A lesson with Lefty

"Mike Connor" wrote in message
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"Tom Nakashima" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
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"Mike Connor" wrote in message
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Also, using the right rod and line, it is possible to roll cast to 120
feet with a single handed rod, without too much difficulty.

Yes, special lines and rods of course you can do it, but and the but is,
can you do it with a conventional 6 wtf line and a 2 or 4 pc conventional
9' 6wt rod? On earth that is, not on the moon.


No.

You answered my question.


There would be little point in using a WF line for distance roll casting
in any case. It wont work. One may only roll cast the head, without using
special tricks, like dynamic rolls, or the underhand cast already
described. It is also very difficult indeed to shoot much line into a
standard roll cast, although it can be done.

Although DT is better for rollcasting, I do use 5WF line and have no problem
rollcasting 40' and under.



With a standard ninety foot DT, a 12 foot leader, and measuring from the
casters feet to the fly, it is possible to just reach 120 feet, roll
casting with a standard 9´rod, but you would probably need to use an #8
weight rod at least, possibly overlined with a #9 or even #10 DT, and it
is not easy. The main problems being the speed of execution, and the power
transfer along the line.


Maybe, have you seen it done yet?
Evel Knievel once said he could jump over the Snake River Canyon.
Lefty Kreh said he could cast 70' with half a rod.
For me seeing is believing.


Using a dynamic roll, a 35 foot head, and the appropriate shooting line,
it is not such a problem.

Again, introducing special lines, special rods.
-tom

"Jonathan Cook" wrote in message
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Your artistry inspired me, so I drew a picture of my most
difficult cast:

http://www.cs.nmsu.edu/~jcook/Pics/threefootcast.jpg

;-) (don't worry, I'd only rib someone I like)

Jon.

Jon, I always thought you were a lot order, but it's good fly-fishing has
kept your youth...something to look forward to.
-tom

"Tom Nakashima" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
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SNIP
Again, introducing special lines, special rods.
-tom


A top caster can do it with standard gear.

I am still a very good caster, but no longer a top class caster.

TL
MC

Tom Nakashima wrote:
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

I think I just missed you Saturday morning. I had to sample life in
the big city and ride the train up. I am TDY in the Silcone Valley. I
got to see the usual outfitters and guides that show up in Portland
plus a few from Oregon who are never at the Portland show.
Did you see the guy who had the antique fishing stuff. Makes me feel
old, I have stuff in my closet older than some of his. I bought my
Medalist 1498 in 63, it got more scars than the one he had. I
overheard one guy who wondered if people really caught fish on them.

"BJ Conner" wrote in message
ups.com...


I think I just missed you Saturday morning. I had to sample life in
the big city and ride the train up. I am TDY in the Silcone Valley. I
got to see the usual outfitters and guides that show up in Portland
plus a few from Oregon who are never at the Portland show.
Did you see the guy who had the antique fishing stuff. Makes me feel
old, I have stuff in my closet older than some of his. I bought my
Medalist 1498 in 63, it got more scars than the one he had. I
overheard one guy who wondered if people really caught fish on them.

Yes I did see the antique display, it was quite fascinating and I felt old
as well, but seeing Lefty made me feel young again. I still have my Phlueger
Medalist, my first fly reel from the 60's.
-tom

"Mike Connor" wrote in message
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"Tom Nakashima" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
...
SNIP
Again, introducing special lines, special rods.
-tom


A top caster can do it with standard gear.

I am still a very good caster, but no longer a top class caster.

TL
MC

Well Mike, I should have looked you up first, could have saved a lot of
time. Bet you were wondering when I was going to do that? So did I set the
record on returning post? More than Wolfgang?
-tom

"Tom Nakashima" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
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SNIP
Well Mike, I should have looked you up first, could have saved a lot of
time. Bet you were wondering when I was going to do that? So did I set
the record on returning post? More than Wolfgang?
-tom

?????

Don´t know what that is supposed to mean.

TL
MC

"Mike Connor" wrote in message
...

"Tom Nakashima" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
...
SNIP
Well Mike, I should have looked you up first, could have saved a lot of
time. Bet you were wondering when I was going to do that? So did I set
the record on returning post? More than Wolfgang?
-tom

?????

Don´t know what that is supposed to mean.

TL
MC


It's no biggie, sometimes I get carried away in my return posts (get caught
up in the moment and start firing away). Doesn't happen very often. I did
a search on you Mike and can see you're a pretty well established
fly-fisherman...unless there are more than one Mike Connor's.
You're not related to the Rifleman are you?
-tom

"Tom Nakashima" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
...
SNIP
It's no biggie, sometimes I get carried away in my return posts (get
caught up in the moment and start firing away). Doesn't happen very
often. I did a search on you Mike and can see you're a pretty well
established fly-fisherman...unless there are more than one Mike Connor's.
You're not related to the Rifleman are you?
-tom


You mean Chuck Connors? No.

My name is simply Connor. There are several "Mike Connor´s" on the web, in
various capacities, but I think I am about the only fairly well known
fly-angler with that name.

TL
MC

"Tom Nakashima" schrieb im Newsbeitrag
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SNIP
I hope you would get that Chuck Connors line.
Well Mike if you ever do rollcast 120' with conventional gear, I'll be the
first to put your picture up in my office.
-tom

Most unlikely, as I don´t bother practicing casting much anymore. There is
little point in it.

TL
MC