AWAY / Casting energy / Shoulder problems

Yes. I should clarify that I was not attempting to suggest that "spring" is the only contributor to cast energy. Just looking for common elements that Jeff might be using in his teaching.

Despite the assertion by rod builder, E. C. Powell, on the last page of an interesting pamphlet he wrote in 1937 - viewable here

"...The line is propelled by power derived from spring, and direct leverage is not applicable to any extent for this purpose.",

I suspect that today, even Powell would prefer the conclusion presented by Grunde Løvoll and Jason Borger in their paper - viewable here:

"...We also see that the caster moving the rod is the primary generator of line speed, with the “spring component” being secondary."

I have not read Al Kyte's, FLY ROD VARIABLES; "SWING" AND "SPRING", but would like to. Is it available on-line?

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Tony ... I have a printed copy of Al's article sent to me privately ... but I don't remember where it was published. I'll inquire.

We must also remember the experiment oft repeated experiment, originally credited to Robert Compton, where the butt of the fly rod is "potted" in a vise, the line pulled back for maximum rod bend, and then let go. The resulting "cast" doesn't go very far at all despite max. loading of the fly rod.

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From Al Crise' Group... a messages by Gary Davison :-

Hi Al,

Just got my issue of Fly Fisherman today. Was looking through and found a good article from Lefty Kreh addressing casting with a shoulder injury. Rotator cuff injuries were the topic.

Great pictures of the casting sequence were provided in the article.

Below is just a summary. All the pictures provide in the article had more detail's regarding application for the cast at each sequence. Nicely done by the magazine. Excerpted from Casting With Lefty Kreh (Stackpole Books 2008).

Lefty had the following points:

Keep it on the shelf!

1.) Using your whole body is important to make the cast.

2.) Keeping the elbow low, rotating the upper body, and just using a little forearm motion during the cast.

3.) Stance is important, Rod hand foot should be positioned back for body rotation. (Width) Short cast being less than a longer cast. This stance will allow for good body movement for upper body pivot during cast.

4.) Lefty stressed that you must lock your arm firmly against your body and do not move your wrist during the cast. If your arm leaves your body, you'll aggravate the rotator cuff, and if you move your wrist, you'll aggravate the elbow similar to tennis elbow injuries.

Thought this may be interesting for those instructors who work with students that have these injuries. Those students who can not make the vertical over head cast with the elbow and shoulder moving from the up to down position.

Good one to practice and apply when needed!

Great article by Lefty!

All the best

Gary Davison

FFF CCI

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COMMENT: This way of handling it works well with Lefty's default style of casting: Low elbow, off vertical rod plane. It really wouldn't work the same way at all with and elbow forward / vertical rod plane style of casting such as taught by Joan Wulff.

I have found, however, that when this style is used PROPERLY that shoulder problems are not common and that sometimes by switching to that style (when appropriate for the fishing conditions) it can actually help a mild shoulder problem.

Common sense should prevail. To use a forward elbow/vertical rod plane style with a 12 wt. rod, large flies, and howling winds on a salty flat will provide more stress to the casting arm and shoulder than Lefty's style.

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Question from Robert Peet of Al Crise's group :-

I am working with "homemade" leaders and have come up with perhaps an odd question.

I came across some of the blue Stren mono, 60#, 50#, 40#, 30#, 20#, 17# and 14#. The leaders I've built and are practicing with work fine.

Fact: The Stren Flouresent Blue line shows up very well, in or out of the sunlight.

It really "illuminates" the 20' pickup/putdown cast.

Question: Your opinion as to weather or not to use this as it is a bit surprising to see a bright blue leader. Will the examiners have negative views on using such an odd leader?

Any/all feedback highly welcomed.

Thanks

Robert Peet

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COMMENT: As long as the equipment rules as stated are followed, I see no problem. The color of the leader material should make no difference at all for either CCI or MCCI exams.

I can't find a leader commercially made leader which will turn over as well as one I make, so I applaud your making and practicing as well as testing with your own.

Gordy

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TRY TO GET SOME ANSWERS IN ON THE QUESTIONS ALREADY ON THE BOARD. I'LL PLAN TO COMMENT ON THEM WHEN I RETURN.

Gordy