Answers to teaching questions / Turned rod guides / Stillwater

Walter & Group....

From Lewis Hinks.  His answers in text in blue italics :

 

 

Consider that you have been asked as a Master Instructor to set up a weekend (2 days) casting class for 15 people. The location and the food have been arranged and there is ample equipment for everyone. You determine you will need the assistance of TWO CI's and you know there are SIX CI's in your close proximity.

 

1.)  What are some of your preliminary considerations ? 

 

Try to find out what level of experience this group has, so those with experience might be
put together. Make sure I have some spare fly fishing outfits available in case the students

equipment is damaged. Have arranged a suitable teaching area, with no obstructions to hinder

casting from any wind direction. Have washroom facitilities nearby. Arrange for drinks(non-alcoholic)

for the 2 days. Arrange alternate teaching area in case of foul weather (arena or gym) and remind

students to bring appropriate clothing for weather conditions. Have extra leaders and 'yarn' flies

available. Copy and have available basic casting instuctions that the students can take away.
Plan a review of basics of casting including how a fly rod works, rod loading, casting arc,

line weights, leaders, basic knots.

 

 

2.)  How would you go about determining who you want to assist ?

 

First I would find out who might be available. Assuming all are available, I would ask a CCI who has a lot of experience and one that is just getting started. The newer CCI would have a chance to develop or improve their skills and the help of an experienced CCI would ensure the students have a good class and the 2 days go smoothly. I think it is important for MCCI's to assist CCI's with their development as a teacher.

 

Lewis

 

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                                     ROD STRIPPER GUIDE TURNED TO ONE SIDE

 

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Interesting to know the background behind various fly casting and tackle ideas and developments.  Hence this brief string -

 

From Lefty Kreh :

 

Gordy-- Turning the rod to the side when shooting line is an old idea that I am sure several people were aware of. I suggested to Phil Clock owner of  Fenwick rod company in the 1960's  that we might want to consider manufacturing some with the striping permanently slanted to the side. Of course a left-hander will need a left-hand rod and vice versa. We did--but the test fly shops we sent the rods to complained that they didn't want a rod designed for a left or a right handed person. so we gave it up.

 

Lefty

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Lefty...

 

I didn't know that.  I'll bet some custom rod makers made a few that way (?)  That is what Joy Dunlop did years ago.

 

Of course, now that we have 4 pc. rods, it's easy to do on site ... in either direction.

 

G.

 

I'll add that back in the 70's we had a custom rod maker speak to our fishing club.  He had designed a plug rod for bass fishermen which had the first stripper guide turned 90 degrees.  Each subsequent guide was turned a little less to the side so that the final one was in line with the tip top and the reel seat. A spiral line up.  Someone may have done the same thing with fly rods .... ( ??? )

 

Flip also demonstrated making distance casts by simply turning the rod to one side so the reel points 90 degrees laterally.  OK with light/small reels, but when I got home and tried it with the large arbor salt water reels, it felt a bit strange.  Reason I tried it is because lately I've come to like the shorter (8' 6" and 8' 10" ) one piece rods for tarpon.  No ferrules to rotate.    G.

 

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Gordy I am pretty sure I told Joy about that. Joy was a good friend and built two of the nicest ultra-light spinning rods for 2 and 4 pound test--I still have them.

Lefty

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                                                      MORE ON STILLWATER FISHING

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Liam Duffy and I have communicated on stillwater fishing.  He has kindly offered to send me some writings on the subject. One comment which he made sounds like a challenge not to be ignored.  He mentions complaints by folks in the Masterclass about using two flies at a time :

"Try using a 20ft. leader with three or four flies on a 20 foot leader." "A style of casting which is 'alien' to you guys in the States."    Liam

Of course, I now need to learn this .... Probably a far cry from the "chuck & duck" methods used by some.

Liam also wishes me to understand that stillwater fishing originated in Ireland. (Perhaps leading to a challenge of a different sort.)

Gordy