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Overhead casting (double handed)
Making the overhead cast is not difficult, it just means
making a good back cast followed by a good forward cast. (Note that what
is commonly described as "an overhead cast" actually requires
two casts to be made, cast back then stop, and then cast forward.) This
brief description assumes the right hand up (descriptive text should be
reversed for left handed casting). There are many techniques related to
overhead casting and this page is intended as an introduction.
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Starting the cast
Start with the line straight to the
rod top. The left hand is positioned below the right arm, slightly
above the waist. Right arm is straight from the shoulder to the
rod handle. Line is held behind the second finger of the right hand.
During the cast, each hand does the same amount of work, pushing
and pulling in opposition to each other. Correct use of the left
hand is very important. |
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Accelerate and make the stop
Lift and accelerate the rod smoothly
backwards with the right hand, simultaneously pushing the left hand
forward to flex the rod. During this movement the the right arm
rises and the right hand moves up towards the right ear. Maximum
thrust is applied between 1030 and 1230 positions and then the rod
is stopped. |
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Drifting back until the line tightens
The rod is allowed to drift to 1400
or slightly further whilst the line is extending behind. Once fully
extended behind, the line will tension against the rod tip and this
should be felt by the angler waiting for the moment to commence
the forward cast. |
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Accelerate and make a stop before
10.00
To make the forward cast, push the right hand forward
and, simultaneously, pull the left hand in towards the body bringing
the rod butt up below the arm so that the handle is lying along
the same plane as the fully extended right arm. Stop the rod movement
at 1000 and the line will extend forward. Be careful not to jerk
the forward stroke, every casting stroke is a smooth acceleration
followed by a stop.
If you would like to know the secrets of overhead
casting and the whole family of similar casts, contact
me to arrange fly fishing instruction or attend one of my fly
fishing courses. |
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