Walter & Group:
This is a really instructive message from Tom White on Stance as a manifestaion of STYLE . Many of us have watched Tom do his demo on stance as he makes various casts standing with his legs literally crossed so you wonder why he doesn't fall down.
Remember.....when we are fishing while standing on slippery rocks in a roaring fast river, we have no choice of stance other than that of survival !
Gordy
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Gordie and Rick;
The question to me was; “do I promote an open stance?”
Most of my students – lately – are seeking more distance. Not long distances, just understanding what it takes to achieve distances.
I don’t dwell on the foot stance, since that is the least significant aspect – and when you are wading, the rocks/bottom of the river dictate where your feet are positioned.
I even go so far as to have the students cross their legs, this eliminates the “Sway” that some have while casting. I am not concerned with foot positioning unless I am casting longer distances, on a platform, in competition.
The majority of the problems occur because their stroke is restricted because their shoulders are square with their target; this causes blocking – and tough on the rotator cup.
If your shoulders are square with your target, the way to increase your arc’ (increasing your arc’ gives you a longer tip travel) is to lift your elbow and slightly open your wrist on your back cast - similar to the method you use for an off shoulder cast.
Again, this is STYLE.
By rotating your shoulders (opening) to the right – for right hand casters – this allows the hand to move further back, increasing the hand stroke. There is little or no pressure on the shoulder.
Again, this is STYLE.
Conditions will dictate which style or combination of each you will use.
During the CCI and MCCI exam, there are casts that require you to use BOTH. (Tricky aren’t we?)
Generally for accuracy, I use the square shoulder style, while for distances I go with the open shoulders.
We all should know each and be able to show advantages/disadvantages.
Hope this helps;
Tom White