Double Handed Fly Rods for Overhead Learn HOW TO CAST page 2

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If there is anything that isn't clear, or requires more detail, please feel free to ask. The following instructions are for right Handed Casters.

Line Grip / how to hold the line. Because of the energy produced by the action of the rod's length, there are huge forces trying to pull the running line free of your hand.

I would advise using both hands to hold the line, at all times, as this will develop a habit that is very useful when using larger heads over 500grains in weight.

Bottom hand. The line can be effectively held between the first and second fingers or the thumb and the side of the first finger.

Top hand. The line can be held over four fingers and under the first finger or under all the fingers.

The (preferred) line position is over the reel's handle. This position appears to slightly control the line on release and therefore helps to stabilize and steady the rapid acceleration into the first stripper guide. In turn, there is less energy lost by the running line bouncing about into the guide system, which increases the casting distance.

5 The Rules

Now to Make an Overhead Cast :

Some useful rule's to follow which will increase your casting distance.

At all times the rod's movement and your body movements MUST be smooth and graceful.

Do not force the rod, or try to drive the rod, unlike a baby 9 footer where the caster must push the rod with power and co -ordinate their body action to achieve a distance cast.

A soft positive, smooth push is all that is require to reach suitable casting distances. This is the key to Overhead casting, a suitably designed Double Overhead Rod. If you have to push or work, then you have the wrong rod and this will most likely be a rod specifically designed for Spey casting.

There is a huge difference between both types of rods and the functions they were designed for.

Any interruption to the lines travel will result in a crash, or dumping.

The Head must be stabilized in the back cast, before the forward cast is made. This is to increase the line's flight time and therefore casting distance, because there is less drag in the sky, when you have a smooth and straight head.

The running line will also follow in a straight line and not a wave as this wave also consumes energy and produces air drag, which slows the head down.

Make only 2 (this is the maximum number) of back casts or less. More than 2 back casts will only decrease line speed and further destabilise the head, which reduces even further the casting distance.

Casters who are more familiar with 9 foot rods may have an initial problem with modifying their normal style of numerous back casts.

Keep the bottom hand (the left hand) 'stuck' to your waist, while casting, loading the rod before releasing the running line. Again this may be a problem for 9foot casters to exercise the mental control over their left hand, which, when using a single handed rod, has to work hard at hauling the line. This single fact could be a 9foot casters biggest problem to over come when advancing to Double Overhead casting rods.

When overhead casting a DOH Rod, you use only one hand/arm to do all the work, the other acting as a pivot.

The perfect distance between your two hands is roughly the width of your shoulders.

At all times it is advisable to keep the rod and lines clean and polished. I would suggest only using Mr Sheen spray and polish. Keeping the rod clean and polished, also includes the guide system. By keeping everything clean and slippery you reduce wear on the rod and lines and increase the distance cast. A dirty high speed line will eat your guide system.

Always use a LMD, (also know as a Stripping Basket). This keeps your line clean and reduces running line tangles, which can occur when casting or when a fish that you have hooked decides to go home.

The use of a LMD also reduces the distance the line has to lift, which requires energy. This same energy is better served in reaching a greater distance with the cast.

Page 3 of How to Cast a Double Handed Overhead rod.