"Tom Nakashima" wrote


Nice report Larry, glad you got out on the water, a nice start for '07.
-tom


Thanks Tom. I thought about you and tried to remember your post about some
"figure 8 cast" as I was poking the rod through the willows and leaning over
deep water, off hand gripping a branch for safety, and trying to get my fly
to go anywhere but into another tree.

One cast in particular was a testament to the importance of technique and
skill in this fine sport. I found a narrow slot in the trees that went
to the water's edge. A slot maybe 8 feet wide. Looking around it seemed
I might be able to make a cast IF I kept the rod perfectly vertical as I did
have some room directly behind me too. As I worked out line and wound up
for the final presentation I looked back to watch the backcast and it was
being blown by the wind and heading into the brush behind me and to one
side. Quickly I checked it without letting it unfold and shot the line
forward in panic. The combination of my expertly executed "partial
backcast wind aided right angle cast" coupled with the needed help from a
gust of wind this specialty cast requires, blew the resultant mess around
the corner so that my fly landed 4 feet from shore but well upstream near
some overhanging willow branches. You got it ... instant rise ... fish
on. I'll be practicing that cast G