Ok it seems like every time I go to double haul or just plain cast far literally 4/5 times my fly gets stuck on the line. My back cast no problem but as I’m casting forward the line comes forward and the last bit of the line and leader finishes its loop to turn over, the fly proceeds to close and gets stuck on the line. Not realizing this happens sometimes I’ll start retrieveing my line and I’ll find a nice crows nest that takes 5-10 mins to remove. So how can I prevent this?
[This message has been edited by Tim S (edited 14 June 2005).]
[This message has been edited by Tim S (edited 14 June 2005).]
Seriously, being anything but a great caster (but I get by and am improving) I also seem to hook my line from time to time. I have found that many times the instigator is a knot where I did not trim the tag ends close enough or have tied a 4x or 5x tippet to a 2x leader end and then tied on too large of a fly for that sudden transition to handle. Maybe you are like me and need to taper the leader down smoother or even stick with a heavier one for the fly you are using.
Good luck, and I am sure others will have more and better advice and input.
I does from time to time get stuck on my knots. Specifically the line to leader knot. I’m using a 3x leader to a 4x tippet. It was a tapered leader but I eventually used it up and now am just tying on more 4x when I need it. Could it be the fly I’m using is to big? Its a muddler tied on a 12 tmc 100. So I didnt think it was that. What else?
Something to try…just did it last night in fact…for the line to leader knot use a little Marine Goop of the right texture and coat the knot so there is a smooth taper on each side…goes through the ferrules better too…and strengthens the knot…pliobond is the old standard …just didn’t have any.
I’m far from an expert flycaster. But when using a loop to loop connection the same thing happens to me – the fly gets stuck in the loop to loop connection.
My inexpert diagnosis of my own problems was that I was throwing tailing loops – I have other symptoms of tailing loops as well.
As I understand it, if you are throwing tailing loops, your cast isn’t all that bad – it seems to be a stage that you have to progress through in order to become a better flycaster.
Possibly, as you attempt to cast at distance, you are forced to throw tighter loops and then the tailing loop problem comes into play. If that makes sense.
I’ve tried to make that a thoughtful response, but it is not really an experienced response as you can tell.
But do you have to cut the line if the leader needs to be removed? Thats a good idea I’ll give that a shot, but what about the other problem I’m facing?
There are much better casters out there than I, but, …
On ecan never cast HARDER on the forward cast than they already have setup on the back cast. If you do, … try not to over power the forward cast. The back and forward cast should (in theory) be identical.
This is a reason I prefer casting INTO the wind instead of with the wind. My back cast at least will load the rod more.
i have the same problems at times. ive noticed that this typically happens when i use too much force, trying to “throw” the line farther.
ive learned to relax my power and let the rod do its job. when im really focused on casting farther, it is natural for me to feel the need to cast harder. this is not the case.
using the same power in my short casts as my long casts, has helped to prevent this from happening. instead of trying to power through your cast, try waiting a little longer. you may be forcing your forward cast before the line has straightened out behind you. wait until the line is completely straight behind you before bringing your cast forward. the line will follow the same path forward as it does rearward, and, hopefully, lower the number of knots youre experiencing.
also, remember that the more line you are laying out, the longer this wait becomes. on your forward cast, ensure that your line is straight in the air before presenting it to the surface. this should help you see any snags before retrieval, and lower the seriousness of knots that may develope.
You’ve got tailing loops. The advise that cured mine? “Stop trying so hard”. There are things you can do to your casting stroke to get more distance out of it, just putting more “umpf” into it isn’t one of them, and putting too much “umpf” into it makes things get messy as you have discovered.
the advise to slow down is good. i found that i threw a tailing loops when casting a softer rod. i use a stiffer rod now and very rarely throw a tailing loop when double hauling…
i think a great way to improve your casting is to get out and cast in the dark. you’ll find yourself relying much more on the feel of the rod.
[This message has been edited by D. Micus (edited 14 June 2005).]
It kind of comes with the territory.
I used to have the same problem, some
times still do.
As you get more time in, you will have
less problems.
Watch (turn around and look at your
back cast as it goes back and comes
foward) and see what is happening
all the way through the cast. You may
not be letting the line fully straighten
out before you start the forward motion.
I don’t have anywhere near as many
birds nests as I used to.
“Tailing loops are the most common problem a good caster has.”
I’m under the impression that as your loops get tigher and more efficient, eventually you are left with a tailing loop. Lefty recommends pushing the rod down with your thumb after the stop to eliminate the problem.
However, saying that and doing it are different things. And I’ve decided to take some casting lessions to help me work those things out.
I had one of my rods done with the loop to loop and found that I do hook flies in one of the loops from time to time.
A friend of mine told me one time that the loop to loop connectors are a big problem with flys hooking the loop.
He told me to nail knot a piece of sturdy mono at the end of my fly line and then blood knot my leader to that. That is the way I do all of my leaders now and I do have less problems.
IMHO, here is part of your answer. The kno is not the problem. Regardless of how you tie your knot and how long the tag ends are your cast should make a nice “S” and not cross itself. The knot is what catches the line when your cast falls apart. What does happen is that your forward cast is causing the problem. I don’t know what to tell you to do about it other than to say that not trying so hard will make a more normal cast and your casting will be better. I think the problem is not going forward towards 10:00 and stopping at 11:00 (so to spea), but I leave the details and accurate instruction to those more knowledgable than I.
jed
[This message has been edited by Jed (edited 17 June 2005).]