Walter & Group...
I have had many comments on the topic, VARIABLES. Far too many to share all of them. I have picked out a few, however :
From Peter Lami,
[GH] Are they still "essentials" as we apply changes to them as variables? [PL] I agree with you Gordy, these are concepts that are open to debate and there is no canned answer that is right or wrong.
[GH] Is a straight line path of the rod tip an "essential" when making a controlled wide loop cast when casting a heavy weighted fly? [PL] Yes. However, there are some important things to remember. To avoid the heavily weighted fly from kicking over, or worse, the fly crashing into the fly rod, you need to slow down the tempo of your casting stroke and make a controlled wide loop by forcing the ending position of the rod well below RSP. Alternatively, the caster might choose to deliberately break RULE #1 and make the cast just like a beginner and bend the wrist (a variable) too much to force the rod tip to follow a convex path and create a wide, open loop. It's not a mistake if you do it on purpose. In both methods, we are controlling the variables to solve the problem.
[GH] If you look back on the entries which followed our question, you will note that those whom you will recognize as Masters and well informed teachers gave logical answers though no two were the same.[PL] This is true and the reason why I feel this has been the most interesting topic so far this year! Your Master Study Group hit a home run with this topic!!
Gordy, here's my shorter, and longer answers -
Re: variables and constants -
Short answer: Every cast and virtually everything in a cast varies
relative to the caster, the skill level, the equipment, the situation,
the desired effect, and on and on.
More? I can't think of a casting 'concrete' that does not at some level
require a sidebar, an asterisk, an exception, or an explanation, which
means they all vary and therefore are not constants.
Long answer: I respectfully disagree with Peter Lami on his selection
of variables. I believe this question addresses all forms of fly
casting, not just straightline casting - that is, casts such as
elliptical casts, rotary casts, circular casts, dynamic rolls and spey
casts, and many other very usable, fishable casts, none of which employ
the straight-line concept.
And, can we claim as fact that the fly line always goes in the direction
the tip was moving just before the stop? Casts like snap Ts and other
fast reverse-direction casts might suggest otherwise.
In each cast the situation varies; the physique, knowledge, and skills
of the caster vary; the equipment varies, and it varies in relation to
the caster and environment in which he is casting. Virtually everything
about the cast is a variable, strictly speaking. That is a concept sure
to rankle, especially some of the bullet listers, box thinkers and party
liners.
Maybe we should ask our physicists if there are constants in the cast.
I've not seen a physics model that did not have at least a few asterisks
attached to it. Which would make constants constant only if certain
conditions are met -- only if the wind is right, only if you're making
this type of cast, only if don't have a guide standing behind you, only
if you have a specific type of line -- you get the idea. But then, that
makes them variable. At least to my mind.
Seems to me that in order to speak of constants, we have to adopt a
vocabulary of generalities - or we have to truthfully throw in so many
qualifiers and exceptions that the teaching becomes burdensome and
ineffective.
One guy's thoughts.
David
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David
Good thoughts to ponder. Do consider Peter Lami's qualified answer, above.
Also speaks to our concept of "essentials" as to whether they are scientific constants. I think the latter carries a heavier burden.
Aside -
I just got my new copy of "BEYOND THE MOON" by James McCully. I've studied Ocean tides for many years... but this is the most understandable writing on the subject I've ever seen. You did a great job critiqueing it ! Couldn't find in at Amazon.com or Borders. Barnes & Noble carries it. A MUST for all salty anglers.
G.
Gordy,
You
wrote:
"Some of you have written as
to whether Grant could have competed with our advanced Two Handed Casters of
today. One can only wonder what might have happened if he had been able to use
present day equipement and had been schooled in modern casting
methods."
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