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Walter & Group...
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[GH] Michael Heritage answers our questions :-
1. Do you think that there are leader/fly/line/rod combinations which when cast would invariably result in a tailing loop even if the caster has not created a faulty move ?
Not to my knowledge, or, at least I haven't cast a combo where a tailing tendency couldn't be ironed out with some careful casting.
2. Are ALL tailing loops the result of problems with casting mechanics ?
I have to say yes because of my first answer.
3. If you answered YES to question 1., please describe this combination.
4. We know that certain elements of fly fishing tackle can make it difficult for many casters to avoid making tailing loops. Can you briefly describe them ?
a. Certain fly rods:- soft or deep loading rods
b. Leaders.:- I don't know, I have never concidered the leader to be part of the problem
c. Lines. :- Mixed density lines such as sink tips. I sometimes have tailing issues with short bellied WF's
d. Flies :- Heavy ones comes to mind.
e. Certain combinations. :- Soft rod, sink tip, and a clouser would be my idea of challenging
5. What role (if any) does the wind play in the formation of tailing loops ? :- Quite a bit I would have thought. Stroke length in relation to wind direction for one. For instance casting into a head wind where the backcast is relatively gentle and not drifting to allow a longer/more powerful stroke into the wind.
6. Do you think there are any wind conditions which can result in the caster forming a tailing loop even if the casting mechanics are executed well ?:- Vortex's created by wind passing over buildings, trees, hedges etc can play havoc with anyones casting.
7. Do you think the harmonics of a fly rod (first and second natural vibration frequency characteristics) have anything to do with the formation of tailing loops ?:- I am not a big fan of blaming the equipment, I just pick up a rod and cast it, so my answer is no.
Mike
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[GH] From Gary Davison. He qualifies a difference of opinion :-
Gordy here is my answers to the questions.
Gary
GH] Questions:
1. Do you think that there are leader/fly/line/rod combinations which when cast would invariably result in a tailing loop even if the caster has not created a faulty move ?
Yes.
2. Are ALL tailing loops the result of problems with casting mechanics ?
No.
3. If you answered YES to question 1., please describe this combination.
I like to think of it in terms of the controllable variables and the uncontrollable variables.
The controllable variables would be the type of rod, line, leader, tippet, and fly being used. Plus factor in the ability of the caster to cast.
We talk about a balanced system with regards to the controllable items just listed. These can be unbalanced in one form or another or a combination of all the above. This unbalancing of the system would lead to the possibilities of casting tails. Leader to light for the fly, rod too limber for a weighted fly, leader, or line that is being cast. The unknowing caster not applying the right cast with the unbalanced system is probably the worst combination possible.
Then you add the uncontrolled variable on top of this, such as mother nature, a gust of wind, which can cause slack in the system during the cast. A change of direction in wind the swirl. In the Surf a wave tags your back cast. You touch a blade of grass on the bank behind you with your back cast. Your line brushes against a small limb of a small tree such as a willow which result in a shock to the system.
It does not take much to shock the system causing the concave dipping of the rod tip
4. We know that certain elements of fly fishing tackle can make it difficult for many casters to avoid making tailing loops. Can you briefly describe them ?
a. Certain fly rods The Full Flex or more limber rods have been said to be prone to this event. They are said to be more sensitive to dipping of the rod tip during the cast.
Shorter rods may help in this regard also due to the reduced stroke length capability making them for sensitive to this trait.
b. Leaders. Those made with too abrupt diameter changes within the leader causing it to impair smooth turnover and collapse upon itself with the fly being use. Or having a good leader with too light of tippet attached for the fly being used. This will enhance the fly leg to fall below the rod leg during the cast.
A good test for this is to just take the rod with the leader out the tip of the rod and make a case with just the leader and tiny bit of fly line out the tip. This will indicate if you have good turn over with the leader set up being used with the fly.
c. Lines. Weighted lines are more sensitive to this tendency based on the amount of shock factor they can cause on a given rod or cast. Shooting heads or sink tip lines.
d. Flies Weighted or air resistant fly that cause drag on the line have a greater tendency to affect rod tip dipping. .
e. Certain combinations. All of the above.
5. What role (if any) does the wind play in the formation of tailing loops ? As stated ealier this uncontrolled variable, any wind pattern that would induce slack or reduce tension in the line that would cause an abrupt shock to the system or reduction in stroke to induce the rod tip to dip and promote concave patterns.
6. Do you think there are any wind conditions which can result in the caster forming a tailing loop even if the casting mechanics are executed well ? Yes. as described above.
7. Do you think the harmonics of a fly rod (first and second natural vibration frequency characteristics) have anything to do with the formation of tailing loops ? Rod response based on frequency can have a bearing in the likely hood of promoting the tendency. Slower heavier tip rods have a tendency to react more to the shock on the rod then the faster lighter tip rods. However if the shock induced is significant , then both will experience the tendency only one more so then the other.
Gary
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