tailing loops on false cast only

[RodKneeTrouter]

'Lo all -

I know there has been a lot of discussion on this board about tailing loops - having looked through this section, I think this might be a unique thread - apologies if this specific problem has been covered before.

When I false cast I get tailing loops almost every time. This ONLY occurs on the forward false cast - I get a nice loop when I go to set the flies down or when I just pick up the fly and make one full stroke without false casts.

Somehow the forward stroke on a false cast is causing me tailing loops.

any ideas why?

Mike

[sage]

Hi.

What you could be doing is either moving the rod through to small a casting ark or more likely you are applying to much power to the forward cast to try and help it go out, let the rod do the work.
Try to be smooth and let the tip of the rod tip move in a straight line, if the rod tip dips mid cast ,concave path, you will put out a tailing loop every cast.
hope this helps it is easier to show you than type out

[rrw35]

Go to www.sexyloops.com for all your casting needs..

[sportfisher]

There are many things that can cause a tailing loop but the end result is an abrupt application of power causing the rod to dip under the horizontal path of travel.
More often than not the power (if we can call it that)its more speed than power.will be too early in the stroke this used to be called casting behind the head there must always be lead before the speed is applied.
Remember using a haul too early in the stroke will also over bend the rod this also must be smooth, practise with the line just pinched between you finger tips.
Its always important to practise using minimal effort for maximum results start off very gently but with a good positive stop off the rod and gradually increase the effort you will be surprised how little it takes.
Also are you using drift during your casting stroke?.
One final point on the delivery of your forward cast leaver the rod back in toward your forearm as it comes to the stop this ovals the rod tip and can help minimise a tailing loop.
Short line short casting stroke/long line longer casting stroke ,make sure the is sufficient pause to let the line straighten properly.

[RodKneeTrouter]

Thanks for the tips guys. After reading your tips and looking at sexy loops, I have come to the conclusion that what I'm probably doing is adding too much speed in anticipation of the coming backwards stroke. I'm rushing through it when I know that I'm not actually going to set the flies down.

I'll check that idea out this weekend.

Tight loops

Mike

[rrw35]

Another thing to watch is "creep" on the forward cast.

This is when you stop the rod and move the tip forward in anticipation of the forward cast, as the line is unfurling behind you.... it usually results in a tailing loop on the forward cast..

[RodKneeTrouter]

Thanks rrw

That might be part of the problem too. I got a few casts in this weekend before the river rose to dangerous levels and it did seem that I was rushing things a bit on the forward false casts - definitely some creep going on and too much speed as well.

I'll have to work on it more when the weather is more friendly. I think I just got lazy from nymphing too much last season and not really having to false cast.

Mike