Gordy
Thanks!
Examples for the global application stuff is
relatively easy. The 5 essentials come to mind immediately.
Things that would be substance for one caster and
style for another is a lot tougher.
We've had recent discussion about drag and rotation. Obviously nobody casts
using drag or translation
only but my mathematician's thought processes tell me that nobody casts using pure
rotation only. Even if the
eccentricity of the casting
motion is miniscule I doubt if it is ever a perfect circle. Each of us
will use a
varying degree of translation in our
casts and will apply it in different ways. Some will use it to
lengthen
their casting stroke, for example, to
help eliminate tailing loops or they will use longer casting
strokes
to reduce stress on their joints. For
some of these people the use of translation will be substance
but
the fact remains that the majority of
motive force comes from rotation and most people (unless
they
have some physiological issues that
prevent them) can learn to make their casts using almost
pure
rotation. This is what makes rotation a
substance element and translation a style element
- because
rotation applies to everyone, while the
amount of translation is dependent on the individual.
Another possible area - grip. Some people find that
a three point grip reduces wristing. That would
make
this particular grip substance to the individual
but when we look at grip the global substance
elements
are that we need to be able to apply force to the
rod in the direction of the cast, provide
a
firm base for the rod to unload against and prevent
rod wobble during the cast. Which particular
grip works best for an individual is not
necessarily the best overall grip for everyone.
Also, while a particular
grip may reduce wristing, another grip would
probably work just as well with a bit of practice. That makes
the choice of grips a style element with respect to
a wider audience.
Another one that I came across recently was stance
for spey casting. The instructor felt that having the right
foot forward for a right handed caster helped to
control upper body motion during the sweep/back cast. I tried
this and found that it did indeed make it easier.
That would make the stance in this case a substance element
for me as an individual. But then I'm a novice spey
caster, so while it did help initially, we both know that with
a bit of practice the choice of stance won't make a
difference in the long run. We also know that you have
to learn to cast with all kinds of stances when you
are fishing. Definitely a style element from a
global standpoint.
Cheers
Walter
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Walter,
Interesting way of
looking at it !
With that reasoning, DRAG is
fundamental to Rick Hartman's distance cast and therefore can be considered an
individual's substance. With Steve Rajeff, it isn't necessary for his cast
and so if he did chose to use it, we could say that for him it is optional. A
manifistation of style change.
When I elect to use lots of
drag, it is for a particular purpose.... increased distance when I need it to
reach a fish way out there. In that event, it would be an application of a style
to solve a fishing/casting situation. It isn't part of my default
style.
Here's another thought:
The caster can form a loop using only rotation. He can also do it with a
combination of translation and rotation. He can't really do it with pure
translation alone.
As you pointed out, most
casts made by most casters use a combinaion of translation and
rotation.
The term DRAG, however, has
been used by distance casters to refer to pure or almost pure translation prior
to the advent of rotation. This isn't the same thing as the translation
mixed with rotation found with most casts. So we can look at DRAG as
something which can be added to a cast but which is not a necessary ingredient
for all casts. Therefore from a global perspective, I agree with
you that it is style, not substance.
Gordy
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Comment by Mack
Martin:
Gordy:
Just a thought on the subject of
"Drag", if you attempt to make a cast by utilizing drag to delay the
rotation of the cast, the casting analyzer will almost always see that as
creep. Just the slightest rotation taking place during translation of
the rod butt will be recorded as "creep".
Mack Martin
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Mack....
Yes. We must remember that
the CA actually measures one thing: Angular acceleration plotted against
time.
In the event we had a caster who
had DRAG performed with no rotation at all, we'd see only the time
interval.
Gordy
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