'Whip' Cracked Line

[tharper]

Hi, I'm new to fly and new to the forums, (hello). Have been reading and watching the sport for some time, and purchased a #6-7 9ft middle to tip action rod today with #6 line to learn.

I spent a couple of hours with rod reel and line minus leader, tippet etc teaching myself the basic cast from some books I have accumulated over the years. I noticed that when i first began I was 'shooting' too soon causing a light whip cracking sound of the line. As time went off I waited for the line to fully straighten behind me before 'shooting,' and tried false casting to increase distance - I was getting the line out although it was getting carried by the wind!

Anyway on my return I inspected the end of the fly line and a small split had occurred about an inch up the line, Would this be from the whipping I was performing before? Any tips on casting in strong wind?

Many Thanks
Tom

[dickdock]

NEVER practice casting without a leader on the end of your fly line. that is why the end of your flyline has split. Best to practice with shortish leader and attach a piece of wool on the end. As always, get a lesson from a qualified instructor, it will be worth every penny in the long run. To find one near you try this link www.gameanglinginstructors.co.uk/find_instructor.asp

[doonicus]

Hi tharper,
Do as dickdock suggests. if it was a weight forward line, check that you have not cracked it at the belly as well. It will probably be ok, but it will do no harm to make sure. When you are fishing with flies the crakc of the whip noise will tell you that you have lost a fly, so that is quite handy to know.

doonicus

[rrw35]

Try to avoid casting practice in the wind...you'll tend to overpower, and the line will usually end up everywhere.

[tharper]

thanks no its a double taper line i checked it over it's good, i attached the leader and tippet with some wool as stated above and it was much smoother. many thanks for advice I have been practising for a few days, now i am just trying to find somewhere to fish!

[doonicus]

tharper,
Stick with the double tapered lines, and once you get the hang of casting you will be able to cast as far with the dt as with a wf., plus you have the advantage of reversing the line shoul you damage it badly. The usual things like standing on it and nicking it, catching it in the outboard, etc. etc. This is only my humble opinion, mind you.
Stick with it, and go fishing. Tightlines,
doonicus

[rrw35]

Tharper,

I'll tell you a great line to cast with, especially if you are a beginner...and is one of the easiest lines you will ever cast...

The Michael Evans all-rounder 6/7. Should be a good match for your rod. Really great lines.

www.michaelevans.co.uk