Curve casts for the MCCI exam

Walter & Group.........

 

 

Hi Gordy & group,

 

                             Not meaning to interrupt the present subject matter, I apologize for this unrelated inquiry. But as always, if you don't ask, you won't know. If a candidate has the ability to perform curve casts properly using the over-powered and under-powered method in either direction, the wrist twist in either direction, they would then have a total of 3 methods of throwing a curve cast from either side. Would that number be sufficient to be prepared for the Master's exam? Also, can you or someone else recommend a good reference work for the corkscrew curve? And is it likely or unlikely,  that you may be asked about the corkscrew style cast?

 

Thank you,

 

Bob Rumpf

 

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Bob....

 

No interruption at all.  This is what we're here for.  Ask any question at any time.

 

I'd expect the three different methods to each side including the decelerating curves would suffice.  Technically, only two are listed as necessary for the exam.  Make sure your curves are unmistakably curved to one side or the other (Not a, "maybe" layout) and that you can do the, "powered" ones out to 40'.

 

My own preference is to avoid the use of the words, "POSITIVE" and "NEGATIVE" when asking a candidate to do curve casts, because these can have two distinctly different meanings in the casting literature.  "POSITIVE" can mean, to some, a powered cast as opposed to a decelerating cast which is then called a, "NEGATIVE" curve cast.   In other writings, the term, "POSITIVE" means that the fly goes in the direction of the line hand ie. to the left in the case of a right handed caster ..... while, "NEGATIVE" means that the fly goes in the same direction as the casting arm ie. to the right in the case of the right handed caster.

 

I suggest you also practice making an overpowered curve cast using a horizontal rod plane, coming to a stop early so that the rod tip flips over to the chosen side.  The fly/leader/line follows, and you end up with a nice distinct curve.  This can be done using your primary casting arm as a forward cast with fly to the opposite side, or you can do it on the other side using the same technique with a back cast delivery. With practice, you can even make a long right angle hook cast.

 

I'll ask the candidate to, "Make a curve cast with the fly travelling to the right"  (or vice versa).

 

You need to clearly know the two uses of these words, however, since some examiners may use them.  As long as you establish which use is intended, there should be no problem.

 

I tested one candidate who used a mend as a curve cast.  Not the same thing at all !

 

Don't worry about that corkscrew cast.  You are not likely to be asked to do it for the exam.

 

One reference to it :-  ".....THE NATURE OF FLY CASTING", by Jason Borger, p.285.  Here, he cites his reference as an article written by Gary Borger and Bob Petzl, from Fly Fishing Magazine, May/June 1980.  In his text, Jason does describe the "Corkscrew Curve Module" as well as the cast, itself., pp184-185.

 

One use of that corkscrew curve cast for me, is to make a long distance curve or a very long curve.  I do it a bit differently from the way Jason & Gary/Bob described it.  I'd love to show it to you sometime.  Hard to put into words.

 

I welcome comments on this task from any CBOG member.

 

Gordy