Three Bits of Advise to the Newly Initiated

After Simon demonstrated rule#3 at the Sandy Clave I needed a trick to make it easier to see the d-loop. First, opposite foot forward is a must to see the dee, nothing new there. However I found that you only need to watch the shock wave of line coming off the top of the rod. It's hard to visualize the whole loop, but just that first vector coming off the rod tip does the trick. That first segment points like a compass arrow in the direction of the d-loop.

This 'peek' at the line off the tiptop coincides (time-wise) with the raising of the hands into the firing position just before focusing on the anchor. I raise my forearm (shoulder to elbow) no further than level with my shoulders at firing position so there's a good lane to peek thru over the bicep.

When I was too focused on the anchor, I was much less consistent at directing the d-loop opposite the target direction. Trying to cast in a direction that is not opposite will sap the energy out of the cast far more than overhand casting which is more forgiving than Spey casting.

Conversely, getting the right vector and enough elevation/volume in the loop makes the anchor a little less important, as evidenced in double spey, snap-t and other stationary anchor casts.

I suppose that's why double spey, snap-T are easier to learn than single spey - you can place the anchor and think about forming the d-loop more independently.

In any case, watching that 'compass arrow' really helps with Simon's rule #3.

Hope that helps.

Juro

Juro

You posted, "When I was too focused on the anchor, I was much less consistent at directing the d-loop opposite the target direction. Trying to cast in a direction that is not opposite will sap the energy out of the cast far more than overhand casting which is more forgiving than Spey casting."

Before Simon's great film, I was really getting exasperated and confused trying to focus on the mouse and all the other BS that other videos and even Rio's worthless booklet that comes with their great lines.

I'm not an expert with the Double Spey, but I can get my casts out 50 to 70 feet with consistent results and minimal strain on the old body thanks to Simon's great video. Also, I get strikes and sometimes I catch a fish. Seems like a lot of Speyers are just interested in 100+ foot casts instead of actually catching a fish. If that turns them on fine, I love to cast and sometimes actually hook some stupid fish.

I still have a problem with the Snake Roll Cast even with Simon's video, but a trip with someone like Bob Pauli will probably solve that. Dana's previous articles have helped but that is on paper and is really one dimentional in a multi dimentional world.

I'm certainly no expert either, just a dedicated student. There is sooo much to Spey casting and it seems none of it can be taken for granted if one wants to learn.

For instance, although we may point out one thing here and there every part is important. For instance, I said I was too singly focused on the anchor and I did well to think about the vector of the loop but that in no way means I could stop thinking about the anchor!

Nor can we stop thinking about coming around into position to throw back the d-loop, which Dana really helped me with when we met. He reminded me that on a single spey all you need to do is to keep a sensation of weight (load) in the rod as you come around into position to throw the d-loop back. He demonstrated a painfully slow sweep followed by a thundering cast, using all the rod had to give for load/unload capability without hurrying a thing.

I often rushed the "in-betweens" in my spey casting, which short compact heads allow but longer lines don't. I used to dip and rise the rod during the sweep into position, which kills the energy cold. Learning to come around slow while carrying the load in the rod cures the dips, bobs, and rushes while approaching the backcast stroke.

So many little things... so little time!

As with any fly casting, I believe the key is consistant arm and hand positions. Too many instructors teach what the rod should do. If you have a reference point for hand and arm positions, the rod and line will follow. You can practice without a rod by just going through the motions until you condition your muscles to perform the same motion every time. Derek's video is a great reference - at the beginning he talks about arm and hand position. I would study that and practice those motions. Many casters use a short stroke that works ok with short belly lines but if you want to cast the long belly lines effectively you really need to concentrate on the inital lift and extending the arm to the side as far as it will go with the upper hand opposite the ear (not up above the head). This allows the most power on the forward stroke - again I would really recommend studying both Derek and Simon in their excellent tapes and then try those motions first in slow motion without the rod so you gain muscle memory. When casting with the rod stop at each step and make sure your hands and arms are in the correct positions.