On Wed, 18 Jan 2006 07:07:47 -0800, "Tom Nakashima"
wrote:

SNIP

Glad you had a good time. Did ya feel all stimulated, targeted, and
ready, willing, and able to buy? G

During his demonstration Left made a few 70' cast with just half of a 9'
rod, using only the 4 ½' end section, with tight loops. That tells me you
don't need an expensive rod to make good cast.

SNIP

The key word is _cast_. Top-section casting is more of a "trick" than a
"skill" beyond "regular" casting. If you normally tend toward graphite
mid-flex rods, you're already (basically) doing it. Try it yourself,
gently at first so as to not damage the section, and I think you'll be
surprised how easy you'll find it, although it may take a little
practice. and "getting your mind around the concept," as it were. Just
don't ever try to fish for anything beyond the smallest and weakest of
quarry without a lower portion unless it's a top section to which you
have no particular attachment.

Remember, casting and fishing are two distinct activities that for most
folks just happen to be done consecutively and mostly thought of as a
single activity. Tournament casting rods and lines wouldn't be
appropriate fishing gear for most folks/quarry, and very few "fishing"
rods and lines would make even marginal tournament casting rigs - the
lines would be totally useless.

TC,
R