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Walter & Group...
[GH] First discussion on Task. 4. Several issues to clarify.
Gary Eaton comes aboard with his personal experiences both during coaching preparations and his actual Masters exam :
Gordy,
Preparing for this task,my mentors expected a bow-shaped mend centered at the prescribed distance. Some considered weaving the line through the three markers was high-level expertise. Jason had me making a more distinct mend without a defined limit as to the distance from the marker nor the length of the mend ( measured form where it left the baseline to where it re-joined the straight line layout).
When being tested, Dusty and Pete expected a very sharp-pointed mend, peaking about 3-feet from the marker and perfectly aligned with the mend peak the same distance as the marker. I got close-enough, but the instruction Dusty provided after the test made me realize that I had prepared for an entirely different task than what was expected. This despite diligent effort and purchasing expert guidance from more than one examiner.
Another classic situation where a very simple drawing of expected line-layout with marked distances for limits of mend length and height would improve the image of the CICP-CBOG.
Dusty's key instruction included that the mend is made with a properly timed (earlier distant- later closer) brisk, controlled side-and-back movement of the rod / rod tip. I found the need to shoot line into this for the 35-foot mend to prevent having a curved layout. I discovered that a slower loop travel kept the line from being pulled straight and reduced the "hurry-up" inherent in very fast line speeds.
Gary Eaton
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[GH] Gary,
This is why we are going through the tasks.
Your description of what was expected by your examiners on the actual exam is the way I have understood it, with the exception of need for any "sharp pointed" mends.
Cannot agree more on the value of the layout diagrams ! ("A picture is worth a thousand words".) *
The task description does not specify the approximate dimensions of the mends. That is sometimes a problem during testing.
I look for mends about the 3' width and length. I've been accepting slightly smaller mends at the 35' mark....but not tiny wimpy mends which are hard to identify.
Basically, I don't want to see erratic, poorly placed, "almost mends". Some candidates have formed mends only about 1' or less in width but quite long ... say 8' - 10' in length and not really centered at the targets. I won't pass that kind of layout.
I note the wording: "Mend may be to the right or left at the examiner's option." This leads me to believe that the expectations did not include the need for the candidate to do it on each side.
My experience as an examiner has been that this task is the most difficult one to pass. Several of the candidates I've tested either make the mends too shallow or fail to place one at the 35' mark. Sometimes the curve at the 35' mark ends there in which instance, there is no straight line/leader beyond it. Technically, that is a curve cast (curve mend) out of compliance with the wording: "The line should land on the surface relatively straight, other than at the mend point."
Preparations should include lots of practice for this one and should include placing the mends both to the right and left of the markers, since the examiner may choose either. One practice suggestion : Add to your practice regimen, the repeated placement of mends at a 5' mark from the caster and also at a 40' mark. If you get proficient at doing both of those on each side you are "in the pink" !
When asked to teach this task, the candidate should include the direction, timing and dimensions of the mend arm and rod moves. clearly.
I should point out that, though not stated, the decision to shoot the 35' mend or not should be left up to the candidate.
Gordy
* Well worn cliche sometimes attributed to :
1. Article in PRINTER'S INK, (Trade Journal) by, Fred R. Barnyard, Dec. 8, 1921.
2. Translation from an ancient Chinese proverb said to be from Confucius.
3. Napoleon Bonaparte : "Un bon croquis vaut mieux qu'un long discours".
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[GH] Question from Bob Garber :
What qualifies as a distinct mend? How far to the left or right, how long? Maybe I have answered my own question. Be able to make them narrow or wide, long or short.
Bob
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[GH] Bob,
The task wording under, Expectations : "Demonstrate the ability to place a single, distinct mend (bow) at different points along the line. ", I thought was clear.
While I have applied some dimensions in my text, above, I doubt the Committee intended to lock up the requirements to that degree.... rather reasonable approximations. In any event, I interpret the term, "distinct mend" as one which is obvious, not "maybe", "almost" or "sort of...."
Bottom line is that these mends should be easily discerned as such by students observing.
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[GH] From Jeff Wagner :
Gordy, I would be interested in knowing what 'no hauling' means to the group. According to the written protocol regarding the CI test this means no use of the line hand, rod hand only. Is this the same for the MCI?
Certain tasks are designated rod hand only, no hauling. This means that the candidate shall not use the line hand to hold the line.
As a practical matter how many examiners adhere to this and is this a reasonable standard that we not allow any use of the line hand.
Jeff Wagner
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[GH] Jeff,
My interpretation is that the term, "NO HAULING" means that the candidate may hold the line with the line hand but not execute a haul. One example would be a task which requires the use of the line hand to adjust the line carried while false casting as the candidate goes from a distant target to a closer one. (Sure to come up as an issue when we get to the accuracy tasks.)
This is distinct from the term, "ROD HAND ONLY", meaning that the candidate may not hold the line hand at all.
As things stand at present, I know that different examiners look at this in different ways. When both revised CCI and MCI exams are ready, I think that problem will be clarified.
That has been the way we on the CCI Testing Committee looked at it as we work to revise the existing exam and its protocol.
At this point, I don't know if the MCI Testing Committee saw it the same way.
Additional clarification is needed in interpreting distance. Does, "casting approximately 55 feet of line" mean just that ? In view of our discussions on task 3, I think it probably does. If so, then the intent would be to ignore the total distance of the cast from caster to fly.
Perhaps Dusty can help us again with information on how the MCI Committee handled these issues.
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