From: "Bob Rumpf - The Flye & The Pen" <caddis@xxxxxxx>
To: "Gordon Hill" <hillshead@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Parallel Loops
Date: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 17:41:05 -0400
Hi Gordy,I'd like to thank you for a super reply as regards parallel loops, you covered all I wanted to know.Bob RumpfSent: Friday, August 26, 2005 10:12 AMSubject: Re: Parallel LoopsHi, Bob....
Actually, THAT is a question on the brief, "explain and demonstrate" part of the CCI exam......however, it does often come up on the MCI orals in greater depth.
First of all, the term, "parallel loops" is a misnomer. This suggests more than one loop in parallel with one another, which is not the case.
Stretching that point, might include the concept of line plane or "trajectory" where, for an efficient cast we'd want to have the forward cast loop and the back cast loop in line with one another for most other than great distance casts....the so-called, "180 degree rule."
What we are generally looking for with an efficient straight line overhead cast with a tight loop, is a set of loop "arms" or, "legs" which are reasonably parallel to one another. These are ususally termed, "upper" and, "lower" legs. While this is true with casting in the vertical rod plane, it isn't strictly so as we go to casting in the off- vertical or the horizontal rod planes.......so I favor calling these legs by their point of attachment, ie. the, "ROD LEG" and the "FLY LEG". (This change in labelling was actually recommended in Mac Brown's book, CASTING ANGLES. He used the terms, "END LINE" and "MAIN LINE" in emphasizing that the "MAIN LINE" remained stationary until line was shot.)
The basic idea of the question is that the candidate have the concept that these legs get out of parallel when the path of the rod tip digresses from an almost straight line path during the casting stroke.
Many things happen when that occurs. When the path of the rod tip is convex, it may be so because the casting arc is increased all through the stroke. This is the way a beginning student is likely to do it.....and it results in a large ineffective loop with the energy directed around in a circular path and not forward. Accuracy and distance suffer, and casting into a wind is almost impossible. If the casting arc is increased with convexity of the rod tip path early in the stroke, alone, then the upper (fly) end of the loop is high and the lower (rod) leg more horizontal. The opposite occurs if that convexity (increase in rod arc) happens near the end of the stroke. Here, the lower (rod) leg of the loop is lower, and the upper (fly) leg is more horizontal. THIS can be used by the expert caster to form a well controlled wide loop such as used in casting a weighted nymph with accuracy.
The theoretical ideal of an absolutely straight line path of the rod tip is (fortunately) almost never accomplished. The idea, though, is to come close to this in that an ALMOST straight line path of the tip can yield a small, tight loop with which energy can be transmitted more efficiently toward the target and/or into a head wind. One of the questions frequently asked on an MCI exam, is: "What happens if the caster does achieve an absolutely straight path of the rod tip ?".....the answer is that the oncoming line would strike the rod tip and ruin the cast.
Of course, in the event that a concave path of the rod tip is produced....say with a spike of power early in the stroke, then the loop legs will likely collide after the stop yielding a classic tailing loop.
All this can get a lot more complicated as we study loop legs in more detail......such as the concept of the so-called, "underslung loop" of the expert competition distance caster, etc, etc......but this is a tad beyond the depth of the question, even for MCI candidates.
Also a bit beyond the scope of the question is the fact that in distance competition casting, the ability of the caster to carry more and more line while false casting is subordinate to his/her ability to carry this line with high line (loop) speed WHILE MAINTAINING AS STRAIGHT A ROD TIP PATH AS POSSIBLE as this increase in line carried advances. This is further complicated by the pause at the end of each stroke increasing in duration with each amount of added line carried, and balanced by decrease in pause time as each increment of line (loop) speed increase is realized. A fine balance, indeed !!!!
Now if asked the question on your exam, you would NOT go into all that unless pushed to do so.
I'd start with the briefest answer you can muster, like: "Parallel loop legs are generally made by having a straight line path of the rod tip. Deviating from this makes the legs get out of parallel. " Then go ahead and make those basic casts to show what you mean.
To get this firmly into your brain and "muscle memory", go out and DO these casts over and over while studying what happens as you make these changes in your stroke. Only that will yield more than, "book knowledge" and bring you to the point that you can teach it effectively.
Gordy
From: "Bob Rumpf - The Flye & The Pen" <caddis@xxxxxxx>
To: "Gordon Hill" <hillshead@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: pulling/pushing
Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2005 15:47:20 -0400
Hi Gordy,I wonder if you would be so kind, when the opportunity presents itself, to go over one of the "Explain and demonstrate steps in the Master's Exam. Namely why you should cast parallel loops and why it is not good to do otherwise. I have an answer for why you shouldn't cast un-parallel loops - because it is inefficient and may interfere with accuracy. However, if I were to be asked to elaborate, what are some other negative points to casting out of parallel. Also what are the causes of loops that are not parallel. I know of course that some alternate casts require casting without parallel loops, but I am referring to for example; twisting the wrist, changing the path of the rod, etc.. I have everything we discussed in the past year or so copied and have gone over it all several times, I find nothing on this particular subject and it is an integral part of the exam.Thank you very much,Bob RumpfSent: Wednesday, August 24, 2005 11:13 AMSubject: Re: pulling/pushingHi, Ken....
Some of the others failed to get this list of questions, too........so here goes:
1.) You have just made a forward cast to the STOP. When does the line/loop begin to fall?
2.) What is the primary duty of the ROD HAND ?
3.) Name 5 duties performed by the LINE HAND.
4.) Your student asks you when the loop actually begins to for in relation to his casting stroke. What do you tell him ?
5.) What is the main function of the guides on a fly rod ?
a.) When casting ?
b.) When fighting a fish ?
(#5 can be a brain twister and a half. Dennis Grant and I discussed this at the conclave....but I didn't gain a clear idea about it until I omitted stringing up through the guides and ran the line through the tip-top alone.)
6.) What is a "DUAL MODE" fly reel ?
7.) What is, "BUNGEE BUTT"?
8.) What is meant by, "BLOW LINE FISHING" ?
9.) What is "FETCH" ?
10) Give one good use for a double nail knot.
Take the plunge and give it a stab.....it's fun. Go ahead and use your books for any answer.......it's all there.
Gordy
From: Ken Cole <ken.cole@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Gordon Hill" <hillshead@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: pulling/pushing
Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2005 09:48:50 -0500
Good morning, Gordy
I made it back from Livingston finally.
Umm, my e-mail toilet stopped up at about 600 messages on 8/12, and I didn't get home till 8/20. If you posed a list of questions to the group, would you please resend it to me.
Thanks,
Ken Cole