"170" video

Walter & Group...

On the video of the "170 cast" by Lou Bruno:

Hi Gordy,

Playing catch up with the emails since my Florida trip; I decided it was about time to join in.

 

The tremendous amount of counter flex wanted me to think there was something dramatically wrong. But after further reviewing the video I realized that I haven’t seen that amount of counter flex before. So, I think its okay.

What I do see is his elbow position prior to the back cast being high for the amount of line he has aerialized. This is causing a shifting of his casting arc to move more backwards. I also see how he keeps his elbow extended throughout the cast.

I was trying to determine if he was slide loading (remember that topic), but I don’t see his line hand moving toward the rod butt while he is beginning his forward cast. So, I don’t think he is. He isn’t shooting any line on the back cast either and this is causing his line hand to be too far removed from the rod butt. He could achieve greater line speed from his forward haul if he shot line on the back cast and had his hands closer together for the forward haul and forward cast. He would have a more effective haul.

Lastly, and this is minor, if I was going to lift my back foot during the forward cast I would take a forward step to achieve more line speed over the longer stroke length.

 

Regards,

Lou

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Lou .....  There is something else to note, too.

Watch his forearm at the start of the back cast.  You will note the butt of the rod (below the reel) literally digging into his forearm.  This technique gives tremendous leverage.  It also helps prevent fatigue or strain to the caster's forearm muscles, particularly when used while casting heavy tackle.

Near normal speed:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r243/kf6pzl/Hauled170o.gif

Slower:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r243/kf6pzl/Hauled170.gif

Haul timing (larger):
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r243/kf6pzl/Frank.gif

 

I use this part of the technique when I cast tarpon tackle and need distance.  Also when making back cast presentations. (My own casting style, however, is very different .... much lower elbow "on Lefty's shelf" .... though I do bring the rod tip way back so my RSP and loop formation is way back.)  While tarpon fishing this morning, I took note of the butt "tarpon ball" on the end of my rod lterally denting the flesh of my forearm ..... something I usually do without thinking about it.  Then I cast trying to avoid this and had the distinct impression my arm muscles had to work harder because that leverage was no longer there.

Casting by bringing the rod tip way back using various styles, can be very efficient.  So much for those who used to criticize their students in saying, "You brought your rod tip too far back" when what they really meant to say was, "You brought your rod tip back and down".    (Of course, the student can sometimes bring the rod tip back farther than needed and end up with a mismatch between the rod arc and the rod bend.)

The haul seems short for the length of line I think he's carrying.  I suspect there may indeed be some "slide loading" there, too.

The back cast haul does appear to conclude prior to RSP. 

Gordy

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Let's hear from Chase, now.

G.