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Walter & Group...
[GH] Let's tackle task 17.... Wind casting. (My favorite topic.)
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Task 17. Explain and demonstrate casting with a strong head wind, tail wind and wind from either side. Hauling permitted.
Expectations : The problem presented by each wind direction should be explained. At least one cast to overcome the wind must be demonstrated for each wind direction. The explanation should include why the fast was selected (advantages), how the cast should be made, and the characteristics of the cast, e.g., loop size/shape, rod plane, line speed, trajectory, etc. The demonstration must match the explanation and be focused at the student level.
Passed (___).
Failed (___).
(___) Explanation did not match demonstration.
(___) Characteristics of the cast not explained.
(___) Explanation unclear or incomplete.
(___) Tailing loops.
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[GH] One of the biggest problems most casters face, is the wind onto the casting hand side. This can be handled in many different ways depending upon a range of circumstances including wind of different intensities.
For that reason, most of us teach multiple ways of handling those situations.
I know the MCI Testing Committee has considered this; so I would not be in the least surprised to find that a new version of this exam reflects this position.
Advice to candidates :
1. Good idea to begin your explanation with a STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.
2. Go from there with an explanation and demonstration of each cast with the objective of solving the problem.*
3. Be conversant with the ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES of each cast demonstrated.
4. While not required at this point, I'd nonetheless be prepared to have at least 6 different methods for handling wind of varying intensities onto the casting side.
5. Know and be able to demonstrate loop sizes and loop shapes for each casting solution.
6. Know when and when not to use high line speed (loop speed) for each forward and back cast.
7. Clearly understand and be able to explain and demonstrate the use of trajectory when casting in wind.
8. Be conversant with the use of altered rod planes (casting planes) for solving wind problems.
9. Know the implications and practical applications of "casting below the wind" in clear terms as to what works and what doesn't. **
10. Know what is meant by the term, "wind breaks" and how and when to take advantage of them.
11. Winds don't always come from the 4 major compass points. Understand how to handle quartering winds (such as wind from in front/casting hand side.) (Not required for task 17. Can accrue to the examiners' impression of your overall competency, however, though not graded.)
12. Know how to handle winds from various directions when roll casting. (Not required for task 17., As above.)
13. Be prepared to teach these casts.
While not required, the exceptionally well prepared candidate will take all this further an he becomes proficient in executing wind casts such as the "Thrust cast" (Lefty Kreh Wind Cast ), the "cross head" techniques and the family of elliptical casts as used for windy conditions. *** ****
To these, we can add certain specialty wind casts such as the so-called, "Barnegat Bay Cast" and the "Galway Cast" *****
Think of the wind as being either a disadvantage, an advantage, or neutral to your cast.
I like to think of wind casting as representing 3 major steps in the development of the fly caster. Many never get beyond the first step. Too few ever get to the third :
Step 1. The caster can cast if there is little or no wind, but cannot fish when its windy.
Step 2. The caster has learned how to handle most winds.
Step 3. The caster can use the wind to his advantage.
I can hear Tom White as he began to teach step 3 to his advanced students : "THE BAD THING IS, THE WIND IS BLOWING. THE GOOD THING IS, THE WIND IS BLOWING !"
I'll conclude by asking this question, because I've seen it trip up several MCI candidates :
Question: The wind is coming strongly onto your line hand side.
1. What (if any) problem(s) does this present ?
2. What is (are) your solution(s) ?
* CASTING with LEFTY KREH, by Lefty Kreh, 2008, pp. 281-293.
** UNDER the WIND, by Larry Pratt, Spring, 2001, The LOOP, pp. 1.-2. (Available on the FFF Website.)
*** Jason Borger's NATURE OF FLY CASTING a modular approach, by Jason Borger, pp.139-150, 235-236, 239.
**** FLY CSTING with LEFTY KREH, by Gary Borger, 1992, Video. Skills of Fly Fishing Series. ISBN 1-879443-11-2, Tomorrow River Press, PO Box 1745, Wausau, WI. 55402-1745.
***** THE CAST, by, Ed Jaworowski, 1992, pp. 111-129.
Gordy
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