Distance practice / Practice flies

Walter & Group...

New Topic:  You have just passed your CCI exam.  You made the 75' distance cast just fine with a nice straight layout.

Now you wish to prepare for the MCCI exam.  The best distance you can achieve is 80' under very good casting conditions.

QUESTION:  How do you practice distance casting to eventually reach 90' with ease and a good layout most of the time ?

Gordy

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                                                          Practice flies

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From Gary Eaton on pipe cleaner flies :

Gordy,

 

I modified my pipe cleaners by wrapping them in, adhesive or duct tape, foam tape, Coban, or dipping in "dip-it" "plasti-kote" or another cushioning material less to protect rods than prolong useful life. When I assign them for practice for flats fishing, I do nothing special except fold the pipe cleaner (about  10' long) into half at least  twice to give me about 4" long, four-strand. I then twist an "eye" into each end with the wire ends in the center of the "fly". Since their mass is relatively widely dispersed (no piece of wire even approaches 1/3 the thickness of a hook shank) they really do not even mar the wax coating on my SW rods.

 

Have no fear, but be smart and protect your eyes.

 

 Gary Eaton, MCCI

 

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Gary...

 

Make no mistake, even a tiny fluff of yarn or the end of a tippet with no fly can injure an eye ..... so, as you note, we have to be careful about eye protection no matter the equipement when teaching fly casting.

 

Your pipe cleaner fly sounds quick and easy to make.  You're right about weight distribution, too.  Might be a good alternative for teaching Tucks and other curve casts.

 

Gordy

 

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