The jump roll cast is not very practical as a standalone cast in fishing terms without any additional adaptations, as it does not incorporate a change of direction. The jump roll does however form a natural progression from the basic roll cast. It is also useful while learning the Single Spey Cast as many of the general rules are applicable. The jump roll will also be the cast of choice while learning or improving technique on the non-dominant casting side. Many fishermen will often use this cast to practice correct loop formation and to make various adjustments. So, if you are learning to Spey Cast or aiming to improve your technique, time invested in understanding the key areas of this cast will be time well spent.
The Jump roll cast and the static roll cast share many similarities in that we have to form an efficient anchor and D loop. However, rather than sliding the line along the water’s surface, we will encourage the line to momentarily jump into position and form the anchor. In other words, we will speed up our movements and combine a few subtle differences, which will be covered in the following chapters.
So why is this necessary?
The basic Roll Cast is very important in practical terms and is often described as one of the key foundational skills when learning to Spey cast, but it also has its limitations in that the line is static. Therefore, we can only place so much line within the D loop; this also leaves a lot of line on the water’s surface, the anchor. Although the static roll cast is very necessary when fishing, it is restrictive in terms of efficiency, hence the reason for speeding up our movements and jumping the line into position in a controlled manner. This enables us to maximise the amount of line within the D loop, and in doing so minimise the amount of line on the water’s surface creating a smaller anchor. The cast then becomes more dynamic and efficient due to the larger rearward moving D loop and less line stick on the surface of the water.
Stance-Grip
As with many other casts, stance is very important and can make or break how effective our technique is. I always advise people to place their leading foot forward corresponding with the same side and pointing in the same direction that they are casting to. This provides adequate range of movement, but more importantly it helps maintain alignment of our body and prevents over rotation of the shoulders. As a general rule our grip should be around roughly shoulder width apart, placing the upper hand at the very top of the rod handle is something that should be best avoided, as it often encourages excessive pushing during delivery. (An over dominated top hand push)
As mentioned above, the following movements will be adequate for around 35 to 50 feet of line from the rod tip. Adjustments in movements and timing will have to be made, as the line length increases or decreases for example.
It is worthwhile learning the Jump roll cast in two parts, practice forming the anchor, then move onto the forward delivery when more familiar with the correct anchor placement and timing.
Start with the rod tip fairly low to the water’s surface, leading foot pointing to the target. Lift slowly to around 45 degrees. This angle of the rod should be maintained throughout the initial movements of the sweep;-avoid raising the rod to high. It is also important that we use the bottom hand efficiently during the sweep and avoid excessive pulling with the top hand. The upper hand should only tease and guide the rod back as the lower hand is pushed out smoothly. Casting becomes much more natural when we can feel the rod flexing correctly. The movements should be progressive with only a little increase in speed, as the rod passes our body to encourage D loop formation. The rod tip path and speed is very important and it should be traveling on an incline. It may take practice to become proficient at this movement, but by observing where the anchor is landing helps us to better understand the required timing. As mentioned, the jump roll cast is very reliant on smoothness of movement and timing; this is greatly helped by correct use of our hands. We learn quickly by a combination of observation and feeling. Watching and observing the lower section of the D loop and anchor will provide valuable clues as to the speed and path of the rod tip. Feeling the flex of the rod throughout the sweep will help us understand what influence it has on the line and anchor. It is worth practicing this movement until it becomes relaxed and consistent.
We can then practice repositioning our hands (drifting upwards) into the key casting position just before the anchor touches down. The aim is to arrive in the correct and efficient position to make the forward delivery immediately as the anchor touches as this is the most effective, (touch & go). We are then able to use the rearward energy of the D loop and maximum tension in the line to our advantage. If there is too much of a delay or we are not in the correct key position, then it becomes difficult to be efficient, there will often be excessive line stick and a poorly timed forward delivery as a result.
The key casting position is a reference point or term used to describe the position of our hands and arms. The upper hand is positioned at around 90 degrees with the heel of our hand around eye level. The lower hand is positioned out from the centre of the body to allow adequate movement. The rod will be canted slightly to the side.
The Forward delivery
We want to make the forward delivery as the anchor momentarily touches down. Too much hesitation can make the difference between a good cast and a bad one. It is also important to use the slight body movement as we flex the rod and accelerate with the hands in a forward and slightly downward movement. I often refer to this as lead before speed; we have to lead with our upper body and hands before we apply the most speed. The speed I am referring to is the sharp push/pull movement made right at the end of the casting stroke. This combined with an efficient stop is what kicks the rod tip over at speed, the more efficient we stop the rod, the faster it turns over. I often describe an efficient stop as one of the most critical parts of the cast, if we do all other areas of the cast correctly but cannot stop the rod properly, then we will always get a similar result with poor line speed and loop formation no matter what cast we do. In general terms, fly casting is mainly about effective energy transfer, and without an efficient stop this is greatly reduced. After the rod is brought to a firm stop, we can immediately relax our grip on the rod to allow it to correctly recover. The rod will then be lowered sympathetically to allow the line to fully straighten.
D loops and V loops
The ability to for an effective V loop is an essential tool in gaining more distance with any of the Spey Casts. More often than not a D loop will suffice, but when we want to shoot line and gain more distance then some adjustments will have to be made. The speed path and trajectory of the rod tip is what influences the shape of the line during the rearward sweep. If we require a D loop then the rod tip must blend into a fairly steep incline as it passes our body on the sweep. This, if done correctly, will provide a more rounded shaped D loop. When we want to increase efficiency this sweep will become slightly longer and faster; the rod tip path should travel in a longer more gradual Incline. This in turn will influence the line shape as it travels rear-ward. The D loop will start to become more oval in shape rather than rounded. However, in order to fully form a V shaped loop, the rod can be swept back on a straight incline, this produces the sharpest of V loops as the energy is concentrated in the one overall direction, and the line travels back further into a fully compressed V shape. In order to do this correctly, we must use the flexible nature of the rod and avoid excessively pulling with the upper hand. The ability to adjust the shape of our rear loop greatly increases efficiency and distance.
Faults and Fixes.
The Jump roll cast is very reliant on technique and timing. The following list of examples, is by no means exhaustive, but they cover the most common and most likely faults. It is also worth remembering that nearly all faults originate from our inappropriate hand and body movements. Also, variations in timing and movements will change when wading, using longer or shorter rods or lines as mentioned previously.
Line is pulled along the water’s surface and fails to jump into position – Make sure the rod is raised to around 45 degrees and is not too low to the water’s surface, use both hands effectively and avoid pulling the rod mainly via the top hand. Gradually speed up the movement especially in the latter part of the sweep to encourage the line to jump into position.
Crashed or piled up anchor – Excessive dip from high to low during the sweep, is often a result of the rod being raised too high at the start of the lift and forming an excessive dip during the sweep. Skipping or missed anchor- inappropriate fast or erratic movement during the sweep, too high, too fast or aggressive.
Mis-alignment of the D loop (not within 180 deg to target)- Over rotation of the shoulders, often a symptom of pulling with the top hand that pulls the D loop slightly behind the caster and out of alignment. In some cases it may even hit the water behind. Check stance is in alignment and again, avoid using mainly top hand dominated movements. Using slight back and forth body movement can help maximise smoothness and range of movement. When this happens, it is unlikely that a good forward cast will be the result, as correct alignment is very important.
Line stick – Poor Timing- A badly formed large anchor – Can be caused by hesitating too long when the anchor touches down or positioning the rod too far back in preparation to make the forward delivery. Over rotation of the shoulders dropping line behind as mentioned above.
Audible crack from anchor – This is often caused by mistiming and can be cured by slowing down a bit. However most often it can, caused by raising the rod on an abrupt and steep incline towards the end of the sweep. When this happens, you will see the rear section of the anchor forms a shape upwards on a similar path, as soon as the forward movement is made the anchor breaks free, often with an audible sound.
Open climbing forward loop- Generally caused by inappropriate power application( power too soon) Accelerate smoothly and save the speed for the end of the cast.
Andrew Toft is an Aapgai & Master certified casting instructor based in Glasgow and is also part of the design team for the very successful Mackenzie fly-fishing products. For more information on learning to Spey cast and to arrange one to one tuition please visit www.andrewtoft-flysport.com or www.andrewtoftflyfishing.com
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I became involved with the development and design of Mackenzie products a few years back, but I had used the equipment prior to this. I remember the first time I used one of Scott’s Dtx classic rods there was an immediate familiarity with the excellent balance and action in the rod. It reminded me of my thought process and the frustrations I experienced when trying many different rod actions while competing. Over time I had learned that not only the rod action, but also how the balance and weight were of equal importance. It was easily recognisable that all the other successful competitors seemed to be using rods with similar characteristics. The rods were not stiff and they flexed progressively and deep into the blank with fast recovery. These rods were naturally more efficient as more of the rod was working at an optimum. Similarly in Scott’s range of DTX Spey rods I had again noticed these similar characteristics. The rods were excellently balanced with a smooth progressive powerful action and very fast recovery, which generated excellent tip speed.
Rod tip speed is one of the most critical things in efficient Spey casting but tip speed is only efficient when mainly generated through from the action and balance of the rod. Tip speed is vital, but how it is achieved is equally important. When we make our casting movements and decelerate the rod in an attempt to stop it in the final stages of the cast, the energy we have created continues to thrust up from the bottom of the rod progressively throughout and finally resulting in tip speed. This is achieved as the weight and balance of the rod naturally contributes to its action. It is also no coincidence that we have chosen not to overly reduce the weight of the rod as this would also effect part of the rods own balance and performance. The Mackenzie range of Spey rods are carefully manufactured to our own specification with fibre type, tapering etc. all being controlled carefully by us. Making quality products is very rewarding and our samples and prototypes can be tested rigorously in the most challenging conditions over the course of many months with fine tuning and cosmetic detailing taking place before the completion of the product range.
Care & maintenance of your Mackenzie rod.
A good Salmon rod is an investment and taking care of it will not only keep it in tip top shape but extend its life and cosmetic appearance. Mackenzie rods are supplied with their own cloth bag and protective tube. It makes sense to replace your rod correctly within the tube at the end of your day, many people put there partially made up rod it the car while traveling to save time. This is sure to end in damage and even possible breakages. The rod blank will naturally pick up dirt and debris throughout its use. It is recommended that a wipe over the blank with wax based polish using a soft cloth can remove this and restore the surface of the rod. Your rod will inevitably get wet during use. It is very important to not to store the rod when the handle has not been allowed to fully dry naturally as this will cause damage. You can restore the natural light colour of the cork by hand using mild soapy water only; do not use chemicals or solvent based products as these can cause damage.
For further information on the full range of Mackenzie fly fishing products please ask at your local retailer. Andrew Toft is a Aapgai and FFF master certified instructor who provides Spey casting Instruction, he can be contacted at www.andrewtoft-flysport.com
]]>If you have ever tried Spey casting or fly fishing, you will understand that getting it right is essentially neigh on impossible without instruction. Many learners find it difficult as they do not have the underlying knowledge to improve.
Right from the correct assembly of your fly fishing equipment and even the materials that you use, everything needs to be understood if you want to get it right. As this is the case, it is imperative that you seek instruction. In this short guide, we will explore some of the benefits of fly fishing lessons or Spey casting instruction with me, Andrew Toft. I will make sure you are using your fly fishing equipment efficiently
One of the things that will determine your success on the water is how well you use the equipment that you have. With the right instruction, correct use of your fly fishing equipment will be second nature in no time. Indeed, some of the equipment can be complicated depending on exactly what you are using. However, with years of experience behind me, I understand what equipment is most suited for the best possible results.
While having the right equipment is important, understanding it, in my opinion, carries far more weight. All equipment is different for a reason because it has been designed to suit various people and fishing situations. Therefore, getting it wrong could very well leave you at a disadvantage before you have even set off. I teach you the fundamental principles of Spey casting
Spey casting is not an ordinary technique that one can master without instruction. There are fundamental principles that determine every step, and unless you have a good understanding of these principles, your chances of getting good are small.
It is more than likely the main reason you originally looked to seek instruction is because you want to be able to catch fish in a more effectively or cast more efficiently. The only thing that will ultimately save you from frustration is a set of instructions and exercises that you can learn and master over time.
I will ensure that you learn as much as possible in the time that we have together. We will start by learning the fundamentals of fly casting before moving onto technique and other points. I teach you how to identify and correct common faults
Another benefit of fly fishing instruction is that I can tell you where your faults are and how to fix them. Developing faults happens all the time, either because of poor equipment or because of bad habits, but they can be broken. The more you fish the quicker you will be able to identify your issues. However, not having any knowledge at all will make it impossible to identify and correct your errors – why – well you won’t know what you are doing anything wrong!
Instead of getting downhearted, turn your negatives into something that motivates you. In our lesson, I will identify your faults so that you can fix them. I will also teach you how to identify your own issues. Faults will occur, but it is important that you know how to fix them or at the very least, the techniques that can help you improve. Some of the faults can be minor while others may require advanced knowledge to fix. When you have the knowledge of how everything works, you can identify the issue and edit to fix it. In fact, you will be surprised to the ease with which you will be able to do this and progress.
Summary
Learning the fundamentals of how to fly fish from a professional will ultimately make your experiences on the water much more enjoyable. However, before you even consider fly fishing tuition or Spey casting instruction, it is imperative that you understand the potential benefits you may receive. As you may have seen from the site, I have years of experience tutoring people of all different experiences.
If you have any questions about my services, prices or anything else that I offer, make sure you take the time to contact me.
]]>One of the things I spend my time doing now is teaching. I teach all different skill ranges from those who have never picked up a rod before to those who want to become instructors themselves. With the highest possible qualifications, I often teach individuals of all levels.
From beginner fly fishing lessons where I teach the very basics of how to fly fish to advanced spey casting instruction and everything in-between I can teach those of any experience. I teach people of all different experiences it’s one of the things I enjoy about each lesson; no two are the same.
The first port of call is to find out what experience you have, and what you want to learn. We will talk through what path you want to take, and what your short and long-term goals are when it comes to the art of fly fishing.
Once I have all this information I can map out a lesson plan/s to ensure we spend the time doing what I feel will be most beneficial to you.
What can I expect in my fly fishing lesson?
The first part of any of my fly fishing lessons involves me talking to you about a number of different points.
We will first talk about the safety precautions that you need to follow while near water. It is imperative you are fully aware of everything that could possibly go wrong while fishing. With this information, you know both how to prevent a potential issue and what to do if there is an issue. I will tell you everything you need to know about; paths, steps, banks, wading, power lines, weather conditions, casting and other points, including a general risk assessment.
After talking about the importance of safety, I then go into detail about equipment, more specifically the importance of having the right fly fishing equipment and the fly fishing clothing. I detail and explore the function of all the equipment and talk to you about the benefits of buying your own fly fishing equipment with recommendations, if you ask.
Then we move on to the ‘active’ part of the lesson. Previous experience has taught me that a demonstration is always the best way to start any lesson. By going over the fundamentals and showing you the correct techniques, you can see firsthand how things should be done. You can then take that knowledge into the practical part of the lesson.
The practical lesson
Once I have run through the correct way to carry out techniques, we will move on to you putting into practice what you have learnt. I will then analyse your technique and explain your faults and how to correct them.
I use video applications UberSense and Slow-Pro to properly analyse your technique and pinpoint various issues that you can correct. After recording you casting we can watch the video back so you can see exactly what needs improving. I can then analyse your technique in details and explore what you need to do to ensure you can improve your technique.
When the lesson is coming to an end, I will give you a set of exercises that you can practice at any time. These exercises have been designed so that you can improve your muscle memory, which means you will be able to be much more effective next time you go fly fishing.
At Andrew Toft Fly Sport, it is my goal to ensure you learn everything about how to fly fish so you can enjoy fishing as much as possible. With plenty of experience and the highest qualifications, I understand many casting techniques and Fly Casting terms used by many different organisations world wide.
The use of Ubersense and Slow-Pro for Fly Fishing Tuition
Now, I use my iPad with the applications Ubersense and Slow-Pro during almost all my fly fishing lessons if requested by the student. Both applications allow me to take advantage of recent developments with coaching technology to make fly fishing tuition much easier.
The use of Ubersense
Ubersense is a specialist video analysis and sports coaching application that is used across a number of different sports. However, it is almost always used to help improve technique, regardless of the sport. Golf coaches use the application to analyse swing, while tennis coaches use the application to analyse how their students swing the racket.
I specifically use Ubersense for Spey casting instruction and fly fishing tuition. I now feel that these applications allow me to coach to the best of my ability. The application allows me to video students, and then slow down the footage to as much as an eighth of the original speed, so I can show them where they need to improve their technique. Once I have established where the issue lies, I take the time to work on specific elements of hand movements or the Spey casting technique.
This application has been featured in Time Magazine and Golf Digest among other highly ranked publications. It’s essentially the best out there for all different sports, including fly fishing.
The use of Slow Pro
Slow pro allows me to slow any video that I capture of my students down to super slow motion. I can then analyse every movement made to the finest detail. The application makes video analysis much easier and allows me to identify the exact points that need working on.
Summary
I have been using these applications to improve students fly fishing skills, and I have had some fantastic results. Since starting with use them, I’ve noticed a huge improvement in the skill range of my students as the ability to analyse every micro-second of their fly fishing lessons makes coaching much easier.
I can now pick up on incorrect hand movements that have been affecting Spey casting techniques much easier than ever before, which allows for quicker Spey casting fault identification.
Furthermore, the applications allow me to show my students videos of Spey casting movements so that they can see what I feel to be the perfect technique in slow motion, which has significantly improved learning times, in my opinion.
If you want to talk to me about my lessons and prices, please contact me using my contact page.
Think of a fly fisherman and you will likely think of a man in waders, a hat with some coloured flies in it and a sleeveless jacket with lots of pockets and flies attached - also known as a fly fishing vest.
So why do fly fisherman insist on this rather unfashionable get-up? Someone coming over from course fishing won't immediately understand the advantage of a fly fishing vest. If you are a course fisherman, you will be used to fishing on river banks rather than in them. This means that all your fishing tackle is in arms reach.
Essential Fly Fishing Equipment
A fly fisherman, on the other-hand, is going to likely be standing in the middle of the river or stream when he hooks a fish. Therefore, he needs all his flies, line, float-ant and net and everything else attached to his fishing vest. This way, he doesn't need to keep returning to the river bank to re-tackle. This is time-consuming and ineffective and can risk spooking the fish.
Fortunately, all good fly fishing shops like Andrew Toft Fly Fishing Equipment with stock some fantastic fly fishing vests. Getting some fly fishing tuition from an experienced certified instructor will likely also help you on how to utilise your equipment, as well as stocking your vest before venturing out in the water. You really do want to have everything fully-stocked in your fly vest so that you don't need to worry about returning to the bank.
As this is the case, it is important that you check your vest before you leave and once when you put it on as well. The first couple of times that you do this you’ll need to pay attention to it, but once you go a few times you’ll start to notice if something is missing.
Fly Fishing For Beginners
Any good 'how to fly fish' book, video in general will teach you about the importance of a well-stocked and organised vest as an essential tool for the serious fly fisherman. In fact, even amateur fisherman should seriously consider a fly fishing vest because it just makes the sport more enjoyable.
Fly fishing vests come in a variety of styles.
]]>When considering taking up fly fishing, having the correct outfit is not normally at the forefront of one’s mind. However, having the right fly fishing clothing is just as important as purchasing any other fly fishing equipment in order to get the most possible enjoyment from the sport. Having the right clothing is imperative for a number of reasons, and we will look at these in more detail here.
What clothing may I need?
Clothing purposely made for fly fishing includes shirts, jackets, trousers and waders. These garments provide optimum comfort and keep you warm and dry so you can keep your focus on the sport. They are always breathable and flexible, but at the same time fit securely enough to keep out water so you can enjoy your experience without the unpleasant feeling of cold and damp cutting your day short, which will happen if you do not go prepared.
More often than not, most reputable brands offer sun protection, which is especially important as it is all too easy to forget how long you can be exposed to those harmful rays while fishing. In fact, even when it is mild there have been reported cases of sun stroke from fly fishers because you’re in the water for long periods of time so you don’t particularly feel the extent of the heat.
Fly fishing clothing has been designed to be convenient.
Fly fishing clothing also comes with more pockets and compartments than your average garments, which is useful for storing all the fly fishing equipment that you will need on your trip, and even free up space in your tackle box. Everything you need can be at hand in one of your pockets, so you never need to hunt through your box again.
Fly fishing clothing is more durable than normal clothing.
Arguably, the most important feature of specialist clothing is its durability. While standard clothing will wear due to the exposure to the elements that fly fishing entails, purpose made clothing is specifically made to last and withstand the harsh conditions. Fly fishing clothing needs replacing less often, and means your normal wardrobe won’t be spoilt, so is a highly recommended addition to your fly fishing equipment.
Fly fishing is a sport that brings a great deal of enjoyment, and having the right clothing is important to ensure that this enjoyment won’t be interrupted, so it is worth investing in garments specifically made for fly fishing from specialist fly fishing shops in order to gain the most out of the sport.
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Standard fly fishing equipment isn't always enough if you are really passionate about this old past-time. A rod, a reel, some fly line and some flies is the bare-bones of it. Real hobbyists will also want to invest in a little more though. With this in mind, here, we will explore more about what fly fishing accessories one might look at purchasing if they want to take the sport more seriously.
Fly fishing shops
So, when you venture onto online fly fishing shops, what are the essential accessories that you will need to buy to take your fishing to the next level?
Well, it is not an accessory or piece of equipment, but have you ever thought of investing in some fly fishing lessons or fly fishing tuition? Even a seasoned pro might pick up a tip or two that will make it all worth it. After-all, it is about catching fish - at the end of the day. If you can learn a tip or trick off a more experienced fisherman - a lesson will be well worth it.
Down to the fly fishing accessories
Many of the accessories that you will also need are related to fly fishing clothing. These are the tools that will allow you to venture into terrain where the fish are, and more importantly other more casual fishermen aren't. What we are talking about here is the likes of waterproof waders and boots. These will allow you to step into shallow rivers and streams and cast into pockets of water further from the easy reach of the bank without having to worry about any sort of illness!
Other accessories that you may want to consider if you are going fly fishing include; waterproof backpacks, bags and tents. With a tent and durable clothing - you can stay all night and keep fishing around the clock. You can be up at the crack of dawn and by the river bank to get the fish as they begin to feed for the day.
Other advisable accessories that you might want to take with you if you are going on fly fishing trip include items like a gas burner for cooking, a fly box and fishing net to land your catch. However, how much you take really depends on how serious you want to take your trip.
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