Walter & Group...
I'LL BE AWAY FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. (Also having my computer Guru try to fix my contrary computer which locks up at the slightest provocation despite defragging, de-worming, and advanced antivirus /anti-spyware programs.)
TO ALL OF YOU IN THE USA: HAVE A GREAT TURKEY DAY !!!!!!
From Raf Mascaro :-
Hi Gordy,
the low elbow style is well known in Italy. It's a style
used mainly for fishing in heavy covered streams where there isn't room to make
any vertical overhead cast. The only way to present the fly is following a path
that is in the middle of the water. At the mean time this style helps getting a
longer casting stroke and consequently accelerating the light flylines (DT2 /
DT3) and long leader (at least 15') used in combination with short rods like the
7' or 7'6".
In this way we can get very
tight loop and ultra-delicate presentation. Of course , it's a great exercise to
learn the real meaning of straight path.
Any time the angler is out of the right path there is risk to catch
stick, trees or other obstacles...and of course who will follow can fill his own
fly-box
Raf
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Raf...
I don't know how much salt water fly fishing you folks do in Italy. This low elbow style of Lefty's has been spread over the globe. Perhaps some Europeans may have used it in one form or another years ago, I don't know.
This style, however, is NOT just for salt water fishing on the flats, as you point out. It is ergonomic and easier for folks with certain body builds, fishing with heavy rods, too.
It lends itself to greater stroke length and tip travels when it isn't practical or easy for the caster to use the "layback" method or to lean way back as some do when back drifting.
You are right in that it is a great way to appreciate SLP !
One of the ways many of us teach the straight line path of the rod tip (SLP) is with horizontal casting over a line on the ground or between two lines. This way the student can see what is going on with both forward cast and back cast. I'll do that, then have the caster go "airborne" and use ever increasing rod plane until we establish the casting plane which is most efficient for that individual.
Gordy
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Here is a neat tip on style when Spey Casting from Jim Valle:-
I really learned something when I practiced after we returned.. Although everyone says don't use the top hand and load the rod with the bottom hand . they never talk about the feeling the tension with the bottom hand through ack stroke and maintain the tension through the circle up.
we all talk about the continuous tension cast ..but on the back stroke I was actually loading the rod with the top hand and the tip...this is a major discovery and does it ever make a difference! I showed it to Craig and it turned lights on for him too! The trick is to maintain tension in the lower hand just like doing a two or three revolution circle or spiral. all done with the lower hand!!!! Try it in that warm weather of yours. colder than hell up here..
All my Best
Jim
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Jim ... I will.
Gordy
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