ve become VERY interested in casting practice/performance/learning the past yera or three and highly suggest you buy it.
Now I am no expert when it comes to casting videos. Have watched a few, but there was only one that I thought was worth owning. Joan Wulff’s Dynamics of Fly Casting. She covers it all and most importantly, you can see the line. Bought mine from Cabelas in Owatona.
Dave,
Thank you…when I’m over at Cabela’s I’ll take a look at it.
It would be fun if folks like you and I could buy one of each and swap them between us so we’d have the best of both worlds. I’d consider buying that WhiteMouse Prod. Vid.
O.K. Poobah…I’ll bite. And if you don’t mind, I’ll let you know in an email how I honestly compare the two. I’ll bet Joan’s very good.
I’m sure it’ll be interesting to see how she demo’s her style and to contrast it against my other preference, which I don’t own just yet.
Thanks. It’s good to hear varying opinions and I’ll be careful in giving mine, simply because I am constantly learning in this game. I love it. I really do.
I think if I couldn’t fish, I’d still practice out in the yard or on a pond. I just find it really satisfying to sling a nice cast.
Thank you all for the replies. I think I will order the Joan Wulff’s video. If it impressed the Grand Poobah then it has to have some very interesting views to say the least.
Jeremy,
I want to thank you for your recommendation of “Saltwater Flycasting” “10 steps to distance and power”.
I just got mine…DVD…with an accompanying manual that appears to be handy to take with you while practicing.
I have Joan Wulff’s…one of Lefties and Mel Krieger’s first one’s and have to say though their’s are good they tend to be overviews…even Tom White’s…I talked to George Robert’s a little when I ordered and he said that was one of the reasons he did it …he wanted to do more than an overview.
IMO the DVD answered my question on another thread about hitting a wall with casting…of course, JC finally did too but the DVD goes into detail on why and how to progress.
Thought you might be interested…
Jeremy,I’d be interested in a followup from you.
Now I have to go practice and see if it works…
Duck…I’ll post my opinion after viewing it when it arrives, likely very soon. I bought it because JC recommended it and in trying to be fair. Not to mention my curiosity.
I am very impressed with that Whitemouse casting DVD though. You just can’t beat the way he demonstrates the casts against that background.
We’ll see. I’m interested. I’m fortunate to also have two very good casters close by. One has become a good friend.
I have/had 5 casting videos , 2 are worthless, you cant see the line , the audio is covered by a stupid musical sound track. One is specialized on one area.(stillwater lakes only) and the other 2 are great.
If you guessed Joans and leftys you were correct.
Joans is my favorite with Lefty a close second. I tossed the two worthless ones.
JC got it right again. Hence the moniker Grand Exalted Poobah of Fling.
I just got through viewing Joan’s casting DVD last night. She’s a wonderful lady and has some impressive credentials for sure.
Her DVD gave a lot of info. but from the standpoint of a beginner or even one with some experience, I felt the DVD didn’t emphasize those basics strongly enough.
She gave some very good examples of alternate casting and I found that very helpful. These weren’t as well covered on the Whitemouse DVD. Namely the reach cast and dbl. hauling were very well done!
The actual “typical cast” demo’s as shown were much less helpful for the viewer because they weren’t shown as well against a backdrop where you could see the cast and get a “feel” for the timing.
My vote goes for the Whitemouse DVD… although Joan would be a second recommendation.