RSP / Fly leg-Rod leg Grips

We have several new members. For them, I'll point out that RSP means ROD STRAIGHT POSITION. ( A fleeting occurance as the rod tip goes from its position at the stop to counterflex at the end of the cast.) This position is where the loop begins to form, since it is the point where the fly line can start to overtake the rod tip.

One additional comment on Mac Brown's message re what we do after RSP largelly determining what happens to the rod leg of the loop.

He pointed out that, especially with non-planar (elliptical) casts, one can affect the entire layout by what is done after RSP, and I agree.

Having said that, with straight line casting, what is done prior to RSP, can have a profound effect on the fly leg of the loop, and (therefore) the cast.

Here, we can form a concave path of the rod tip during the stroke (well prior to RSP) by various means which lead to inappropriate application of power.

Example: Too little rod arc for the amount of line out of the rod tip leading to the caster applying too much power early in the stroke which results in more rod tip acceleration than can be maintained during the remainder of the stroke. The rod tip dips down from SLP and then back up again before RSP. This places a wave of energy in the line which translates into what happens after loop formation.

This wave deforms the fly leg of the loop so that it literally crosses over the rod leg and may well collide yielding a, "wind knot".

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From Ally Gowans (Who is busy putting together a course on roll casting and Spey casting.)

Its going to be even more fun when I get around to doing fancy casts and mends because lots of the casts and mends can be made with either straight line or roll casts. Some great fishing casts in amongst them too!

Best wishes,

Ally Gowans

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Ally .... Indeed ! This is one thing which makes fly casting so fascinating. The combinations are ENDLESS !

I think Mac Brown put it very well in his book, CASTING ANGLES, when he wrote his chapter on, enlightenment casts.

Gordy

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From Jerry Puckett on GRIPS :

Gordy,

The information from Ally Gowans on grips is excellent and lands in my bags of tricks as well as the entire series on grips. Thanks Ally.

Ally reminded me of a course I took from Joan Wulff in West Yellowstone. We were talking about the grip and stop and Joan took my hand and demonstrated the grip, stop and back to relax, very smooth flow as Ally describes.

Obviously this sequence is difficult to describe in words but was very effective in demonstrating the casting grip, stop, and flow. Pretty neat -- learned something while holding the hand of a world class caster who happened to be a gracious good looking women! Of course one gets permission to do this but I have found it very effective in teaching the various grips. Pardon the pun, but a hands on approach!

When I teach grips I try to offer the information available in this most excellent series so one can decided on a default grip. I simply make the point I use several grips over the course of a fishing day including the left hand depending on the casting situation--the advantages being that it distributes the work load and makes for a more versatile teacher and caster. In fact if one ask me what is my defalut grip--my honest answers is most all grips, I honestly do not favor one particular grip. Reason-- due to hand damage I have to distribute work load to avoid the pain region.

In my case with the damage of age my right hand has several weak areas requiring an adaptive grips. This past summer when working with our Wounded Warriors I was made very much aware that one may have to work with some real limitations with the grip. I learned that the spirit is indeed willing and our wonderful wounded warriors were able to cast and catch fish, some with assisted devices. One young lady, wheel chair bound, with leather wraps around her wrists for strength reinforcement, cast a beautiful tight loop cast. Nice work ED!

As always Gordy I appreciate being in touch with the best in the world in this e-mail group and consider it a privilege -- so again my thanks to you and everyone participating.

Jerry Puckett

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Jerry ..... How well I know ! Two years ago, I had an accident resulting in a crush injury to my right (primary) hand with multiple fractures. I adapted just as you did.

Gordy

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