A lesson with Lefty

The International Sportsmen Expo this past weekend was pretty darn good for
me. I finally got to meet Lefty Kreh in person and watch his demonstration.
He put to rest a lot of questions I've had and some of the questions that
were asked in roff. Lefty is quite a character and for his age of 81, his
senses and skills are still very keen.



Unfortunately Lefty now has rotator cuff (yes got from casting) and has
changed his casting technique from his early days. He told me he doesn't
want to see anyone get this problem as his casting style is almost sideways
now. I'll have to analyze this more.



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. Then he pieces the rod back
together, gets down on his knees and effortlessly makes another 70' tight
loop cast, so you don't need a long rod or raise the hand up high, or be 7'
tall to make long cast either. Oh, the rod he was using was a fresh off the
rack TFO TiCr 9', 6wt 4pc which still had the plastic wrap on the cork.



After his lecture he asked for a volunteer from the standing room audience.
Years ago I remember a local fly-shop paying Left $2000, divided among 20
serious anglers to have him fly out here to CA and give a 1 hour lecture
with a 1 hour hands on class. Since no one wanted to make a fool out of
themselves, I thought this is my chance to volunteer a lesson with one of
the greatest casters in the world for the price of my ticket to the show.
For that I think I could tolerate embarrassment and be the guinea pig. After
he asked my name and put the rod in my hands, he had me make a cast the way
I normally do. I made a 60' cast and on the microphone loud and clear Lefty's
famous line: "Tom didn't listen to anything I was saying!" as the crowd
roared with laughter. Then he corrected me on 2 ever-so-slight
technicalities, keeping the wrist straighter on the backcast, and stop the
rod a touch higher on the forward cast. I'll have to admit, I was a bit
nervous standing in front of everyone with Lefty at my side. I made my
second cast and was ready for more embarrassment, but to my surprise he
blurts out; "Make another cast!" I make another 60' cast as I'm feeling
pretty comfortable now, he then whispers to me, "you got it down?" with his
warm smile. I nod my head yes, then he gets on the mic and yells; "Anyone
worst than Tom?" I felt pretty relieved thinking it could have been worst. I
continued to walk around the show, but came out empty-handed except for
something I'll remember for the rest of my life.

-tom