Casting and Running line

[The-Real-FlyBri]

Hi guys

This should perhaps go under the 'Rookies' section but couldn't face going in there, so posted it here...

I was out on Saturday playing with my new set up - a 15ft aquarex with a Snowbee mid belly spey line.
I found that I could only cast the line 'properly' (a subjective term) if the orange running line was at least in the guides - otherwise I just couldn't seem to get the line clear of the water before casting it back out. If I kept the running line in the guides then I could cast what I thought was a decent distance and take maybe another 15ft or so of the orange running line when the cast touched down.

My very sheepish and potentially very silly question is: Should the running line be on the water when casting this line correctly or have I done the right thing in keeping it in the guides when casting?

Bri

[charlieh]

That's heavy kit to be using for Welsh grayling, Bri!

The Snowbee lines have the colour change at the back of the head. It's much easier to cast with the back of head just inside the tip; it's hard to get the transfer of energy through the running line. So you were doing the right thing.

[Fruin]

I agree with CharlieH, it is easier to perform the cast with the rear of the belly just inside the guides. Some lines also benefit from being cast with a bit of "overhang". This term refers to the amount of running line left outside the rod tip when casting. Anything from inches to about 6ft. This is sometimes of benefit because the running line is thinner and more supple and the loading of the d loop will really pull the line on a straighter path, thus making for easier casting of tight loops on the forward cast. That's the theory and it does seem to work.

A word of warning though - the running line is thinner and this places a lot of stress on the thinner coating, so your fly line won't last as long using this technique.

So, if it's easier and more enjoyable to cast with the rear of the belly/rear taper just inside the rod rings, then do so.

If really tight loops and ultimate distance is important to you, experiment and practice with overhang.

[pond321]

If only you had opted for some casting lessons......

[ceilidh]

Just to make life more complicated, some manufacturers put the colour change at the end of the head, so you retrieve the colour change to a point just inside or outside the tip ring, whilst others put the change at the point where it comes to your upper hand. Makes quite a difference! In the latter case this is only an approximate guide and will vary with different rod lengths. A bit of experimenting will allow you to find the 'sweet spot' for each rod. I put a very small colour coded whipping ( just a few turns) where the line comes to the upper hand for each rod and I can feel this when retrieving, without even having to look.

[macd]

ceilidh is spot on.


There is a difference with shooting heads. There is a loop to loop connection between the head and the running line. This is kept out beyond the point eye otherwise the cast is hindered. This does not apply with a full spey line.

macd

[The-Real-FlyBri]

Thanks for the replies guys. Funnily enough I did find it easier to cast a longer line if the running line was actually well into the rod an almost to the last ring - but I presumed that 'cause I'm not a great spey caster rather than anything to do with the tackle.

Jon - you may be right...

Charlie - funnily enough I did feel a little sheepish when passers by stopped to watch and I felt the need to say "There's a grayling bug on the end... honest!"

Bri

[sagefly]

Bri, work on the initial lift, the sweep and getting your upper hand into the "launch" position.

Just for badness can I suggest that you try your casting out with a wet2 or wet4 line I don't think that the floater will be the "go to" line at the Dee!

[The-Real-FlyBri]

you're joking right?!?

Feck...
What about using sink tips - would that be okay or does it have to be a full sinking line?

Bri

[sagefly]

I dont know the beat at all so am just guessing. Given the water temp and the flow we may need to get "doon to where he be" and a full sinker is IMO the best for this tips would probably work. Willie, Graham or Mick would be better situated to give definitive advice.

Any way fancy a cast on the weekend after next? Every chance of a Thames springer!

[The-Real-FlyBri]

Wish I could mate:
I think it's fair to say that my time for fishing this month is spent between last weekend on the Wye and 2 weekends from now on the Dee.

The wife would kill me...