"Opus" wrote in message
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"Tom Nakashima" wrote in message
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I learned a new cast called the Figure 8, some of you may already know
this one. It's used when you have obstruction behind you and throwing big
flies or weighted line when the roll cast just won't cut it. I have also
use it for throwing dry flies as well. For a right hander, I raise the
rod to an angle and make a circular motion counter clockwise in a loop.
As the line comes around, I make the 2nd loop, sort of a sweeping motion
on the opposite side (left shoulder), underneath in a clockwise direction
which anchors the line in the water and loads the rod. I then shoot the
line towards the target. It's a variation of a spey movement, a very
pretty figure 8 cast when done right, but also quite effective.


Isn't this the same cast they called *shadow casting* in the movie, "a
River Runs Through It?"

Sorry, not even close. I replayed the "shadow cast" that was performed in
the movie "A River Runs Through it" in slow motion, and have also taught
myself that cast. It's used to bring a fish to rise. It's performed by
actually turning the wrist in the opposite direction (facing the direction
of the back cast) with an ever-so-slight haul. Once the line is loaded in
the back, it's brought foward with a long sweeping motion and a front haul.
The fly is very low to the surface of the water to attact the attention of
the fish to rise.

I do feel it's over exagerated a bit, but during that time, slow cane rods
were of choice, and casting a line was a very smooth operation. The line
actually glides slower. I never thought it was ever an advantage until I
started casting bamboo. I've read great dry fly presesnters can actually get
a fish to take the fly in the air before the fly lands. I haven't done this
yet, but I'm working on it.


I generally use the Steeple cast or Sidearm cast, when I have trees or
tall bushes behind or around me. I rarely cast big flies, as my primary
rod is a 3/4 weight and I fish small streams in NC.

3/4 oz in weight?




I'm always game to try new cast with a single handed rod. If anyone
would like to share casting techniques, please do so.

I don't know about othere folks, but I tend to use my wrist for casting.
Of couse, I am using a 3/4 weight rod and line, so casting isn't an overly
exerting exercise.

How many of uze guyz use your wrists?

Although I don't prefer it, I've met some pretty good wrist casters. The
only time I use my wrist is at the very end of the cast to flick the tip and
it's almost un-noticeable. What that does it get the line/fly to
straighten out for a soft presentation.
fwiw,
-tom