What do you think? Would Olie have passed the casting assessment and earned his Blue Peter badge?
I thought his casting was actually pretty good, given the characteristics and heaviness of the rods of the day.
He gets a pretty tight loop and stops the rod well. Maybe appears to go a bit far back on the backcast, but a through action rod needs a longer casting stroke to get the straight line path, so that would account for his style.
I think John Noakes is called for to present the BP badge.
Alex
I think the old slow rod is the key and probably why he gets away with next to no pause on the back cast.
Quote from: haresear on November 26, 2009, 09:55:18 PM
I think John Noakes is called for to present the BP badge.
I think that was pre- John Noakes Alex. :D
Valerie Singleton I think??
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/classic/bluepeter/valpetejohn/images/singleton.jpg)
[attachimg=1]
Having watched that again, I'm not so sure that the rod is through actioned. The butt and mid section seem fairly stiff.
I hadn't noticed the short pause to be honest, but then we can't see exactly how short a line he is fishing. Short line, short pause.
It is hard to see what is happening on Ollie's back cast, but if his forward cast works (and I think it does) then that is good enough for me. You can't argue with a good loop shape.
There are principles we need to apply to get a perfect cast, but mostly a perfect cast isn't strictly necessary to present the fly.
I don't think a rigid, regimented casting technique is what is needed on a river. It is about adapting to the situation and there is room for individual style too.
Any Lesley Judd photos Fred? How about that Ayshea Brough :P
Alex
Quote from: haresear on November 26, 2009, 10:42:54 PM
I don't think a rigid, regimented casting technique is what is needed on a river. It is about adapting to the situation and there is room for individual style too.
Agreed. How's his tracking? :lol:
Found this just for you Alex
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/classic/bluepeter/lesleypetejohn/images/judd.jpg)
BTW I?d bet John Noakes would have made a great fly caster. ?.. that guy could do anything: airline pilot, steeplejack, dog trainer, free fall parachute jumper? you name it John Noakes could do it. :lol:
QuoteFound this just for you Alex
On second thoughts, give me Petra any day