On March 22nd the Atlanta Fly Fishing School held its first ever Advanced Fly Casting course, designed specifically to zero in on subtle issues plagueing the intermediate caster or beyond.  From our experience, verbal suggestion may not be adequate for all students, especially those who need some type of visual reference.

The eight hour course includes digital video from two separate angles, simultaneously, and use of the Sage Casting analyzer.  At the beginning of the class it is encouraged to throw the “Ego” out the window, because of this.  Each student is then filmed prior to any input from the intructors or recording devices to get a beginning Benchmark for reference.  From the taping station each student will be asked to perform casts at both 30 and 40 ft while being recorded by the Casting Analyzer.  During this process the split screen video recording is edited and synced.

When all of the data is compiled, students return to the classroom where each individual will have his or her cast revealed, possibly for the first time.  Interestingly, comments like, “Now I know what I am doing wrong”, is commonplace.  Students will also receive a two page print out from the Casting Analyzer, citing specific issues on which to work on.

After the lunch break time in the field is spent on the most challenging of each of the students problems, usually a violation of one or more of the Six Essentials of Casting taught there.  At conclusion of this field time the students are then run through the process of video and data recording again to compare with their initial benchmark.

When this session was complete on screen comparisons were made and incredibly all students improved one or more aspects of their respective casts.  The common denominator was that all casters accomplished the same tasks with an astonishing 15 to 20 percent less energy!

We at the Atlanta Fly Fishing School can’t stress enough the Six Essentials of Fly Casting, whereby if any are violated you could expect frustrations with your casting.  They are as follows…

FLY CASTING

SIX ESSENTIALS 

1. THE ROD TIP MUST MOVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE PATH 
2. THE SIZE OF THE CASTING ARC MUST VARY WITH THE LENGTH OF THE LINE PAST THE ROD TIP 
3. POWER MUST BE APPLIED IN THE PROPER AMOUNT AT THE PROPER TIME IN THE STROKE 
4. THERE MUST BE A PAUSE AT THE END OF EACH STROKE, WHICH VARIES IN DURATION WITH THE AMOUNT OF LINE BEYOND THE ROD TIP 
5. SLACK LINE SHOULD BE KEPT TO AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUM
6. A SOLID STOP AT THE END OF EACH STROKE IS NECESSARY TO TRANSFER ENERGY FROM THE FLY ROD TO THE FLY LINE

I can promise you that if you took the time to understand and practice these Six Essentials, you will likely eliminate a lot of your own casting problems.  For some going through the paces of a casting school such as this may be the answer and we welcome you to give it a go.  For more info on the Atlanta Fly Fishing School visit  http://atlantaflyfishingschool.com/index.htm

Popularity: 63% [?]

I have had the good fortune to have been involved with Fly Fishing Schools for many years now and never seem to tire of it.  When I see the smiling faces at the end of my sessions it brings a great sense of joy to my life.  Such was the case this last Saturday in North Georgia at one of the Great Georgia destinations near Clarkesville known as Blackhawk.  Blackhawk has been in the business of tropy trout management on their private stretch of the Soque River for some time now and is my favorite place to spend time as a part time guide.  We have done a few group sessions and a few informal schools there but had not really refined the program.  As the customer base became more interested a decision was made to sort of re-invent what a school should look like or consist of at Blackhawk.  Simple is best so I develpoed a day long program with a half day indoor classroom study and a half day on the water with the potential of actually hooking up.

Last Saturday’s students consisted of a Father and his two son’s who were extremely excited, and had received this opportunity as a Christmas gift.  We followed the agenda I had prepared, and what I loved about the classroom study was the amazing amout of questios coming from the youngest at 11.  You can’t help but become inspired about this kind of enthusiasm which seemingly makes the day much shorter. 

After lunch we prepared ouselves for our afternoon on the water with great anticipation.  If there is any down side to the time on the water is that most students, especially young, prefer to fish as opposed to learning technique.  With recent rains, a real blessing for Georgia, the fish were eager and we hooked up within minutes!  As the afternoon progressed I chose to act as a coach and on occaision offered instruction while my students enjoyed their day.

Numerous Rainbows and Browns were captured on film and the highlight was a Brown of 23 inches taken by the 11 year old youngster! 

Can’t think of a better way to end the day with a great fish and to pass along a gift for life!  

Popularity: 56% [?]

In the event that you haven't heard, Atlanta is host to two special events this weekend.  Both the Atlanta Fly Fishing Festival and Outfitters and Guides Day.  The Atlanta Fly Fishing Festival will be held at the Gwinnett civic Center both Saturday and Sunday.  Outfitters and Guides Day will be held at Bass Pro in Lawrenceville on Saturday the 26th.  Each will feature area and national pro's in their respective fields, and because of their close proximity it will be easy to attend both.  Yours truly will be present in the Atlanta Fly Fishing School booth at both locations on Saturday.  I look forward to seeing you all there!

Popularity: 59% [?]