Double Handed Fly Rods for Overhead Learn HOW TO CAST page 3

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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.

Normally the head is retrieved completely into the rod till it touches the reel or top grip, with the rod tip angling downwards to the water. This rod position/angle will also increase the 'direct - line' to the fly, enabling a better hook-up rate.

Another advantage of the downward rod position is if the caster wished to complete a quick re-cast because there was a fish following the fly or fish busting up in front of the angler.

The downward rod and straight line is required for loading when using a Roll, Underhand or Spey cast, which are ideal for quick re-casts for distances up to about 90feet or more.

First Back cast.

The rod is lifted upwards and backwards till it almost touches the casters shoulder, in one smooth fluid motion.

When the rod has reached the shoulder, release the running line (shoot line into the backcast), till the head is almost or is clear of the tip guide.

First Forward cast.

Once more a very smooth fluid motion is required. It must to be !

If the forward cast appears to be coiled or appears as if a shock wave has been attached to it, then the forward motion was not smooth or too much power was applied to it.

This cast must be smooth to build the next back cast upon.

If the forward cast is damaged in any way, the following back cast will be as well. This first forward cast is the foundation that the final delivery/shooting cast will be made upon.

The forward stroke will stop about when your arm is stretched out straight, this position will vary depending on what feels comfortable to the caster. The dead stop action/movement of the rod is required.

Casting a Double Handed Overhead rod

Second Back cast.

Smoothly back again. When the rod reaches your shoulder, start to feel the load, then release line into the back cast, till there is about 2 to 2.5meters of over hang.

Now drift the rod backwards.

Your top hand (right hand) will only just move backwards, however, the tip will move a long way. The tip will move backwards about 300mm.

This combination of releasing line and then drifting will deepen the load on the rod's complete length, down to the butt where the true casting power lays.

The backward drift will then help to straighten the released line and further deepen the load.

The feeling of load on a Double Overhead Rod, is unlike that of using a fast single handed rod, where it is very noticeable. The 'feel' when using an Overhead rod is a soft smooth loading of energy pulling backwards and this can cause another problem, for 9foot rod casters to over come as they have to become familiar with the different feeling of loading the DOH.

Page 4 of How to Cast a Double Handed Overhead rod.