[juro]

I know that there were differing opinions and perhaps the answer is "both" but I am curious to hear how competitors felt about the four cast competition rules vs. the small angle singles used in other competitions.

My opinion is of little consequence as this was my first competition ever, but I am very curious to hear from you guys who make a big impact and have a lot of experience.

These are the four casts an angler needs to cover a river with respect to current and wind, so there is no denying that they are the right casts as the GGACC group believed Jimmy Green would have it.

However there is something to be said for the megacasts that other tournaments produce.

Considerations include time, space and resources to manage things if they get out of hand.

Thanks in advance for participating.

 

[Dana]

Although I did not compete, as an interested observer I thought I'd add my vote. I'd like to see both competitions at Spey-O-Rama.

 

[sven kalmar]

Why not have both? Or maybee the 4cast to qualify and THEN-----
Flyfishaholic? join AnglersAnymonous, we have a recovery program, you are never cured but things might get in a better perspective..or I dont know....

 

[prairiespey]

A third option

Might be usefull/informative to have a seperate informal comp. with only off the shelf tools for those who attend as watchers, to participate in something that provides some encouragement and acts as a gauge.

Will

 

[Cascade]

Both of course !
Why not have the best of both worlds?
Great facilities, great folk, great craic, should have great casting !

 

[Gardener]

I think the competition as currently set up is actually a better reflection of real fishing conditions than, for example, the CLA Game Fair (formerly Musto) event. The ability to perform hero casts in one particular direction is all very fine, but if the object is to reward talent as it applies to the real world of fishing (which is the stated intention of the Spey-o-Rama) I think that requiring the use of both casts and both shoulders is a truer test.

The organisers could perhaps include a prize for the longest cast in the competition, rather than add a separate competition along the lines of the CLA rules, but it would be a shame if it were allowed to overtake the main event.

 

[kush]

Like Juro this was my first competition - so it would have been challenging no matter the format.

As for the 4 casts - I like it. It is a real challenge, both mentally and physically - as well, it does mimic fishing casts, at least as much as pond-casting ever could.

I do not see the reason for change. There are many world class competitions that have different venues; downhill skiing, Indy and Formula car racing and PGA golf to name a few. Far from detracting from the competitions the venue differences usually enhance the competition. The different challenges presented by the different courses add to the competition and give each event their own unique and well-appreciated character.

This is how I see the Spey-O-Rama competition. It has its unique challenges, but if competitiors are aware and prepared then it will only serve to make the competition better. This is already a world-class event. The best were there - and in my opinion - the best casters won, so there is no need to change.

Spey-O-Rama does not need to become a "cookie-cutter" immitation of MUSTO. In a couple of more years the GGACC event will be a regular world event and any competitor interested will know the unique character of the competition and look forward to its challenge.

 

[kush]

As a post-script - if they want to use just one cast in the competition - I belive it should be the Reverse Snake-Roll. :saevilw:

 

[Willie Gunn]

Perhaps the contestants could be required to dress properly, fore and afts, and plus fours in tweed, I would allow, ties to be optional as it is America.

 

[kush]

I don't know about the dress code... after all it is America.

Maybe it should be muscle shirts, ball caps on backwards and a little sideways, with really low riding baggy waders. We mustn't forget the obligitaory head phones with hip hop blaring out for all to hear....

....wsaap dog? :smokin:

 

[Gardener]

Perhaps the contestants could be required to dress properly, fore and afts, and plus fours in tweed, I would allow, ties to be optional as it is America.

As you pointed out to me recently on another thread, D loops don't form correctly when the caster is wearing a baseball cap. Some of the pictures showed the Scottish boys wearing baseball caps in SF, but I assume that they changed into the correct attire when actually casting, and that this explains their superb performance in the competition.

Making the wearing of tweed a formal requirement for all competitors would surely rob the Scots of this advantage.

 

[Salmon Fly]

S-o-r

Prairie,
The competition as it is set up now is using basically off-the-shelf tackle.

I think the basic problems with doing two competitions is time and following with the spirit of the event. It took about 3 hours to do the one and I don't think anyone was disappointed with the show as it was.

Secondly, the whole idea of tournament casting is to provide a means to learn casting in order to help your fishing. With a couple exceptions, tournament casting is done with reasonably standard fishing equipment. The spey-o-rama competition as it is set-up now follows that idea. If people go out and practice the game they are improving their casting skills for fishing.

There is no reason that some of the people who compete at the CLA couldn't bring their rods and do some exhibtion casting. It is a casting club after all and we do like to play with the extreme tackle. A few people enjoyed casting with my tournament two hander on Sunday afternoon. If it is done as an exhibition, everyone could see the long bombs and the organizers don't have to throw one more thing on their plate. It requires enough effort as it is to organize this event.

 

[Salmon Fly]

-

Forgot to mention, Kush and Gardener, you guys explained the idea of the event perfectly.

 

[Bob Pauli]

A super thread.

Thanks to all for the thoughtful comments.

 

[Whistler]

The contest is perfect as is. It is a true test of the caster and the winner really is the best caster in the world. As well with casts off of each shoulder from both sides participants really must come with a full bag of tricks-not just one good cast from their good side. The deep wade, mandatory forward anchor position,time limit, competition pressure and swirling wind make for an excellent test. I will say that I would love to see a row of potted trees on the walkway 30' behind the caster. As Jim Green would want to see a true test of fishing casts it makes sense to foul the cast of those trying to make a 50' backcast. Though I am new to competitive casting I think this is a wonderful game and one that doesn't need to be changed. I will be back and I will bring some friends.

Niska

 

[Willie Gunn]

I would just like to suggest that competitors are restricted to a single and double Spey cast of both shoulders.
The event is called the Spey-O- Rama not the Snake-O-Rama, snake rolls are a new fangled idea not from Speyside, and have little to do with Speycasting. :lildevl: .

 

[kush]

Malcolm,

Now far be it for a mere colonial to presume to teach a Scot about Scottish history, but the snake roll is generally attributed to some Gawesworth fellow and first introduced to me by a Scottish lad by the name of Derek Brown. As well, since I fully intend to Ness-ize the snake roll it will be imminently Scottish and therefore proper speycasting :smokin:

You should be thankful that I have a measure of respect for you proper sensibilities, I was on the verge of using a long-belly Perry Poke in the Spey-O-Rama competition :Eyecrazy:

 

[Dana]

Willie,

can you send me one of those cool hats?

 

[Brian Simonseth]

I just had to keep it even

 

[Cascade]

Why should golfers have all the fun?

And what about a ryder cup equivelent?

I think it would make things very interesting, if the chaps from this side of the pond, suitably attired in tweeds, were to challenge the guys in baseball caps. Now that would be cool !