{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: CASTING CHURCH - Sun 8 Jan

For those interested in pursuing the Bronze Level of the FFI Casting Skill Challenge, I'll bring the measuring tape and cone targets and will be happy to work with you: 

BRONZE FLY CASTING SKILL LEVEL 

The Bronze Level is focused on developing or reinforcing solid beginning fly casting skills. A fly fisher with this level of proficiency can successfully fish many common fishing situations. 

The Bronze Level challenges are as follows: 

B1. Pick-Up and Lay-Down cast (PULD): This cast is fundamental to all fly casting. Starting with the fly at 40 ft., the caster can perform a PULD cast in a near vertical plane with leader straightening to within 2 ft. of the 40 ft. target center. No hauling or false casting allowed. 

B2. Vertical to Horizontal Casting: Starting with the fly at 40 ft., the caster picks up in a near vertical plane (1 o'clock), makes a series of 2-4 false casts moving down to a near horizontal plane (3 o'clock), and delivers the fly with leader straightening at 40 feet within 4 ft. of either side of the tape. Nearly horizontal means that the fly would travel and land under an obstacle approximately 4 ft. above the surface. No hauling allowed. 

B3. Roll Cast, Dominant Side: The roll cast is a very useful cast for removing slack in the line or when there is limited backcast space. Starting with the fly at 40 ft., the caster will perform a 40 ft. roll cast on the dominant shoulder (right shoulder for a right-handed person) with the leader straightening to within 2 ft. of the 40 ft. target center. A roll cast tool (artificial anchor) may be used if performed on grass at participant's discretion. The D loop (the back loop) should be established by slowly dragging the line into position such that the fly and leader do not leave the water surface or grass. 

B4. Roll Cast, Non-Dominant Side: This cast is often used in situations where there are obstacles or the wind is blowing in from the dominant side. Starting with the fly at 40 ft., the caster will perform 40 ft. roll cast on the non-dominant shoulder (left shoulder for a right-handed person with rod held in right hand) with the leader straightening to within 2 ft. of the 40 ft. target center. A roll cast tool (artificial anchor) may be used if performed on grass at participant's discretion. The D loop (the back loop) should be established by slowly dragging the line into position on the non-dominant side of the body such that the fly and leader do not leave the water surface or grass. 

B5. Shooting Line: This technique is fundamental to extending line when casting. Starting with the fly at 40 ft., the caster will strip 5-10 feet of fly line off the reel. A pick-up and lay-down cast will be performed with shooting line to 45 ft. or more on delivery with the fly landing within 4 ft. of either side of the tape. No false casting; hauling is allowed. 

B6. Accuracy: Caster will extend the fly to 45 ft. and then strip line in so that approximately 4 ft. of fly line (4 ft. of fly line plus the leader) is beyond the rod tip. Casts are made off the dominant shoulder (right shoulder for a right-handed caster) to the 20, 30, and then 40-foot targets in sequence with a potential of 3 tries at each target. The fly must land within 2 ft. of the target center. In the event of a miss, the caster picks up where the fly landed and tries again at the same target for up to two more attempts (3 in total). Once the first target is achieved or 3 attempts exhausted, the caster will pick up and false cast while lengthening line to the next targets. Two (2) of three (3) targets must be achieved, with one being at 40 ft. False casting, shooting line, and hauling are allowed. 

B7. Distance: Starting with the fly at 40 ft., the caster will achieve a distance of 50 ft. or beyond with the fly landing beyond the line tip and within 4 ft. of either side of the measuring tape within 3 attempts. Second and third attempts, if needed, can be started from any point. Hauling and unlimited false casts are allowed. Second and third attempts, if needed, can be started from any point.  

Best, 

Owen

On Monday, January 2, 2023 at 8:33:19 AM UTC-5 Regan Burmeister wrote:

We will have our casting get together on Sunday, 8 Jan at Fletcher's Cove from 8am to 11am. 

This Church will be free form, just working on whatever people would like.

Additionally, we will work on FFI Casting Skills challenges for anyone interested.

Come on out, whether you are a novice, intermediate, or advanced caster, it is all fun to work on solving casting problems and casting challenges, particularly for shad.

If you are just getting started, this is a great way to meet people who can help.  There will be casting instructors on hand.

If you are preparing for an upcoming trip and looking to re-fresh your casting skills, this is a great opportunity.

Regan

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