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Now that the run of Claves is finished for the winter/spring season in the PNW, and I have completed my Euro Demo Tour, there are a couple of observations that I would like to share. At the end of my demo's here, when I open the floor to questions, most of them are as regards equipment, such as what rod are you using, what is the sink tip material, how long are the leaders, etc. In Europe, the vast majority of questions were about casting technique, casting theory, or casting application. From what I have seen at our stateside Claves as compared to the shows and demo's I participated at in Europe, the "average" Euro is more skilled at casting than the "average" Yank.
Here is the "difference" that I noted, albeit from a somewhat limited and small "sampling". Most Euro's seem to realize that casting skill is acquired through an understanding of casting, along with consistent practice. Most of "us" seem to believe that some technological advancement in equipment is going to provide a "magical" combination that will suddenly give us the ability to cast like masters.
I would venture to say that because most salmon fishing in Europe is going to cost a notable sum of money just to set foot into a stretch of river, most Euro's are not very willing to "waste" any portion of their on-river fishing time trying to figure out how to cast... they do that BEFORE they get to the river.
I am literally quite amazed at the numbers of people here in the PNW, many that I know personally, who jump about from one casting technique to another, and/or who are continually acquiring new rod/line outfits in a quest for the "holy grail" of casting. I often wonder how many "Speycasters" have more than $1200 wrapped up in "Spey" equipment, but have not invested any money into casting lessons? Regardless of what is said, Speycasting - either Traditional, Underhand, or Skagit - is not "easy". It takes good instruction and practice. Now then, rollcasting a Speyrod, THAT'S easy.
Nowadays, the vast majority of Speyrods made by the "most mentioned" rod producers, are extremely capable casting tools when coupled with the proper lines for the specific casting technique. If you have such an outfit, but your casting is not going well, then it might be time to consider seeking some "outside" advice, before blaming the rod.
Here is the "difference" that I noted, albeit from a somewhat limited and small "sampling". Most Euro's seem to realize that casting skill is acquired through an understanding of casting, along with consistent practice. Most of "us" seem to believe that some technological advancement in equipment is going to provide a "magical" combination that will suddenly give us the ability to cast like masters.
I would venture to say that because most salmon fishing in Europe is going to cost a notable sum of money just to set foot into a stretch of river, most Euro's are not very willing to "waste" any portion of their on-river fishing time trying to figure out how to cast... they do that BEFORE they get to the river.
I am literally quite amazed at the numbers of people here in the PNW, many that I know personally, who jump about from one casting technique to another, and/or who are continually acquiring new rod/line outfits in a quest for the "holy grail" of casting. I often wonder how many "Speycasters" have more than $1200 wrapped up in "Spey" equipment, but have not invested any money into casting lessons? Regardless of what is said, Speycasting - either Traditional, Underhand, or Skagit - is not "easy". It takes good instruction and practice. Now then, rollcasting a Speyrod, THAT'S easy.
Nowadays, the vast majority of Speyrods made by the "most mentioned" rod producers, are extremely capable casting tools when coupled with the proper lines for the specific casting technique. If you have such an outfit, but your casting is not going well, then it might be time to consider seeking some "outside" advice, before blaming the rod.