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Hi Gordy,
I think the use of pull back should be examined deeper as well. The past 15 years many trout rods have gotten really fast action which make the positive curves more dependent on the use of pull back. I know there are dozens of ways more to still get the result but for the true positive curve relative to loop planes used I think pull back is used for the control of where exactly to place the curve (specific location). This reverse thrust of pull back is essential if the rod action is too stiff for the task at hand. Like I said I could go to rotational elements for making the cast that use rod pointing and a host of other things like altering line planes, transverse waves, etc... but then we are getting away from the positive cast which is what I assumed we were testing with this task.
Another thing, the use of transverse waves like the cut cast, corkscrew, etc... do not have to be a cast/ mend like many of the comments have stated. The mend may enhance it a bit, but I may accent the force a bit more to initiate the transverse wave and also achieve a greater resulting curve. I learned of rod action and pull back when studying video footage in the late 80's. Used it a bunch for describing the effects during the casting stroke. Is there another reference that you have seen that tells us what is happening? I am not aware of such if there is one-most of my older literature is so vague about overpowered strokes that they leave out pretty essential elements like loop plane, pull back, rebound being essential (depends on rod position-pointing or perpendicular), and a host of other things that it leaves much to the readers imagination which can be a good thing for creative casting-it can also be detrimental for missing some important dynamics that are at play.
Nice topic Gordy! I have a quick story from the show last week that I would like to see prevented in the future. The older test used to ask for a curve left or right I thought. I had 3 guys from PA that tested for this several years ago. One of them pursued testing and is a master now-the other 2 had a bad experience and will never come back--which is a shame in my opinion. The examiner asked for a curve left and right-all three of these casters used a vertical plane with a transverse wave. Examiner did not know how they did it so he did not pass any one of the three. The real shame in all of this is one them was one of the very best USA comp fisherman of the past 15 years. I took this personal somewhat because I worked with all of them on these other forms. I spoke with one the other day, at this point he has tons of accolades for being one of the best comp guys in the US still-no desire to come back -that is bad business for the FFF to lose out on such skill in my opinion. The reason I bring it up is because that is what transpired-hopefully through these discussion Gordy we iron out these gray areas. There are advantages as you know for cross winds, fishing scenarios, etc... for having a multiple method of curves-I would think that any of them should pass. For that matter, even include more methods?
The reason I say this Gordy, my beginner classes always have neg/pos curves in the first lesson plan. Does that make these tasks MCI level casts? Pull back word analogy is like flicking a beach towel to make the end break the sound barrior-this almost always assist newbies getting it down very quick. I should think not if total newbies can learn them in minutes and reproduce them. I would expect much more from a MCI to be able to run through various ones -but maybe I am alone with this thinking?
Mac Brown
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[GH] Mac,
You are not alone.
We say we don't dictate STYLE, yet some feel we do... and I'm still wondering about that.
We DO dictate FORM . Some complain that it's, "their way or the highway".
I know what you mean by a curve made with "transverse wave". We both have several ways of doing that.
You are also correct, in my opinion, that there is a great way to do the distance corkscrew curve as a CAST with no mend. I love that one. Works great for me in the salt when I want a curve way out there in the wind.
I also agree that the "pull back" is an efficient way to determine the placement and size of the "belly" of the curve. Sometimes I also do it to counter a side wind which would otherwise flatten out that curve. I'd call that CONTROL.
A good way, I think, of finding out what a candidate knows about curve casting is to ask for as many ways as he/she can to make a curved layout, the ways of doing and teaching each, as well as the fishing uses. That way, we'd not be cramming the candidate into a one or two way method cage.
A well prepared candidate would be able to come up with and discuss at least 6 ways.
We've all had the experience over the years of having a candidate on an exam show us a way of making a cast which we didn't know. Many times I'll learn something new to me from a student ! Flunk that candidate ?, No. Learn?, yes.
Tom White used to say, "I don't care so much what you call it, just do it." Then he'd want to know how you did it.
You ask about the fly casting literature telling us what is happening as we make these moves.... and go on to cite things like "loop plane". (Jeff Barefoot of Pa. taught me that concept). Well the answer is no.
That , I think, was in your mind when you wrote CASTING ANGLES back in 1997 and came up with the term, "enlightenment casting".
Gordy
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