On Thu, 10 Nov 2005 12:45:58 GMT, "Joe McIntosh"
wrote:

Warm late fall weather is providing lots of redfish in local N. C.. waters

after a successful trip to Harkers Island for False Albacore last week I am
now back in Wilmington fishing daily for reds in creeks flowing into the
inland waterway.Younger fish (puppy drum } and good size seniors are easy to
catch with spinning tackle after you locate them but I am having real
trouble using a fly rod. Casting a nine weight while standing is real work
but as I fish sitting in a kayak my efforts are really sorry.
Yesterday I was trying to cast a crease (?) lure into a good size pod of
fist and caught my hat [twice], and the water behind me on most casts.

Anyone with casting procedure suggestions please offer them---when that
tangle of fly, leader and line come flying by it is really frightening.
them hooks are really BIG and I still have memories of catching my tongue
one day with a size 16 humpy while mountain fishing with Daniel and Jeff
Miller.
Daniel please send me your snail address.
Joseph

Without seeing your casts, it is kinda hard to offer suggestions, but
I'd make a guess based on your comments (making particular mention of
tackle weight and a tangle flying by) that you have one or more of
several issues you are introducing into the mix because of the
perception of the larger tackle: the wrong casting angle, timing, or
power.

Are you able to cast OK from the kayak with lighter tackle? If so, then
your issue(s) are probably a perceived need to "really work" because of
the larger tackle. Perhaps taking out several rods of 4 to 9 wt.,
starting practice with the lighter gear and fairly rapidly working your
way up the weights might impress on your body memory that the mechanics
are the same.

IAC, you might snip a few of the larger flies' hooks off at the
shank/bend junction to make practice whiffs, and then, well, practice
with them.

TC,
R