casting heavy flies

[binky]

Whenever I cast a heavy fly it tends to whisp around and more often than not get tangled producing wind knots.

Normally my casting is fine but finding things difficult with heavy flies.

What am i doing wrong guys, please help.

Many Thanks. T

[guideline]

It could be a number of things. It would help knowing what your set up is. Airielising to much line, losing rythmn and tension can affect presentation often causing wind nots. Is your line capable of presenting a larger fly, how long a tippet you use. Technique and well balanced set up are important issues you you probarbly need to assess..

[sage]

Hi Binky.

Use a Belgain cast, very good cast for keeping your flies apart.
Have a look at sexyloops for a full description , saves me typing.

Andrew

[MichaelL]

binky said:

Whenever I cast a heavy fly it tends to whisp around and more often than not get tangled producing wind knots.

Normally my casting is fine but finding things difficult with heavy flies.

What am i doing wrong guys, please help.

Many Thanks. T

Im not sure if this is 'correct' but when casting heavy flies I was always told to 'drift back' slightly. i.e. make a normal abrupt stop and then let the rod drift further back slightly; then pull forward and stop as normal. Im sure the experts will be able to clarify.

[binky]

Thanks guys, Im using a 9'6 #7 with a 5-8ft leader

Because the fly whisps around my instant reaction is to slow the cast down (so to avoid wind knots) and then I tend to lose my rhythm.
and it all goes to pot.

[guideline]

Ok. if the line is not running smooth check your line is not underwighted for your rod action, this will have an effect on maintaining rythmn and tension which can cause your fly to wisp around as you call it. Using a 5-8 ft leader, what type, or do you mean tippet? Tracking will also need to be addressed but is easier to correct with the right balance. How is your back cast and forward when presenting (position).

[sportfisher]

Casting heavy flies requires a different casting style.
Normally we try to cast a smooth energy efficient loop but with larger flies the energy transfer is too severe causing a bounce on the rod tip (tailing loop).
To compensate we have to cast a more open loop with the rod tip travelling in a more convex path ie longer stroke this in turn opens the loop but we must keep everything smooth and in tension all the time also make your cast slightly to the side to avoid the fly hitting the rod or yourself this way you can also see what your line is doing.
Lastly I dont know what line you are using, even though it may match the rod you will need a line with a fairly stiff coating a soft coating will not help matters at all. Most important of all remember to keep all casting movements smooth. hope this helps

[binky]

Thank you guys, I'm using top quality tackle and everything is balanced correctly so it must be me.

I will take what you have recomended to the water and try it out.

Many Thanks again.
T

[birdsnest]

With heavy flies it is easy to get into trouble. Not forgetting that heavy line turns over light line it is easy to see that a great gob of something on the end will cause it to catch up on itself. To help avoid this I use very short leaders and as strong as I dare. The trout/pike/seafish don't seem to mind too much. birdsnest

[alan]

What do you term a heavy fly? Would be my first question, does it have more weight that say a 4m tungsten bead?

Next I would ask if you have had any proper casting instruction, asc I suspect you might be getting less noticeable knots on lighter flies. Wind knots show a faulty casting action, normally reflecting that you are putting too much effort into the cast to correct a timing problem. If you do not want to pay for instruction I would suggest that you try adopting an open stance when casting (side on to the water) so that you can watch the line straighten before making the next cast and ensure that there is no rotational element to your casting.

[birdsnest]

Good point alan. I am asuming binky's casting is ok as he says. Binky, are you trying too hard and overpowering the rod ? Classic way to get wind knots. Try relaxing a little and use less power. Good luck and tight lines. birdsnest