After some time I have put together a Fly Rod/Reel package and line that epitomizes High Performance.  As mentioned in a previous article, I received a Winston BIIMX 5wt with a fighting butt, and promised a test ride.  The package includes a Galvan Torque T-4, backed with 100yds 30lb Gel Spun backing, and a Scientific Anglers Sharkskin 6wt fly line.  This combination provided me with the in the hand balance I like but may not be for everyone.

First and foremost, as you would expect from Winston, the craftsman ship is flawless, and the new Fighting Butt reel seat is a pleasure to look at as well as its ability to houze a reel with rubberized compression rings between the lockers.  This rod, held comfortably at your side, feels extremely lightweight for a 5wt.  Without lining it, it is noticeably stiffer than the Winston you are familiar with.

For testing purposes, I chose Airflo's Ridge in 5wt, Orvis' Wonderline Easy Mend in both 5 and 6wt, and Scientific Anglers GPX 6, Expert Distance 6, and of course the New Sharkskin in both 5 and 6wt.

Generally the biggest suprise was how easy unrolling loops in various sizes is given the fact that this is a very fast rod, touted as Winston's fastest 5wt ever built.  For overall performance I preferred 6wt fly lines, however the 5wts worked well especially when the carry was extended to the 55ft range.  Loading for distance with the 5wt lines was accomplished easily by quick rotation with the 55ft carry and easily shot an additional 25ft of line along with it.

For maximum performance at range with the least amount of effort, I prefer one of the 6wt lines, and hands down it was the Expert Distance or the Sharkskin.  These lines with their compound heads unrolled well at all distances, and it was possible to clear the Sharkskin from the rod tip from time to time.  With a little work I may be able to clear the 10ft longer Expert distance with this rod.  Although this rod can go long, what I enjoyed most is the incredibly tight loops accomplisged at close range.  No question that extreme accuracy is possible with this rod, and if casting in the wind has been a problem you will really enjoy this rod.  I am a bonified "Big Ugly" streamer guy and look forward to "Throwing Bulk" with this stick which I expect will be handled easily.

If you haven't, regardless if you are in the market or not, go to a shop and give it a whirl.  My guess is you will be pleasantly suprised. 

Popularity: 100% [?]

As luck would have it, I have just received my copy of Winston's BII MX in Full Wells, Fighting Butt, 5wt.  Touted as Winston's Fastest 5wt ever produced, I am looking forward to lining it up this evening and putting it through its paces from my dock.

As you would expect from Winston, the craftsman ship is flawless, and the new Fighting Butt reel seat is a pleasure to look at as well as its ability to houze a reel with rubberized compression rings between the lockers.

Almost can't imagine it out-performing its predicessor the BIIX as 90 footers were possible with that models 4wt!  Will keep you posted with the performance update.

Popularity: 43% [?]

I have had the good fortune of being associated with the Fly Fishing Industry for some time, and never tire of it.  Through it I have made a number of great friends and business relationships.  As an instructor I have had hundreds of opportunities to witness the joy of someone experiencing good casting habits after attending private lessons or all day schools.  I have yet to tire of those experiences as well.

As I put time in the field I often witness individuals donning some of the most expensive gear that the industry has to offer with very limited ability to cast properly.  They somehow expect that the most tecnologically advanced equipment will solve all of their casting frustrations, however usually makes the situation worse.  This same person likely has spent hundreds maybe thousands on golf lessons to help perfect that game for them, but would never consider lessons for Fly Casting.

Admittedly, I was and remain a gear junky, and found it hard to throw the ego out the window and get help.  I had Fly Fished for many years prior to haveing my casting evaluated, dealing with many of the same frustrations that most suffer from.  When I accepted the constructive critisizim, it was a true revelation, and I can still hear my mentor reminding me of my personal challenges.

So why not give the gift that keeps on giving?  There are so many options out there today, however for Atlanta area residents I am going to suggest The Atlanta Fly Fishing School.  There the curriculum includes instruction in Fly Fishing/Casting from beginner to advanced.  See http://www.atlantaflyfishingschool.com/ for details.

Let's face it, friends shouldn't let friends make bad casts!

Popularity: 36% [?]

Let's consider another factor perhaps contributing to the condition known as "Creep".  I like to refer to it as "Waving the Wand", but a lot of my mentors in the past made reference to a cars winshield wipers.  Imagine a material such as Fly Line attached to a set of windshield wipers and what effect it would have upon it.

Essentially the Fly Line has to follow the path of whatever it is attached to, therefore it will react just as erratically as the tool manipulating it.  So lets throw in a couple of "Casting Essentials" to straighten things out.

1.  The Rod Tip must move in a straight line path, both vertically and horizontally.

2.  The length of the Casting Stroke/Arc must vary with the amount of Fly Line Beyond the rod tip.

3.  Solid stops at the end of each stroke are necessary to transfer the energy from the rod to the line.

Additionally, more often then not, most casters suffer from weak backcasts and attempt to over power the forward cast.  If you ever have the opportunity to observe a very good caster you will notice that the application of power is nearly equal, and observed on the "Casting Analyzer", you would see a mirror image of both the forward and backcast.

I have often suggested that the most important part of the cast is what goes on behind you, and if performed correctly the forward cast will likely be a lot easier.

I will leave you with a suggestion, stay within you current comfort zone, in terms of your casting length and you will probably remain less frustrated.  Let's face it, most trout are caught within 25 feet anyway! 

Popularity: 47% [?]

No I am not referring to any of my students over the last ten years, however some have suffered from it.  Widely referred to in the Fly Casting world, “Creep”, is a condition which plagues most entry level Fly Casters, and can progress into Intermediate Level Casters if left un-diagnosed.  Simply put, “Creep” refers to angular rotation of the Fly Rod early in the Casting Stroke with little or no application of power.

A number of factors can be looked at which can cause this condition, but is easily recognized by a quick ramp up in the application of power, almost too late, and inefficient loop formation usually ending up on the water in an un-straightened heap.  Sound familiar?  I thought it might, and if you were to view it on the “Casting Analyzer” graph, you would see a shallow hump followed by a relatively long depression, and suddenly the line on the graph would rise significantly.  A sudden surge in power application.

For this writing I will suggest that one of the causes is likely the presence of slack Fly Line somewhere along the length of the Fly Rod or beyond the tip.  Consider this, that if no slack line were present and the Rod was held parallell to the casting surface, a load would be placed on the Fly Rod immediately by simply lifting it.  From this initial lift a smooth application of power could be applied to a point where the Rod should be stopped in either the forward or backcast.  On the “Casting Analyzer” the graph would appear as a fluid continuous upward curve, no rapid rise, indicating considerably less effort to accomplish in effect more work.  Sounds simple, and it really is, however as mentioned, there are a number of other factors that could be involved as well.  More on the subject to follow….  

Popularity: 47% [?]