[scoutlvr]

Gents,

Looking to start seriously practicing and wondering what lines guys are using for the test/practice? On the test it said something about an 80ft line - assume that includes the leader. Carron, Snowbee, Xlt, Grandspey what lines are you guys using?

Thanks, Nathan

 

[Dana]

Hi Nathan!

A variety of lines will work, but you must choose a line that will allow you to meet the established line standard without shooting line. Review the requirements here: http://www.fedflyfishers.org/twohanded.php

I used a 3M Mastery Mid Head for my test. I have seen MidSpeys, Carrons, and even custom cut lines.

Something to think about: a potential "problem" with the extended belly lines is that casts requiring you to shoot line for distance might be more challenging with a longer belly line for some casters.

 

[speyrd]

I used a Delta 8/9 for practice and a 9/10 Carron for the test. As Dana has so nicly put it you ned a line that will shoot easy. Establish the length and mark you line at the 80' and 100' according to the FFF standard.
Good luck,
Leroy........

 

[Speytarded]

THCI Practice

Hello Nathan,
I, like you, am preparing for the THCI test. I tried to get ready for the Sandy Clave but didn't quite make it. I've only been at it for about a year so I think my goal was a bit premature. The outfit I'm practicing with is an Albright 14' 9/10 Wt. with a S. A. short belly (54 to 55' head). I added a 4' piece of 8 wt double taper as holding line. The line, as it stood, needed to have about 4 to 5 feet of overhang, just a bit to much to turn the line over properly. Remember, you qualify your casts at 80' from your toes to the fly. I've set my outfit by marking my fly line at 70' and 90'. My leader of choice is 14'. I'm practicing with about 3 to 4' extra as insurance. When I adjust and measure from toes to the fly at 80' the casts are easier. I know this system will work as my friend, Klem, took the test with my outfit and passed.
My plan is to take the test at the Conclave in August. I have the help of 2 THCI's so my journey may be a little easier.
Do you have someone to practice with? It should you help quite a bit.
Good luck!
Stan

 

[Bob Middo]

Greetings Nathan and all,

Yes, I too plan on taking the THCCI, but probably not until next year at Spey-o-Rama. My former practice outfit was the 8/9 DBF with an 8/9 XLT figuring that if I could master all the casts without shooting any line it would really dial in my casting. Unfortunately, I don't wish to practice for another decade or so in trying to master this setup beyond 100', so instead I switched lines to a Carron 10/11 and what a difference in loop control. Though I have to shoot line now, the Carron as we all know does this with ease, keeping a tight loop nice and high over the water while unrolling.

Bob

 

[Dana]

One thing I forgot to mention is the importance of practicing with the exact setup you will use for your test. I have seen fellows use a new setup on test day figuring it will give them an advantage and it usually does not.

 

[Bob Middo]

Hi Dana,

You mentioned in an earlier post that you want to choose a line that will meet the established line standard without shooting line. I assume you mean this to be the 80' mark only? I would think that lines with head lengths less than 75' would not make the 100' mark without shooting a little line due to the inherent slack in the line. Maybe I'm reading the test requirement all wrong but I thought you also had to reach at least 100' for the Single and Double Spey, as well as the Snake Roll and Snap T or Circle C.

Dazed and confused,

Bob

 

[Dana]

Hi Bob!

Here is the info copied from the FFF website:

The candidate's floating line is to be qualified to a distance of 80 feet, measured from foot to target. The fly/yarn must meet or exceed the 80-foot qualifying distance in three of the first five casts. If the line fails to reach this requirement, it will be deemed improper and disallowed. Upon the line qualifying, (80 feet, foot to target), a holding mark will be approved at this length. It is recommended that the candidate have a known visible holding mark established at the 80-foot qualifying distance prior to the test for their reference. It is recommended that the head length of the line (line from rod tip to leader) exceed 60 feet in length, minimum. This will assure the candidate to qualify their line.

All of the casts must initially be completed to 80ft without shooting line, foot to fly. Shooting is allowed during the distance casts (100ft).

 

[Bob Middo]

Thanks Dana!

That clears up a lot, but what does the FFF mean by " Qualifying distance in three of the first five casts"? Are they talking about the Switch, Single, Double, Snake and Snap T? or does it mean, you have to perform each task five times with 3 out of the five casts being at or past the 80' qualifying mark?

Sorry for the questions, but who better to ask than one who is Certified.

Bob

 

[speyrd]

Bob, Took the test at this years Sandy Clave, The first thing we did to qualified the line was measure an 80' distance and that was my holding point. After that I made several switch casts to finish the qualifing the line.
This is what I used for my set up, 14'8/9 Greased line series G.Loomis, an 8/9 Delta and a 15' leader. Nice thing about the Deltas they have a 20' holding line, so you can play with the leader length to adjust the amount of overhang to your casting and sitll maintain the 80' distance.
Leroy Teeple................

 

[Dana]

Leroy is correct. The candidate is asked to qualify the line by making a series of switch casts (5) along a measured line. Since it may be difficult to accurately measure the casting distance when a change-of-direction is added (such as a single spey), we first determine whether the candidate and candidate's line can meet the standard with a switch cast, then go through the fishing casts. When I assisted Simon with his test, we also did the same thing with the 100ft cast.

Throughout the test if there is ever a question about the casting distance (for example, a leader that doesn't straighten out, or a candidate who pulls the rod tip up at the end of a shooting cast), the candidate is asked to cast again.

When preparing for the test, I believe it is vital to remember that it is a pressure situation no matter how relaxed the candidate and/or examiners are. To consistently meet the distance standards, the candidate should be one who can consistently exceed the standards during practice. Someone who cannot cast 110ft+ cleanly and consistently during practice could easily run into trouble during a test if they freeze up. Also, the test can take 3 - 4hrs to complete, so fatigue becomes a significant factor. While it is not necessary to have tournament casting skills to pass the THCI, a candidate should possess well above average casting skills, particularly the ability to quickly analyse their own casting and adjust when necessary.

 

[Bob Middo]

Thanks guys,

It makes sense that one should be able to reach both distances easily prior to any of the change of direction casts. To qualify so to speak

Dana, your absolutely right about the pressure effect and the distance one should easily cast. Sounds vaguely familiar to the Masters Certification, though it only required one distance cast, not 9 or 10. This certification sounds pretty tough but fair. Again, thanks for the information, it has cleared up quite a few things.

Bob

 

[Dana]

Bob,

I'm currently preparing for the Masters so I might be contacting you for info as well!

The THCI has been described as a Master level test. Certainly the knowledge and skill required goes well beyond the single hand certification. After I take the Masters I'll have a better idea of how the two compare.

 

[Bob Middo]

Dana,

Not a problem. I'd be more than happy to help you out.

 

[Dana]

Thanks Bob! Working on my curve casts earlier this evening... :Eyecrazy:

 

[Bob Middo]

Dana,

Regarding the curve casts. Be sure you more than one way in which to perform them. It is something the examiners will probably ask for. I had to demonstrate 4 variations, 8 if you count both the left and right. BTW, when and where are you planning on taking the exam?

 

[Dana]

Thanks for the info. I've figured out three different methods so far (can't say that I'm consistent yet though).

Not sure about when and where. I'll settle on that later this year when I feel that I am approaching a point where I'm ready to take the test. I'm not anticipating taking it until nerxt spring at the earliest.

 

[Klem]

Pressure????

CI, MCI, Thickie, What's left to conquer? Maybe the FFF can establish a Doctral Certificate for a combo level of single- and double-handed casting Instructors. We just need more pressure situations, right? Good a'Luck on the Masters. Pressure is back on my friend, Klem

 

[grzlyhkl]

sinking lines?

Gentlemen:

What sinking line setups do you all recommend for the test?

 

[Dana]

Klem,

Thanks! I'm looking forward to working on the Masters. I took a Prep Course this past weekend that really helped me to identify what I needed to work on.

grzlyhkl,

you need 15ft sinktip minimum type VI. Most of the speypages sponsors make lines that have these specs. For my test I used a 3M Spey Midhead floating, and a RIO MidSpey for tips. Hint: when you are preparing for the sinking line section, think actual fishing conditions. It is easy to deal with a tip in 2ft of water, but wading up to your waist is another issue entirely.