Walter & Group..........
Some of you may be thinking that my sending the answers from many members is redundant or a waste of time. I look at it as a refreshing way to learn.
My reason for doing this is to expose us all to multiple valid opinions and differing ways of approaching questions and problems.
Take note that with these two Group messages, we have answers from respected fly casting instructors from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Scotland and Ireland and Canada .
Gordy
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From Bob Rumpf :
----- Original Message -----From: Gordy HillTo: Bob RumphSent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 12:57 PMSubject: Casting made with the non-dominant handBob & Group........
Let's have a little 20 question / answer series on CASTING WITH THE NON-DOMINANT HAND :-
1.) Do you ever use the, "other" hand to make casts while actually fishing ? - Yes frequently.
2.) If so, name some instances when you would do this. - When the wind is blowing into my default casting side. Just for practice.
3.) Many feel that a Master Instructor should be able to make basic casts with the non-dominent hand.
a. Do you agree ? - Absolutely.
b. Why ? - Necessary teaching tool.
c. Would you use this skill in your teaching ? - Do it all the time.
d. If so, give at least two examples. - Particularly good for hands-on with student who casts on that side. Also when teaching or demonstrating with people viewing from both sides in order to make a stroke more visible to all.
4.) Can you think of a circumstance when you would cast with your, "other" had which has nothing to do with the fishing situation, weather (including wind) or teaching ? - Yes, just to keep improving the ablility, I also just enjoy casting with my opposite hand.
5.) If you did learn to cast with the non-dominent hand, tell us how you did so. - During my casting sessions which often last several hours, my default casting arm along with the rest of me gets a tad tired, so I bring a chair to sit and rest. While I am resting my casting arm, I cast with the opposite arm while sitting in the chair. The latter is sure to bring some questionable stares from passersby.
6.) Assuming that you did, what was the most difficuly thing for you to learn to do well ? - Tight loops.
7.) You have a student who is doing very well at an intermediate to advanced level of casting. She very much wants to learn to cast with her opposite hand, but is not ambidextrous. What methods might you use to accomplish this ? - I would approach this in the same manner I use to teach normal side casting. I would have her start by casting horizontally one stroke at a time. When she is doing fairly well, have her make both strokes together keeping the line in the air for a complete back and front stroke. Eventually taking it more vertical.
8.) Can you see any real advantage in two handed casting (including Spey casting) with the non-dominent hand high on the cork and the dominant hand below ? - Yes, it would allow you to perform certain casts made necessary by obstructions, for example the Snake Roll when obstructions are present over the opposite shoulder.
9.) Under what circumstance might you use this method when Spey casting on a river ? (Consider which bank you are on, wind, etc., etc.) - For one quick example: When you want to perform the Snake Roll cast if you are naturally right handed and you are fishing on the left bank with a down stream wind. There are quite a few examples that could be mentioned.
10.) What does the term, "cackhanded" mean ? - Casting right hand over the left shoulder or visa versa.
11.) Can you come us with a reference in the fly casting literature for this term ? - Cannot remember, read too many sources to recall any one.
12.) What percent of people in the US and Europe are right handed ? - A whole bunch. (No idea) Probably something like 75%
Closer to 82% right handed, roughly 15% left handed. (NEED TO CORRECT THE COMMENT TO THIS ANSWER I MADE ON MY LAST MESSAGE WHEN I TYPED IN, "15%" !) ..... G
13.) What percent of people do you think are truly ambidextrous ? - 10%? No reliable statistics on this .... probably not early that many. .... G.
14.) Do you know of anyone who passed all of the casting tasks on the MCCI exam with the left hand after being Master Certified for many years with the right hand ? - I know someone has accomplished this, but cannot recall exactly who. I do know someone should at least offer to buy him a drink that is quite an accomplishment.
Tom White.
15.) Can you think of any disadvantages to casting with the non-dominent hand ? - Not unless you cast so much with the opposite hand that you leave your default hand abilities backslide.
16.) When you switch hands to cast, is it also necessary to use a reel with the handle on the other side ? - No, I have been fly fishing for over 50 years. I use both left and right hand wind reels with no problem and always have,
17.) Would you include teaching to cast with the, "other" hand to your beginning students ? - Good grief no, one thing at a time.
18.) If not, when would you consider teaching it ? - This is a given, but I would teach it if it is requested.
a. Once the students can shoot line and haul. - Not unless requested.
b. Advanced students. - Might suggest it.
c. When teaching instructors. - Should learn and would teach.
d. Other (specify). - Upon request.
e. Never. - Never say never.
19.) Do you have any methods in your, "bag of tricks" to help teach casting with the non-dominant hand ? - Using the chair like I did, it works. Also casting with the opposite arm while resting the default arm.
20.) Is it necessary to change styles of casting when single handed casting with the, "other" hand ? - It is not necessary but should not be taboo either.
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From David Diaz :-
----- Original Message -----From: Gordy HillTo: David DiazSent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 11:57 AMSubject: Casting made with the non-dominant handDavid & Group........
Let's have a little 20 question / answer series on CASTING WITH THE NON-DOMINANT HAND :-
1.) Do you ever use the, "other" hand to make casts while actually fishing ? Yes, I do.
2.) If so, name some instances when you would do this. 1. When fishing from the stern and casting to the shore, casting lefthanded, the line is beyond the outboard. 2. When the wind is from my rod side. 3. Switch casting and double spey ( single or double handed) with river running to left.
3.) Many feel that a Master Instructor should be able to make basic casts with the non-dominent hand.
a. Do you agree ? Stongly agree
b. Why ? Useful in teaching left handed students, part of the total mastery profile.
c. Would you use this skill in your teaching ? Yes
d. If so, give at least two examples. 1. Especially strong for showing hand position at the stop, and 2. teaching hauling.
4.) Can you think of a circumstance when you would cast with your, "other" had which has nothing to do with the fishing situation, weather (including wind) or teaching ? Self analysis and improvement
5.) If you did learn to cast with the non-dominent hand, tell us how you did so. I learned by using two fly rods, one as master, one as slave. And I taught myself. Now, I would use Dan Lagace's method and forsake the double rod technique.
6.) Assuming that you did, what was the most difficuly thing for you to learn to do well ? Most difficult= SLP of tip.
7.) You have a student who is doing very well at an intermediate to advanced level of casting. She very much wants to learn to cast with her opposite hand, but is not ambidextrous. What methods might you use to accomplish this ? I bet Dan can get her done in 1 hour. I would require require 2 hours. We'd both use the dominant had below the other hand to pace and guide the stroke.
8.) Can you see any real advantage in two handed casting (including Spey casting) with the non-dominent hand high on the cork and the dominant hand below ?
The advantages are numerous and immediately palpable. And I say that having been originally taught two-handed casting by John Hazel who leads those opposing reversing hands. He casts across the body. By reversing hands, one is spared the contortion and distended muscles that crossing necessitates. Reversing also places the strong hand in the active position, pulling on the short lever, where it can do the most good. Also the flight path of the line to target is more sensibly placed and encouraged by reversing, especially for the double-spey, the snap (n letter) casts, and switch casts. Attempting snake rolls across the body makes no sense to me, although I have seen it done. Upper hand postion is wrong, palm down, and although the spiral rotation component is bearable, the forward cast component, the switch remnant feels awful. I admit to marvelling, not that it was done well but at all.
9.) Under what circumstance might you use this method when Spey casting on a river ? (Consider which bank you are on, wind, etc., etc.) You omitted this answer ..... G.
10.) What does the term, "cackhanded" mean ? It's britspeak for left-handed, especially clumsy left-handed, awkward.
11.) Can you come us with a reference in the fly casting literature for this term ? Greatfully, no.
12.) What percent of people in the US and Europe are right handed ? Depends on whose ox is being gored, which authority and which sample are scrutinized. I guess that ten percent are. But, in sport, baseball especially, sinisterdomininant batters and pitchers are likely to be more frequently because of the advantage.
I think you mean 10% are LEFT HANDED. (In my last message, I said, "13%" ........ I meant that approximately that many are LEFT HANDED. My error. ) .... G.
13.) What percent of people do you think are truly ambidextrous ? Guess= less than one percent.
14.) Do you know of anyone who passed all of the casting tasks on the MCCI exam with the left hand after being Master Certified for many years with the right hand ? I don't, but I hope one or two have.
15.) Can you think of any disadvantages to casting with the non-dominent hand ? None
16.) When you switch hands to cast, is it also necessary to use a reel with the handle on the other side ? No
17.) Would you include teaching to cast with the, "other" hand to your beginning students ? No
18.) If not, when would you consider teaching it ?
a. Once the students can shoot line and haul.
b. Advanced students. Yes
c. When teaching instructors. Yes
d. Other (specify). Teaching those who can no longer depend on the dominant hand. I had a female student once, right handed, who was having to learn to do everything left-handed.
e. Never.
19.) Do you have any methods in your, "bag of tricks" to help teach casting with the non-dominant hand ? Yes, and I learned the best ones from Dan Lagace.
20.) Is it necessary to change styles of casting when single handed casting with the, "other" hand ? No, but it's more likely than you'd expect.
Gordy
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From Paul Arden:-
Paul & Group........
Let's have a little 20 question / answer series on CASTING WITH THE NON-DOMINANT HAND :-
1.) Do you ever use the, "other" hand to make casts while actually fishing ?
Only when I make myself do it.
2.) If so, name some instances when you would do this.
Fishing upstream on the True Left. Wind onto the right shoulder etc
3.) Many feel that a Master Instructor should be able to make basic casts with the non-dominent hand.
a. Do you agree ?
Yes.
b. Why ?
It's easier to teach left handed people.
c. Would you use this skill in your teaching ?
d. If so, give at least two examples.
I can only think of one.
4.) Can you think of a circumstance when you would cast with your, "other" had which has nothing to do with the fishing situation, weather (including wind) or teaching ?
Yes, competitions. For some reason when I meet casting instructors there is always a left handed competition. And there are a few guys I like to beat if I can. Like Bruce.
5.) If you did learn to cast with the non-dominent hand, tell us how you did so.
Phew. Not easy. Two rods (one imaginary), using the right hand to teach the left, had friends fault me, broke it down - backcasts only and vice versa. Lots of practise. Tracking was difficult. The haul nearly killed me.
Another thing I did was practised throwing stones with the left. This helped.
6.) Assuming that you did, what was the most difficuly thing for you to learn to do well ?
Well I haven't mastered presentation casts yet. So that bit.
7.) You have a student who is doing very well at an intermediate to advanced level of casting. She very much wants to learn to cast with her opposite hand, but is not ambidextrous. What methods might you use to accomplish this ?
Two rods, or something else that I did, which I had forgotten, was left hand cast, right hand cast, left hand cast etc
8.) Can you see any real advantage in two handed casting (including Spey casting) with the non-dominent hand high on the cork and the dominant hand below ?
Yes I think it's essential.
9.) Under what circumstance might you use this method when Spey casting on a river ? (Consider which bank you are on, wind, etc., etc.)
Downsteam anchor True Left. Upstream anchor True Right.
10.) What does the term, "cackhanded" mean ?
I think this is a reference to the Underhand Cast, either that or some of my friends.
11.) Can you come us with a reference in the fly casting literature for this term ?
12.) What percent of people in the US and Europe are right handed ?
93.
13.) What percent of people do you think are truly ambidextrous ?
0.01
14.) Do you know of anyone who passed all of the casting tasks on the MCCI exam with the left hand after being Master Certified for many years with the right hand ?
Tom White I believe.
15.) Can you think of any disadvantages to casting with the non-dominent hand ?
In my case, many.
16.) When you switch hands to cast, is it also necessary to use a reel with the handle on the other side ?
Yes of course, this is the first thing you should do. Be sure to reverse the line as well.
17.) Would you include teaching to cast with the, "other" hand to your beginning students ?
No, not unless they're left handed, cackhanded or don't know.
18.) If not, when would you consider teaching it ?
a. Once the students can shoot line and haul.
b. Advanced students.
c. When teaching instructors.
yes, but I've never done this, despite having taught a few
d. Other (specify).
left handed people seem to pick up right handed casting quite easily - not all, but many - and so I teach them because I think it will be useful.
e. Never.
19.) Do you have any methods in your, "bag of tricks" to help teach casting with the non-dominant hand ?
20.) Is it necessary to change styles of casting when single handed casting with the, "other" hand ?
No, but in my case I use open stance on the left for distance and closed on the right.
Cheers, Paul
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From David Lambert (Who is now a wordsmith, having coined the word, NONDOM !) :-
Lambert’s Answers
1.) Do
you ever use the "other" hand to make casts while actually fishing ?
Often, if the situation calls for
it.
2.) If
so, name some instances when you would do this. Prohibitive wind; guide or poler in wrong position
for dominant hand cast; prohibitive backclutter--bushes, flora, high beaches or
dunes. Physical issues.
a. Do you agree? Yes s/he should
b. Why? Often we get casters who do not share our
inclination toward dominance. Helps in demo-ing to them and
making them understand from their perspective.
d. If so, give at least two
examples. 1. Often neural
wiring causes you to 'see' differently using non-dominant.
2. Teach a student to cast non-dom, and you’ll get
double the lessons!! Just joking--sort of.
If salt guide knows you can cast left-handed, more 12-2 o’clock fish are
suddenly called out.
4.) Can you think of a circumstance
when you would cast with your “other" had which has nothing to do with the
fishing situation, weather (including wind) or teaching?
I deal with it often; it's called
arthritis. Cave casts left-handed when his right shoulder
acts up. Ain’t any of getting younger. I’d
learning to cast non-dom to every intermediate or more skilled
caster.
8.) Can you see any real
advantage in two handed casting (including Spey casting) with the non-dominent
hand high on the cork and the dominant hand below? ANSWER FOR 8, 9, 10
---- To paraphrase Simon
Gawesworth...taken from Spey Casting 2nd edition.
Upstream
wind... cast with your upstream arm
Downstream
wind ...cast with your downstream arm
As good
practice one should follow these rule regardless of whether wind is present or
not.
10.) What does the term "cackhanded"
mean? Cackhanded is a Brit
term for left-handed, or awkward, clumsy. In casting I think
it means non-dominant hand on top cork of two handed
rod..
11.) Can you come us with a reference
in the fly casting literature for this term? See 8
above
13.)
What percent of people do you think are truly ambidextrous?
Less than 1 percent, again
subject to whom were quoting.
14.) Do you know of anyone who passed
all of the casting tasks on the MCCI exam with the left hand after being Master
Certified for many years with the right hand? No, but I've heard it's been done. Kevin
Cohenour passed his CCI non-dom handed, but never told his testers.
15.) Can you think of any
disadvantages to casting with the non-dominant hand? Depends on the degree of mastery with the opposite
hand, I'd say. Lots of negs for someone who doesn't do it
well.
16.) When you switch hands to cast,
is it also necessary to use a reel with the handle on the other side?
No, but if you're on big fish, it makes you
more attentive.
19.) Do you have any methods in your,
"bag of tricks" to help teach casting with the non-dominant hand? Some students just can't get the rhythm.
Sometimes I have students cast while walking forward or backward, timing
their casting to the gait of their step. This helps them
connect with natural body rhythm. Then I have them use the
Lagace method of transfering control to non-dom hand.
20.) Is it necessary
to change styles of casting when single handed casting with the "other"
hand? No, but seriously deficient other
brainers might anyway, just as they perceive
differently. Of if your caster is a clinical MPD.
Let's have a little 20 question / answer series on CASTING WITH THE NON-DOMINANT HAND :-
1.) Do you ever use the, "other" hand to make casts while actually fishing ?
Yes
2.) If so, name some instances when you would do this.
Casting with wind blowing todominant casting side.
When fishing from a drift boat and not wanting to cast over the guide/rower who is on your dominant side.
Due to injury or tiredness of shoulder on dominant side.
Obstructions behind/beside you on dominant side.
Fishing with bank or shore on dominant side and want to place fly close to shore line.
3.) Many feel that a Master Instructor should be able to make basic casts with the non-dominent hand.
a. Do you agree ? Yes
b. Why ? To be able to demonstrate to people who cast with opposite hand or if demonstrating to a group who is
standing on your non-dominant side. To teach casting in the wind.
c. Would you use this skill in your teaching ? Yes
d. If so, give at least two examples. When casting together with student, i.e. both you have a hand on the rod, and student casts with what
would be your dominant hand you have a choice of facing in the opposite direction as the student and using your dominant hand or facing in the
same direction as the student and using your non-dominant hand.
Teaching casting with wind blowing into dominant side.
Demonstrating to a group who is standing on your non-dominant side.
4.) Can you think of a circumstance when you would cast with your, "other" had which has nothing to do with the fishing situation, weather (including wind) or teaching ? When you have an injury (e.g. rotator cuff) on your dominant side.
5.) If you did learn to cast with the non-dominent hand, tell us how you did so. I started with short distances and worked up to longer distances.
You can also cast with a rod in each hand simultaneously.
6.) Assuming that you did, what was the most difficuly thing for you to learn to do well ? Line control with the other hand.
7.) You have a student who is doing very well at an intermediate to advanced level of casting. She very much wants to learn to cast with her opposite hand, but is not ambidextrous. What methods might you use to accomplish this ?
Start with basic loop control and add skills as the student progresses. Same as learning to cast with dominant hand.
Another option is to cast with a rod in each hand. Muscle memory can be imparted to non-dominant side by synchronizing with dominant side.
8.) Can you see any real advantage in two handed casting (including Spey casting) with the non-dominent hand high on the cork and the dominant hand below ? Yes.
9.) Under what circumstance might you use this method when Spey casting on a river ? (Consider which bank you are on, wind, etc., etc.)
Assuming I am right handed, I would use this when fishing river right and wind blowing up stream. Or to paraphrase Simon Gawesworth:
Upstream wind... cast with your upstream arm
Downstream wind ...cast with your downstream arm
10.) What does the term, "cackhanded" mean ? Left handed.
11.) Can you come us with a reference in the fly casting literature for this term ? I hear a lot of spey casters talk about it. Probably something there. I also know Dr. Who made a reference to cackhanded casting and Dame Juliana...
12.) What percent of people in the US and Europe are right handed ? 7-10%
13.) What percent of people do you think are truly ambidextrous ? less than 5%
14.) Do you know of anyone who passed all of the casting tasks on the MCCI exam with the left hand after being Master Certified for many years with the right hand ? I know Tom White was working on it and had passed CCI left handed. Not sure if he succeeded at the Master level.
15.) Can you think of any disadvantages to casting with the non-dominent hand ? Non dominant hand tends to be weaker and not have as fine motor control for accuracy but people like Leftie make it look pretty simple.
16.) When you switch hands to cast, is it also necessary to use a reel with the handle on the other side ? No - mixed handed people often cast and reel with the same hand. Or maybe the mixed handed ones are the ones who cast and reel with different hands?
17.) Would you include teaching to cast with the, "other" hand to your beginning students ? No
18.) If not, when would you consider teaching it ?
a. Once the students can shoot line and haul. Only if they show interest
b. Advanced students. Definitely one for the bag of tricks.
c. When teaching instructors. Yes.
d. Other (specify).
e. Never. Never say never.
19.) Do you have any methods in your, "bag of tricks" to help teach casting with the non-dominant hand ? Can try a different rod weight. Lighter for less resistance, heavier to improve feel of loading...
20.) Is it necessary to change styles of casting when single handed casting with the, "other" hand ? No, and we know substance definitely doesn't change.
Gordy
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Let's have a little 20 question / answer series on CASTING WITH THE NON-DOMINANT HAND :-
1.) Do you ever use the, "other" hand to make casts while actually fishing ?
_ yes.
2.) If so, name some instances when you would do this.
_ mainly just to be able to do it... trying to be a well rounded caster.
_ i have used it while trout fishing, when not wanting to cross the river or change my position too drastically. also as yet another way to deal with the wind on my casting arm.
_ also a way to get a better swing when stripping streamers.
3.) Many feel that a Master Instructor should be able to make basic casts with the non-dominant hand.
a. Do you agree ?
_ yes.
b. Why ?'
_ more depth of knowledge. impress the ladies.
c. Would you use this skill in your teaching ?
_ yes.
d. If so, give at least two examples.
_ to help students see a cast given 'class room" constraints.
_ also as parity to the "other handed" student(s).
4.) Can you think of a circumstance when you would cast with your, "other" had which has nothing to do with the fishing situation, weather (including wind) or teaching ?
_ injury to dominant side.
5.) If you did learn to cast with the non-dominant hand, tell us how you did so.
_ sorry, trade secret!!
_ in truth, it's coming along. just recently i have been putting it through the CI performance tasks.
_ in the very beginning and still some now, hand strength was an issue, forcing short practice sessions. and those sessions were most often just filler to give my dominant side a rest during my usual practice. i tried "two handing", using my dominant hand as a guide, but eventually found most success in using the "side-arm, down on the grass, dragging the line", to be the most productive exercise. and just as with a student, slowing raising the line, getting more vertical.
6.) Assuming that you did, what was the most difficuly thing for you to learn to do well ?
_ a nice energized backcast loop.
7.) You have a student who is doing very well at an intermediate to advanced level of casting. She very much wants to learn to cast with her opposite hand, but is not ambidextrous. What methods might you use to accomplish this ?
_ see my answer to 5.
8.) Can you see any real advantage in two handed casting (including Spey casting) with the non-dominent hand high on the cork and the dominant hand below ?
_ greater range of body motion compared to cackhanded grip.
9.) Under what circumstance might you use this method when Spey casting on a river ? (Consider which bank you are on, wind, etc., etc.)
_ right handed caster forced left handed by a leftbank and downstream wind.
10.) What does the term, "cackhanded" mean ?
_ cross armed.
11.) Can you come up with a reference in the fly casting literature for this term ?
_ typical crazy scottish term... perhaps King James addition. I believe that's a Bible ! .... G.
12.) What percent of people in the US and Europe are right handed ?
_ 90.
13.) What percent of people do you think are truly ambidextrous ?
_ 2.5.
14.) Do you know of anyone who passed all of the casting tasks on the MCCI exam with the left hand after being Master Certified for many years with the right hand ?
_ that Lefty dude? No, but I'll wager he could do it ! ..... G
15.) Can you think of any disadvantages to casting with the non-dominant hand ?
_ no.
16.) When you switch hands to cast, is it also necessary to use a reel with the handle on the other side ?
_ no.
17.) Would you include teaching to cast with the, "other" hand to your beginning students ?
_ only if they were drunk, and it was dark.
18.) If not, when would you consider teaching it ?
b. Advanced students.
_ maybe
c. When teaching instructors.
_ yes
d. Other (specify).
_ injury
19.) Do you have any methods in your, "bag of tricks" to help teach casting with the non-dominant hand ?
_ no, but i will say my one big reason for giving it a go, was to be able to cast in a more fluid, vertical style... as my dominant side likes a more sidewinder style. this way Joan and Mac Lord will stop screaming at me....
20.) Is it necessary to change styles of casting when single handed casting with the, "other" hand ?
_no.
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From Jim Higgens:-
1.) Do you ever use the, "other" hand to make casts while actually fishing ?
Yes but seldom
2.) If so, name some instances when you would do this.
Wind into casting arm
Dominate arm tired from fighting so many big fish
Must hang on to branches as I lean out to make the cast
3.) Many feel that a Master Instructor should be able to make basic casts with the non-dominent hand.
a. Do you agree ? Yes
b. Why ? So that the master can better help the students
c. Would you use this skill in your teaching ? I do with right handed students
d. If so, give at least two examples.
I sometimes place my hand above the student’s hand and make the cast with the student just going along for the ride, so that the student can feel the cast. Such as when the student is having a problem with getting the elbow to go up and down during the pick up and lay down. Another time is when the student is having troubles with soft stops.
4.) Can you think of a circumstance when you would cast with your, "other" had which has nothing to do with the fishing situation, weather (including wind) or teaching ?
You broke your dominate hand and can not hold the rod
5.) If you did learn to cast with the non-dominent hand, tell us how you did so.
Started with pickup and lay down and went to false casting
6.) Assuming that you did, what was the most difficuly thing for you to learn to do well ?
Have not mastered the double haul
7.) You have a student who is doing very well at an intermediate to advanced level of casting. She very much wants to learn to cast with her opposite hand, but is not ambidextrous. What methods might you use to accomplish this ?
Get two similar rods and start with pick up and lay down with a rod in each hand the non-dominant hand mimics the dominant hand
8.) Can you see any real advantage in two handed casting (including Spey casting) with the non-dominent hand high on the cork and the dominant hand below ?
Wind blowing into your dominant side instead of casting off shoulder, just put the non-dominant hand on top and cast on the lee side of your body
In Spey casting the non-dominant hand is on top if the cast is to be made over the non-dominant shoulder
9.) Under what circumstance might you use this method when Spey casting on a river ? (Consider which bank you are on, wind, etc., etc.)
Left handed caster, river right, downstream wind, right hand on top, double spey. Left handed caster, river left, upstream wind, right hand on top, single spey
10.) What does the term, "cackhanded" mean ?
Spey casting over your right shoulder with your left hand on top or vise versa
11.) Can you come us with a reference in the fly casting literature for this term ?
It is in Simon G. book, but I do not have it with me at the moment.
12.) What percent of people in the
13.) What percent of people do you think are truly ambidextrous ? Maybe 1%
14.) Do you know of anyone who passed all of the casting tasks on the MCCI exam with the left hand after being Master Certified for many years with the right hand ?
Tom White
15.) Can you think of any disadvantages to casting with the non-dominent hand ? No
16.) When you switch hands to cast, is it also necessary to use a reel with the handle on the other side ? No
17.) Would you include teaching to cast with the, "other" hand to your beginning students ? I might demonstrate it but probably would not teach it
18.) If not, when would you consider teaching it ? B
a. Once the students can shoot line and haul.
b. Advanced students.
c. When teaching instructors.
d. Other (specify).
e. Never.
19.) Do you have any methods in your, "bag of tricks" to help teach casting with the non-dominant hand ? If you do not have two similar rods you might stand side by side with the student and have them match the timing of your hand as you go through the casting stroke.
20.) Is it necessary to change styles of casting when single handed casting with the, "other" hand ? Not normally
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From Tony Loader:-
1.) Do you ever use the, "other" hand to make casts while actually fishing ? Yes
2.) If so, name some instances when you would do this. When it is more convenient to do so. When maximum reach to that side is required. When the dominant hand is otherwise occupied e.g. holding on to a tree.
3.) Many feel that a Master Instructor should be able to make basic casts with the non-dominent hand.
a. Do you agree ? Yes
b. Why ? For completeness and for a better understanding of their own learning process
c. Would you use this skill in your teaching ? Yes
d. If so, give at least two examples. To more effectively demonstrate casts to left handed students. To be able to use the more appropriate hand to guide their rod hand where necessary.
4.) Can you think of a circumstance when you would cast with your, "other" had which has nothing to do with the fishing situation, weather (including wind) or teaching ? To avoid pain in or overuse of, the other side, or if partially disabled.
5.) If you did learn to cast with the non-dominent hand, tell us how you did so. Mostly synchronous pantomiming with both hands.
6.) Assuming that you did, what was the most difficuly thing for you to learn to do well ? Haul timing.
7.) You have a student who is doing very well at an intermediate to advanced level of casting. She very much wants to learn to cast with her opposite hand, but is not ambidextrous. What methods might you use to accomplish this ? Pantomiming as above. Casting two similar rods simultaneously. The dominant hand teaches the other.
8.) Can you see any real advantage in two handed casting (including Spey casting) with the non-dominent hand high on the cork and the dominant hand below ? It simplifies decision making. The caster can simply position the anchor downwind and the downwind hand up.
9.) Under what circumstance might you use this method when Spey casting
on a river ? (Consider which bank you are on, wind, etc., etc.) As Bob Pauli recently suggested here, "From EITHER SIDE of the river:
- upstream wind; place upstream
hand on upper grip and do your favorite cast from this position
- downstream
wind: place downstream hand on upper grip and perform your favorite cast from
this position."
10.) What does the term, "cackhanded" mean ? Lefthanded (also clumsy). Casting with the (single) hand over the opposite shoulder. Casting two-handed with the "other" hand up (see below).
11.) Can you come us with a reference in the fly casting literature for this term ? "There are plenty of good casters that cast backhanded or cackhanded in spey casting terms – that is using the right hand up over the left shoulder (or left hand up over the right shoulder). This can work for many casters and does present an option when there is a strong wind on the right-hand side." Simon Gawesworth - "Spey Casting"
12.) What percent of people in the US and Europe are right handed ? About 90 percent.
13.) What percent of people do you think are truly ambidextrous ? Less than 1 percent.
14.) Do you know of anyone who passed all of the casting tasks on the MCCI exam with the left hand after being Master Certified for many years with the right hand ? No. But I suspect Tom White.
15.) Can you think of any disadvantages to casting with the non-dominent hand ? That hand is not usually as strong.
16.) When you switch hands to cast, is it also necessary to use a reel with the handle on the other side ? No.
17.) Would you include teaching to cast with the, "other" hand to your beginning students ? Yes. It's easiest then. The non-dominant hand might be found to perform better and could "teach" the dominant hand.
18.) If not, when would you consider teaching it ?
a. Once the students can shoot line and haul.
b. Advanced students.
c. When teaching instructors.
d. Other (specify).
e. Never.
19.) Do you have any methods in your, "bag of tricks" to help teach casting with the non-dominant hand ? Casting two rods in synch.
20.) Is it necessary to change styles of casting when single handed casting with the, "other" hand ? Not if similarly able on each side.
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Gordy