![\"spey-casting-tips\"](\"https:\/\/watertimeoutfitters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Spey-Casting-Tips-300x160.jpg\")
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One thing we try to do as guides is help our spey anglers be more effective in every way- one big way is casting. \u00a0Guiding anglers every day out on Oregon’s finest rivers I find that better casters generally catch more fish. \u00a0Coaching customers to more effective spey casting generally boils down to three simple things. \u00a0These three details of the cast when properly executed will generally result in\u00a0a good cast. \u00a0To improve your casting no-matter where you are at keep these principles in your “spey casting tool box”.<\/p>\n
First, properly form the D-loop. \u00a0The D-loop consists of the flyline extending behind the rod similar to making a roll cast. \u00a0The angle and amount of line behind the rod is important. \u00a0A skinny D-loop generally will have less power; look for a full D-loop to optimize power in your cast. \u00a0I think of this as similar to a sail on a sail boat. \u00a0A full sail will move the boat and of course the opposite is true.<\/p>\n
The angle your line extends back from the rod tip into the D-loop is important too. \u00a0Some casters struggle when the D-loop is sent back at an upward angle or vice-versa. \u00a0The downward angle can be difficult to launch as well. \u00a0Ideally the D-loop is full and extends back opposite of your forward cast and is at it’s best when more in line with your rod tip\u00a0elevation (which should be at approximately 45 degrees).<\/p>\n
Second, is line stick; that is how much line is touching the water. \u00a0Spey casting is dependant on line in the water to make the cast but this is a careful balance. \u00a0Too much line in the water and you hear a big rip with line tearing off the water killing your casting power. \u00a0Too little line stick and you hear a whipping sound- the fly lifting off the anchor with nothing for your forward casting power to pull against. \u00a0Just the right amount of line stick is the fly and leader anchored in place just barely on the surface of the water. \u00a0Remember that the Skagit cast\u00a0is a continuous motion cast- pauses cause slack and too much line stick. \u00a0By finding the right amount of line stick you will acheive better casting with less energy.<\/p>\n
Third, is alignment; this is often the most difficult as it is hard to see. \u00a0Spey casting is often about changing angles. \u00a0Angles of the fly and line from the hangdown at the end of the swing to the delivery at 90-45 degrees. \u00a0This changing of angles is one of the more challenging aspects of the cast to get right. \u00a0The best way to nail the most powerful cast is when the first two items we talked about are correct and the alignment is spot on. \u00a0To get perfect alignment use the 180 degree rule. \u00a0That is- your D-loop should be headed back opposite of where you want your forward cast to go – or 180 degrees from it. \u00a0This can be challenging with the double spey as it requires a full sweep around to the proper angle before casting.<\/p>\n
If you cast is out of alignment it will leave you clues. \u00a0Often is shows up as a forward cast that goes out and curves. \u00a0This can be the result of lack of alignment in two areas. \u00a0First, if your D-loop is not properly aligned and second, if your anchor point is too far away from you. \u00a0Getting proper alignment in your cast is very important and leads to more improved spey casting.<\/p>\n
Remember these three things: D-loop formation, line stick, and alignment to move your spey casting to the next level.<\/p>\n