Something happened on the American River. I'm not sure what it was, however, by the end of the day, I felt that I had taken a step backwards in my spey casting abilities. I wasn't getting as much distance and the line wasn't unfolding very well. I'm not sure if I was tired or was just low on concentration.
On Sunday, after watching my weekly football game, I decided to head to the local school playground and get some practice in. Focusing on my technique, I felt much better after a quick half hour. I was back to casting 80 or more feet in a controlled manner. I also modified my form a little bit and feel more confident about my technique.
Spey casting is so enjoyable for me. There are so many facets to the cast that it takes a lot to bring it all together. How you hold your hands, how you set the anchor, where you set the anchor, how you apply the power stroke, etc, etc. When it all comes together, it can be satisfying. Before getting a two hander, I never really enjoyed casting as much I do now. There just aren't as many variables to keep my mind buzzing. I know it sounds ridiculous to anyone that has never used a two handed rod before. I was there and thought the same thing. Give it a try and you'll know what I mean.
However, casting isn't fishing. And if you allow yourself to get too caught up in it, you suddenly find yourself ignoring the presentation. Which of course is what leads to actually catching a fish. You have to be careful.
On the rigging front, I've built a few tapered 12 foot leaders in various lengths to use with steelhead. I'm hoping to get back to the grass to see how well they turn over the larger flies. Something that seems to be working right now is the following formula.
5' of 30lb
3' of 20lb
2' of 12lb
2' of 8lb
However, since grass casting is much different than when you are on the water (more tension when anchoring on water), the true test will be my next fishing trip.
On Sunday, after watching my weekly football game, I decided to head to the local school playground and get some practice in. Focusing on my technique, I felt much better after a quick half hour. I was back to casting 80 or more feet in a controlled manner. I also modified my form a little bit and feel more confident about my technique.
Spey casting is so enjoyable for me. There are so many facets to the cast that it takes a lot to bring it all together. How you hold your hands, how you set the anchor, where you set the anchor, how you apply the power stroke, etc, etc. When it all comes together, it can be satisfying. Before getting a two hander, I never really enjoyed casting as much I do now. There just aren't as many variables to keep my mind buzzing. I know it sounds ridiculous to anyone that has never used a two handed rod before. I was there and thought the same thing. Give it a try and you'll know what I mean.
However, casting isn't fishing. And if you allow yourself to get too caught up in it, you suddenly find yourself ignoring the presentation. Which of course is what leads to actually catching a fish. You have to be careful.
On the rigging front, I've built a few tapered 12 foot leaders in various lengths to use with steelhead. I'm hoping to get back to the grass to see how well they turn over the larger flies. Something that seems to be working right now is the following formula.
5' of 30lb
3' of 20lb
2' of 12lb
2' of 8lb
However, since grass casting is much different than when you are on the water (more tension when anchoring on water), the true test will be my next fishing trip.
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