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Walter & Group...
[GH] From Bill Keister on "Switch vs. Single Spey" :
Gordy,
Let me first mention that I have taken Simon Gawesworth's writings to heart. I started to learn spey casting at just about this time last year, ice out. As someone who still has to think about each cast he makes there is a considerable difference between the Switch and Single Spey casts. I make my lift and pull back into the back cast. As a long time overhead caster I sometimes add a little 'pop' at the end of the back cast stroke in an effort to produce a V instead of a D loop. This cast is closer to an overhead cast for me because I keep the rod roughly the same plan. The fly is cast back to the same spot from which it came.
The Single Spey is a different cast for me because it adds the complication of having to change the placement of the D-loop on the back cast. This is a significantly different move which I must be very cognizant of. The single spey is not just a switch cast with a change of direction. At this stage in my development these casts are totally different things from the standpoint of bio mechanics. .
To my way of thinking the switch cast is purely a practice tool with little or no fishing application. It allows the caster to concentrate on the lift, splash and go anchor and D-loop formation. It lacks the change of direction that would make it a fishing cast. However, the Switch Cast merits its place in the spey casting repertoire solely on the bases of its use as a training tool..
Bill Keister
P.S. Right now the lake that I practice on is iced over with the exception of a 20 x 200 foot strip of open water right at the shore. So I can only do the Switch Cast. And I am just thankful that I have that much water.
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[GH] From Ally Gowans. Important to discussion of the Single Spey as we consider the differences from the Switch Cast.
Ally offers a counterpoint to Bill Keister's opinion on the single use of the Switch Cast for a training tool even though he has not yet seen Bill's message :
Hi Gordy,
The definition of a Switch cast may be somewhat a matter of opinion, but it is not recent opinion but that of 80+ years ago.
There are many references in literature not least of which is that included in “Fine and Far Off” and attributed to Alexander Grant who famously defended his particular style of Switch Casting. It’s a shame and a disservice to fly fishing if historical foundations are even accidentally misrepresented.
Perhaps Simon can tell us where his definition of no direction change came from?
Forward Spey is another recent addition to nomenclature and is without requirement. Allowances for the use of modern equipment have to be considered when making comparisons and there are occasions when fishers will use a Switch cast without knowing as they cope with obstacles, I have a couple of perfect situations here and may be able to send pictures of the Switch in action.
Best wishes,
Ally Gowans
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[GH] Ally,
I appreciate your historical perspective. Too many of us forget the legacy of the past as we fail to consider that this is the foundation for our present fly casting knowledge and abilities.
Your pictures will be appreciated.
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