Fishing The Fly Scotland

Index => Main Discussion Area => Topic started by: Mike Barrio on 09/10/2008 at 21:17

Title: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 09/10/2008 at 21:17
Hi folks :cool:

"The Outcasts" ........ What's all this about then? :z8

Well, we are going to start a local casting club .... casting on grass :z17

The idea being quite simply to improve our casting and to learn to cast further, something which is a lot easier to concentrate on when we are away from water and away from fish :wink

Although one or two casting gurus have already said that they would like to join in the fun, the club will be a "self help" group, so we help each other rather than having somebody giving us any form of instruction :cool:

The idea is not a new one and similar casting clubs exist in many parts of the world. Like the others, we will also have a "tape measure" session at some stage of each meeting, so that we can measure our progress ..... both against our own previously recorded casts and the casts of other club members.

The club will get going next spring, but we think it would be a good idea to hold a "taster session" before the winter really sets in ........

If you are interested in coming along and joining in the fun, please reply here :?

Best wishes
Mike Barrio
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Alex Burnett on 09/10/2008 at 21:28
Hi Mike

Count me in. :z16

Alex
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 09/10/2008 at 21:31
Let me think :roll
 

:z16

Been an outcast most of my life already and PROUD of it :z3

Sandy
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Hamish Young on 09/10/2008 at 21:32
Dare say I might be seen at these gatherings  :z7 :wink

H  :z3
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Iain Goolager on 09/10/2008 at 21:37
Room for a wee one?

Count me in :z3

Iain
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 09/10/2008 at 21:37
Cool ....... a bunch of outcasts, out casting on grass, trying to outcast each other!

This is gonna be fun :z16
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Peter McCallum on 09/10/2008 at 21:40
I'm in Mike. I'm not proud, I've mad an asre of myself in better places than this old chap :z4 :z4.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Alex Burnett on 09/10/2008 at 21:44
You never know we might catch some GRASS Carp.  :z4  :z4  :z4
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Ben Dixon on 09/10/2008 at 22:50
Count me in too Mike, any idea where or when? 

If there is anything I can do to help just drop me a line.

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 09/10/2008 at 23:04
Great stuff ...... thanks for the offer Ben :z16

Not sure about a date yet, but I think Sundays will be the best day for most folk ..... or would Saturdays be better?

I have a couple of locations near Haddo in mind, this would allow us to meet at the fishery hut before or after a casting session for tea/coffee/blether etc etc?

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Ben Dixon on 09/10/2008 at 23:14
Sundays are best for me, only date I cant do is 19th Oct.

Ben
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 09/10/2008 at 23:52
There will be an initiation test of course .......... :z4

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lIXD2Bte2mw&feature=related

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 10/10/2008 at 01:19
Hi "outcasts" :cool:

OK ...... I've looked at dates and have decided to go with Sunday November ( edit = now 9th )

Best wishes
Mike Barrio
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Irvine Ross on 10/10/2008 at 08:39
Sounds like fun.

My casting is generally mediocre at best so there is a lot of room for improvement, but I can give anyone a run for their money in the "tailing loop" and "wind knot" events! :z4

Irvine
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 10/10/2008 at 08:52
Mike,
if you ever want a "southern" meet occasionally, you can use my field, I am sure refreshments etc can be provided as can a "casting court" plus there is a barn for folk to mingle in :)
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Steven Kidd on 10/10/2008 at 09:01
Hi,

This sounds like a great idea, count me in.

I guess Ben_D, your the same guy that let me demo the Orvis Helios and Trout Bum down at Glasgow Angling Centre open day.  If we can learn to cast like you did then count me in!!........near 70 - 80ft with a 3wt?!

Cheers,

Steven
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Peter McCallum on 10/10/2008 at 09:21
There will be an initiation test of course .......... :z4

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lIXD2Bte2mw&feature=related

Cheers
Mike

Hey the casting looks no problem but what was that brown thing he lassoed??? :wink :z4 :z4
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Hamish Young on 10/10/2008 at 09:26
I guess Ben_D, you're the same guy that let me demo the Orvis Helios and Trout Bum down at Glasgow Angling Centre open day.

The very fella  :wink and the fishing manager or Orvis Banchory  :cool:

If we can learn to cast like you did then count me in!!........near 70 - 80ft with a 3wt?!

Is that all he managed with the 3wt :? :z7 - hope for me yet then  :z7   :z4 :z4 :z4

But he can really cast  :shock
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Jim Doyle on 10/10/2008 at 09:32
I will try and get along to some of the days, working shifts etc stops some participation.   70ft with a 3wt hmm I take it that was a 3oz lead and and an abu 6000 . lol :z12
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Alex Burnett on 10/10/2008 at 09:33
Hi "outcasts" :cool:

OK ...... I've looked at dates and have decided to go with Sunday November ( edit = now 9th )

Best wishes
Mike Barrio

Hi Mike

Unfortunately I will be offshore so wont make this one, but hopefully all will go well & there will be others as I definately need help with casting, no point having a "state of the art" Barrio 5wt rod if you struggle to cast well.

Alex
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Kev Danby on 10/10/2008 at 11:42
Of late my already poor casting seems to have got worse so i'll try and make it.

Any thoughts on what kit to bring along???
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Cameron deBoth on 10/10/2008 at 12:01
There will be an initiation test of course .......... :z4

- VID-

Cheers
Mike

So you found that video of me then mike?  :z4

Mike,
if you ever want a "southern" meet occasionally, you can use my field, I am sure refreshments etc can be provided as can a "casting court" plus there is a barn for folk to mingle in :)

Barn sounds nice knowing the Scottish weather!!!

In all honesty I'm really looking forward to these, need to brush up on my technique as Ive gotten rusty from the many years away from the sport. Will bring my brother and friend also.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Noel Kelly on 10/10/2008 at 12:10
I will try and make this but as usual wont know until closer to the time.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 10/10/2008 at 13:05
Hi Mike,
          Always keen to learn . Can you count moi (and Stuart ) in too ?
Cheers,  :z16

Paul
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Hamish Young on 10/10/2008 at 13:20
Any thoughts on what kit to bring along???

If ironing out faults is 'at hand' then I'd suggest bring the rod you use most often and are most comfortable with :z17
Get past any issues with tracking/drift etc then work on the distance stuuf, if that's yer bag  :wink

Should be an opportunity to learn a whole load of useful river casts too  :cool:

Hamish  :z3
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Cameron deBoth on 10/10/2008 at 13:25
Yea to be honest I'm looking on this as a way to improve my technique more than distant. As most know, you find alot of fish cruising the margines.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Dave B on 10/10/2008 at 17:29
 :z4Count me in! Always try something new.

Dave B
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Dave Mundie on 10/10/2008 at 18:48
Will see if i can sweet talk the other half as Sunday is family day, but would be good to learn something and improve my bad casting.

Dave
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 10/10/2008 at 19:39
This casting club thing may look a bit weird coming from me ......... let's face it, I have always been the one standing on my soap box and saying there is no need to cast very far and if you do you'll probably put the fish down. Presentation is the key, etc etc :z7

But our trip down to the sexyloops meet at Dunkeld earlier in the year has changed my thoughts :wink

Why? ...... Firstly because it was so much fun casting on grass, I didn't realise just how much fun the casting bit of our fishing really is! After watching some world class casters doing roll casting tricks etc, I find myself experimenting more and more and finding practical ways to present a fly to the fish which I would never have tried before. A real eye opener :shock

More recently, I have been trying to teach myself to cast further. One of my current fly line design projects is a 150 ft fly line with a 100 ft head for competition sport casting ........ and I really do need to learn enough to be able to test my prototypes myself :oops

This pushing oneself to the limit has resulted in a big improvement in my "normal fishing range casting" and what used to be just outside my comfort zone is now within my range and feels much easier :wink

Best wishes
Mike Barrio
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: DruBuc on 10/10/2008 at 20:47
Count me in as well Mike please.

Sunday ohhh hope the hang over is nae to bad from the night before!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Ben Dixon on 10/10/2008 at 22:31
If ironing out faults is 'at hand' then I'd suggest bring the rod you use most often and are most comfortable with :z17
Get past any issues with tracking/drift etc then work on the distance stuuf, if that's yer bag  :wink

Should be an opportunity to learn a whole load of useful river casts too  :cool:

Hamish  :z3

Thanks for the kind words Hamish we should try to get Will up too, this is the weekend before Caer Beris  :shock

As for kit to bring if we are looking to improve casting with a view to catching more fish with less effort, folk should just turn up with whatever kit they fish with most IMHO.  Ill bring along a few toys too as long as you promise not to break them  :z7

Ben
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Iain Goolager on 10/10/2008 at 22:57
Quote
Ill bring along a few toys too as long as you promise not to break them

I wonder if he means 2wt rods? :roll
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Hamish Young on 10/10/2008 at 23:15
Ill bring along a few toys too as long as you promise not to break them  :z7

**Cough** (Hamish loosens collar :shock, blushes  :oops, looks slightly awkard  :o)....... I promise not to break them  :D
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Jim Eddie on 11/10/2008 at 13:54
I'll be there providing family work etc dont intervene  :wink

I can cast as badly as the worst of them 

 :z18

Jim
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/10/2008 at 22:15
As a youngster I used to fish with bait in the sea and spinning gear in the rivers and lakes and I loved it ( in those days you could go fishing in New Zealand and never meet up with another angler ) but then one day, for the first time, I saw somebody fly fishing in a river ........ Awesome, I was fascinated by the way the fly line travelled through the air and I just sat quietly watching for ages :cool:

The angler made his casting look so effortless and the whole thing was almost a work of art in my eyes ....... that was it, I was hooked and I just had to learn how to do it :z3

I have been fly fishing for a good number of years now and I still love to sit and watch a fly line being cast by somebody that knows how to cast well ...... it is magical ..... and I wish I could control a fly line like some of the top casters do :wink

If I can improve a little, through some practice on grass ( away from fish :z4 ) I think it will add a lot to my enjoyment when I'm out fishing.

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Magnus Angus on 12/10/2008 at 15:03
Finally found the thread - love to come Mike but that's the weekend of British Fly Fair - so no can do.

How do I embed some Youtube clips?
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Hamish Young on 12/10/2008 at 16:23
On you tube go to the video you want to link to, click on 'share'. Highlight the link and copy n paste into your post:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GCMBwE9NEEo
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Magnus Angus on 12/10/2008 at 17:22
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au6ZZGwmhRs

Clive Mitchellhill - English but still a nice guy and master caster - technically superb
(http://www.stsflyfishing.com/Casting%20Video%20Clips.html - fine casting)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVW2POXtoeM

Perter Morse - Australian, seems well capable of casting and his technique looks just fine to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EatNWlkG8DQ

Traditional Japanese fishing - single handed rods.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8AcQOKkzXQ

US caster Rick Hartman trying the new Sage TCX at the Denver show - casting a fair bit more than 40ft.

Paul Arden on Lefty Kreh
http://www.sexyloops.com/flycasting/5principles.shtml
http://www.sexyloops.com/flycasting/5principles2.shtml

Nowhere does Paul say "Lefty has no idea how to cast and is doing it all wrong!" - his first piece says he believes some of Lefty's principles explain casting badly - in the much later article (some years later) Paul revisits Lefty's casting advice and has changed his opinions.
For that matter Lefty's views have changed over the course of a long career http://www.flyfisherman.com/skills/lkcastingbasic/index.html
Oh and of course he advocates practicing on grass

Quote
Fly fishers seldom need to cast more than 50 feet when fishing. Yet becoming proficient at long-distance casting can improve all your casting. You should learn to cast short (30 feet) first and then practice at greater and greater distances.

You can't learn casting from a book. You must do it. The more you practice the better you'll become. Practice on a lawn or pool. Casting while fishing is not practice. Practice allows you to focus on casting fundamentals without distractions.



Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 12/10/2008 at 18:24
Nowhere does Paul say "Lefty has no idea how to cast and is doing it all wrong!" -

Bahhhhhh..the website has been changed!!!..as it says at the top..he has changed it as he re-read through it...see..even he says it was confusing!...The jist was that Leftys principles where wrong ..he has now changed it to badly explained.  :z16

Anyway..my post was meant as a little tongue in cheek and a little to stimulate debate...maybe I should re-word my original post coz too many folk are taking it literally  :z18

At the end of the day..i cant cast...they can..

Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 12/10/2008 at 19:01
Rob,
       
Quote
At the end of the day..i cant cast...they can..

Soooo... All the more reason for you to come along to one of the casting days then ?

Go on , you know you want to .....  :shock

Paul.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Magnus Angus on 12/10/2008 at 20:05
Baaaahhh! yourself Rob - you invented Paul saying Lefty can't cast Rob. Read the links - Paul has faults like most people but he is honest and has left both his old and current thinking about Lefty's ideas on casting.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Hamish Young on 12/10/2008 at 20:22
Sooooo - I'm afraid I wont make it to the first one  :cry I'm on dayshift.
Will just have to look forward to the next one  :z16









(I'll drop by Robs' and kidnap him on the way)
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/10/2008 at 20:34
This is not good :z3 ........... Magnus/Hamish, what if we move it forward to Sunday November 9th?

Would that be OK?

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Hamish Young on 12/10/2008 at 20:40
Again for me, no  :z10
I'll most probably be somewhere on the M6 south off to sit 8 days of exams  :shock

Bummer  :roll
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Magnus Angus on 12/10/2008 at 20:53
I can certainly be there on the 9th Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/10/2008 at 21:13
I can certainly be there on the 9th Mike

Great stuff Magnus, I think Ben said today that he can do the 9th as well. Let me check with some of the others, but sounds good to me :wink

Best wishes
MIke
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/10/2008 at 21:17
Yes, if it is OK with Ben? .... and OK with Sandy? ....... we will go with Sunday November 9th

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 12/10/2008 at 22:29
you invented Paul saying Lefty can't cast Rob.
What...oh it just gets better and better!!! Forget it....
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 13/10/2008 at 07:11
I've just chjanged my half days leave from 2nd to the 9th :z16
So i'll be there about 1230 ish

Should be cool

Sandy
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 13/10/2008 at 08:44
Great stuff Sandy, I'll just wait till I've heard from Ben ..... but the 9th is looking good folks :wink

Best wishes
Mike

PS: Will I set up a sub forum for the "Outcasts", or "Casting" maybe?
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Ben Dixon on 13/10/2008 at 09:15
Hi Mike,

Thanks for your hospitally and use of your new toys yesterday, as things stand just now I can certainly do the 9th.  Hamish, bin the exams mate, priorities and all that.......  Field full of toys Vs a gruelling set of exams at the far end of a foreign country, its a no brainer :z4

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Cameron deBoth on 13/10/2008 at 09:40
Great stuff Sandy, I'll just wait till I've heard from Ben ..... but the 9th is looking good folks :wink

Best wishes
Mike

PS: Will I set up a sub forum for the "Outcasts", or "Casting" maybe?

I should be able to make that also, and bring my bro and a friend. I've likely missed the post but is there a venue and time set? I'm guessing Haddo just after lunch, as per Sandy'd post?

I think you could make a sub forum for some "Forum Events" this could include threads on "The Outcast" but also include planned trips like the one you guys recently went on etc.

Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: kenny on 13/10/2008 at 18:58
Hi Mike

count me in on the 9th, :z12  need some help with presentation

cheers kenny.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 13/10/2008 at 20:05
Ok ........ let's go with Sunday November 9th :z16

We can sort out where and when nearer the time.

Best wishes
Mike Barrio
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 14/10/2008 at 12:51
Hi Mike,
            Should be OK for the 9th . (Hope Magnus doesn't bring along that analyser thingie ........)  :shock
Paul R.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Peter McCallum on 14/10/2008 at 13:17
Please bring the analyser, I like to have written evidence of how S***E my casting is :z16
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 14/10/2008 at 17:02
Please bring the analyser, I like to have written evidence of how S***E my casting is :z16

I can do that :z4

NOT VERY :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 14/10/2008 at 22:00
Hi,
   
Quote
(Hope Magnus doesn't bring along that analyser thingie ........) 

Ach , Why not.  In for a penny ............
 :z4

Paul.

Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 14/10/2008 at 22:25
We can always nick the batteries :z4
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Ben Dixon on 14/10/2008 at 22:56
Bring the Analyser, wire Hamish up to it, then someone can nick the batteries  :z4

Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Hamish Young on 14/10/2008 at 22:59
Aye, for all the energy I put into casting you'd think I'd be thinner...................  :z7
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 15/10/2008 at 22:30
Hamish,
            That will be the batteries .  :wink

If so ,  I,d better change mine .........  (57 yesterday ... I mean ) .

Seriously though , I hope that the new casting club is not going to be about who's better than whom .

That's not what the object is at all.

Personally I see the whole project as an opportunity to learn new stuff from everyone.

Paul.





Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 15/10/2008 at 22:43

Personally I see the whole project as an opportunity to learn new stuff from everyone.

Paul.

Hi Paul

Spot on ..... it is all about sharing skills and ideas :z16

The November meet will be a bit of a "taster" and is basically a chance to see what folk would enjoy and what they might like to learn/improve on.

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 17/10/2008 at 18:17
Hi folks :cool:

This is proving interesting ....... over the last few days, forum members at the fishery are experimenting and taking a greater interest in their casting techniques and discussing what they are trying!

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Iain Goolager on 17/10/2008 at 21:44
Quote
Seriously though , I hope that the new casting club is not going to be about who's better than whom .


Here ,here...........or I'm nae turning up :z4

Mike, after numerous years of casting badly I'd like to work on my basics primarily. Double Haul is an obvious desire but if my tracking and rod arcs etc. are s***e then I want to get that sorted first.
This said any of the other fancy 'instantly useful' casts (underhand single handed c/w haul, single spey, snap 'T' to name but a few) along with the vast array of cool stuff is getting me all excited.

Roll on the day!

Iain
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 23/10/2008 at 08:23
Morning Outcasts :cool:

Couple of questions for November 9th .........

What time will it get dark ( have the clocks changed by then ) thinking about a start time?

Once we have the time sorted, I'll come back with my thoughts for a basic plan for the day, looking for feedback.

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 23/10/2008 at 08:27
Morning Outcasts :cool:

Couple of questions for November 9th .........

What time will it get dark ( have the clocks changed by then ) thinking about a start time?

Once we have the time sorted, I'll come back with my thoughts for a basic plan for the day, looking for feedback.

Best wishes
Mike

Yes the clocks will have changed..they change this weekend :)
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 23/10/2008 at 08:29
Thanks Rob :z16

So what time will it get dark then ...... 4.30 or 5.00 maybe? What would be a good start time then?

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 23/10/2008 at 11:15
Thanks Rob :z16

So what time will it get dark then ...... 4.30 or 5.00 maybe? What would be a good start time then?

Cheers
Mike

All you need to know here :)
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=305&month=11&year=2009&obj=sun&afl=-11&day=1

No idea what time to start..coz i wont be there.. :z7

 :z16
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: JoshAnelli on 23/10/2008 at 17:18
mmm sounds realy good guys il see if i can get baz to come up aswell  :z18
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 24/10/2008 at 11:34
Doing this "taster session" in November is not exactly ideal, the weather could do anything and this is all so much more fun in the summer and in T-shirts :z4

So ..... I think we might do better to keep things simple, I like simple :wink

I would suggest something like the following:

1: A short ( 15 mins approx ) presentation on hauling ( Ben )
2: followed by a good while for everybody to practice and help each other
3: Have a go at a couple of the easier casting games ( Peter )
4: A short ( 15 mins approx ) presentation on stance, tracking and grip ( Magnus )
5: followed by a good while for everybody to practice and help each other

6: If we find we have time to play with after the above, maybe somebody could volunteer to do a short presentation on one of the "twiddly" casts, followed by practice?

I think something like the above would help to build a good foundation that we can continue to play with next year and will give us an idea of what it is like to cast on grass.

How does it sound to you folks .........OK?
Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Cameron deBoth on 24/10/2008 at 12:02
Doing this "taster session" in November is not exactly ideal, the weather could do anything and this is all so much more fun in the summer and in T-shirts :z4

So ..... I think we might do better to keep things simple, I like simple :wink

I would suggest something like the following:

1: A short ( 15 mins approx ) presentation on hauling ( Ben )
2: followed by a good while for everybody to practice and help each other
3: Have a go at a couple of the easier casting games ( Peter )
4: A short ( 15 mins approx ) presentation on stance, tracking and grip ( Magnus )
5: followed by a good while for everybody to practice and help each other

6: If we find we have time to play with after the above, maybe somebody could volunteer to do a short presentation on one of the "twiddly" casts, followed by practice?

I think something like the above would help to build a good foundation that we can continue to play with next year and will give us an idea of what it is like to cast on grass.

How does it sound to you folks .........OK?
Best wishes
Mike

Sounds SPOT ON to me mike,
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Irvine Ross on 24/10/2008 at 15:45
I would suggest something like the following:

1: A short ( 15 mins approx ) presentation on hauling ( Ben )
2: followed by a good while for everybody to practice and help each other
3: Have a go at a couple of the easier casting games ( Peter )
4: A short ( 15 mins approx ) presentation on stance, tracking and grip ( Magnus )
5: followed by a good while for everybody to practice and help each other

6: If we find we have time to play with after the above, maybe somebody could volunteer to do a short presentation on one of the "twiddly" casts, followed by practice?
How does it sound to you folks .........OK?

Mike

I suggest you swap item 1 with item 4. No point practising hauling if your basic casting still needs repair. Your errors ( well my errors at least) just become even more significant.

Cheers

Irvine
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 24/10/2008 at 17:33
Hi All,
         I agree with Irvine. In fact I,m almost going to say that maybe "the basics"  should be the major focus to begin with , but still keep it fun though .

Paul.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Ben Dixon on 24/10/2008 at 20:21
Correct a haul is not effective unless it is applied to a good basic cast so it may make sense to swap Magnus & I, will have a chat to Magnus about it.

Ben
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Iain Goolager on 24/10/2008 at 21:41
Hi gents,

forgetting the order for a moment, the content is spot on.

I'm looking forward to getting up and running :z18

"He who casts grass, casts longest" :z6

Iain
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Magnus Angus on 24/10/2008 at 23:37
Yup - we could switch it about.

I'd bear in mind this is aimed at improvers more than outright beginners, so our victims already cast, already hold the thick end of their rods and already know their feet are on the far ends of their legs. It might be an idea to introduce hauling using their default casting styles before opening a can of worms which might introduce style alternatives. To be honest I dunno if the order really matters.

Ben PMed me about doing something about roll casts, if we have time I think that would be a good idea. I'd like to throw Snakes Rolls and Snap or Circle casts into the ring and we should consider having a session on presentation casts. Clearly enough material for future meeting.

Do we have a start time yet? Btw I'll be late, I'm always late  :oops
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Peter McCallum on 24/10/2008 at 23:56


Do we have a start time yet? Btw I'll be late, I'm always late  :oops

Starting at 6.00 am Magnus - that way when we arrive you'll only be a wee bit late :z4 :wink
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Magnus Angus on 25/10/2008 at 00:49
Do they have a 6 that early - you mean 6pm?
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 25/10/2008 at 17:18
Hi Magnus,
              I wasn't talking about complete beginners or even different styles ......   but you take my point , obviously ,(eg.) someone with a timing problem is not going to be able to keep enough tension on the line to be able haul effectively . I suppose these things will all come out in the wash on the day and Rome won't be built that day either. :z4

Roll casts , snap T's , snake rolls and other circle casts etc. all good stuff but could I also suggest that the fishing /weather situations where these casts could be used are also emphasised fully . Maybe even looking at using the day to organise a game plan for future sessions ?

Anyway , it's looking good , plenty of stuff for folks to think about already !

All the Best,

Paul.

PS: I,ve Pm'd you re-SANA/SGAIC.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Magnus Angus on 25/10/2008 at 18:51
Hi Paul

Yup - with a timing problem it won't be easy to learn to haul. Dunno that Grip, Tracking and Stance actually address timing issues do they?

As you say Rome took more than a day - hopefully those come with time and practice.

Snakes and Circles on grass don't come with a weather warning as far as I know :z4
Paul with a single-handed (or DH) rod on grass, snakes and circles are safe, and its easy to demo and practice them, learn the movements and the changes of direction and their applications come very easily. For my part I can't think of a type of fly fishing where I don't use them now - meaning they are not exclusive to double handed rods and salmon rivers.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Ben Dixon on 26/10/2008 at 01:34
Can demo / teach most roll / speys on grass but it does feel a bit different when you try it on water, grass is much more forgiving of laying too much line down etc, that said, the main thing with these casts is learing the rod movements to set the cast up for the delivery, if you can perform a jump roll on water then you should be able to take the grass pratcied set up onto the water without too much trouble. 

I dont think we should overplan this but a 6am start does sound good :z4

Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Hamish Young on 26/10/2008 at 05:43
I dont think we should overplan this but a 6am start does sound good :z4

I'm sure Magnus doesn't believe that sort of time of day exsists  :z7 :z4

In a rather unexpected turn of events, it seems highly probable I will be attending the 1st event  :z16
More on that later - if I get the 'phone call at work I'm expecting  :cool:
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Jim Eddie on 26/10/2008 at 11:31
Kidding aside guys  :z4

Have we decided where and at what time yet ? or did i miss that  :wink

 :z18

Jim
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 26/10/2008 at 23:27
Kidding aside guys  :z4

Have we decided where and at what time yet ? or did i miss that  :wink

 :z18

Jim

Hi Jim .............. No, you didn't miss it :z4

Looks like sunset is going to be about 4pm on the day and it gets dark pretty quickly in November, so I guess we need to think about packing up at 3pm or 3.30pm latest ( if we don't want to be loosing gear )

Sunrise is going to be about 7.40am :z7

I have a few locations "up my sleeve" and will do my best to make a decision on which one to use sometime this week.

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 27/10/2008 at 13:16
Hi Magnus and Ben,
                            Magnus agree with all you say re DH and SH rod casting and Ben re- grass and water casting , (somethings harder , somethings easier , -more "stick" on water ) , sorry  ,my point was more to do with "usefulness" than the safety aspects of the various casts, ie. for weather read wind conditions and what casts are most appropriate for which fishing situations , kinda thing . If that makes sense. Would tie in with the obstacle course Magnus ?  :z18

Paul.


Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Robert MacDonald-Lewis on 29/10/2008 at 12:57
Only jut found this thread and would love to take part if SWMBO does not hae other plans.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 29/10/2008 at 23:38
Hi folks :cool:

Just to keep the updates going ........ the "Outcasts taster session" will be on Sunday November 9th, meeting up at 11am ( so please bring your own flask and sandwiches etc ) till approx 3pm depending on how things go and of course the weather :wink

The location has not been decided as yet, but I am looking at a few parks in the "Haddo" area :z3

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Magnus Angus on 30/10/2008 at 00:56
Hi Paul

Points taken.

Thing about this is Mike has proposed a club, we need to see how that'll work, its a fresh idea, I've nor been involved with anything like this before. Some of us, you, me, Ben, Pete, Hamish etc have been involved in casting classes, days and what have you - that tends to be about instructors setting the agenda. As I see it clubs work differently - members pool their skills - it need not be structured as an introduction or a lesson.

As an example, what I really enjoyed about the Sexyloops thing in Dunkeld were those moments where, say, Lee or Stephan or Marc said or demonstrated something I hadn't seen before - Lee performing a stunning version of a Circle cast - Stephan showing a level of control and the straightest tracking I've even seen - Marc throwing a slack line presentation I'd not see before. They explianed what they were doing but had no need to start at the beginning or dumb down what they were doing and assume their audience were newbies.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 30/10/2008 at 12:34
Hi Magnus,
               yep, I get you , looking forward to it.
Paul.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: stickleback on 30/10/2008 at 22:16
The club sounds a great idea and I would love to have gone along on the big day but I'm going to miss it  :cry :cry  because I'm away that weekend.  Good luck to all and I'll hopefully make the next meeting.   

:z18

Cammy
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Cameron deBoth on 03/11/2008 at 17:42
Mike,

Do we have a place and time arranged? The weekend is soon approaching!  :z13
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 03/11/2008 at 17:52
Hi folks :cool:

Just to keep the updates going ........ the "Outcasts taster session" will be on Sunday November 9th, meeting up at 11am ( so please bring your own flask and sandwiches etc ) till approx 3pm depending on how things go and of course the weather :wink

The location has not been decided as yet, but I am looking at a few parks in the "Haddo" area :z3

Best wishes
Mike

The above is still the plan and although the exact location is not yet totally finalised, it would be safe to say that we will either be meeting up at Methlick or in the main Haddo House car park. Sandy and I walked the various locations today and have made a decision ........ pending confirmation of availability :wink

Best wishes
Mike Barrio
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 05/11/2008 at 17:29
Hi "Outcasts"

I can now confirm the plans for this Sunday .........

The location we will be using is the grass area below "the pheasantry" at Haddo Country Park. To get there, simply follow signs for "Haddo House" ..... I'm sure most of you know where this is ( it is not Haddo Fishery by the way! ) so if you are unsure of how to get to Haddo House, please ask :wink

Please try to arrive at Haddo House for 10.45 - 11am, park your cars in the main car park and once you have your gear out of the car, face the main buildings at the end of the car park and walk down the path to your right which is sign posted "Pheasantry" and "Toilets". Follow this for a few hundred yards until you reach the "Pheasantry/Toilet" building with grass in front of it. We will be casting in the field just beyond and below this, the one with an enclosed well in the corner, which is where we will meet.

Please bring: your fly rod(s), reels, fly lines and nylon, plus your food and juice or flask.
Please do not bring: any flies or hooks ...... make sure you leave these in your car or at home.

Best wishes
Mike Barrio
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Cameron deBoth on 05/11/2008 at 20:34
looking forward to this.

Im guessing the House isnt too far from Haddo? I'll google it but would be great if you could post some directions also.  :z16
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 05/11/2008 at 21:01
looking forward to this.

Im guessing the House isnt too far from Haddo? I'll google it but would be great if you could post some directions also.  :z16

Plenty of signposts, but ....... If you are coming to "Haddo Trout Fishery" from Oldmeldrum on the B9170, when you reach the fishery turn right on to the B999 ( signposted "Tarves" "Haddo House" ) continue for a couple of miles and take the first road to the left ( which should say "Ellon" and "Haddo House"? ) You will go over a wee bridge and about a mile further on you'll see trees and a cottage on your left, turn left in to the "Haddo House" driveway, which is about a mile or maybe two long, until you reach the car park at the end, watch out for the speedbumps, pheasants and squirrels! :wink
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Cameron deBoth on 06/11/2008 at 08:11
Cheers Mike,

I would have probably found it, but now I have no excuse to get lost.

See you all on Sunday!
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 06/11/2008 at 13:06
Mike,
        How many pheasants can a pleasant pheasant plucker pluck  ....... :z4

See you there  :z4

 :z18

Paul.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Hamish Young on 06/11/2008 at 17:32
Sadly, I have to scratch  :cry

Work requires me to travel (bloody short notice  :mad ) to Dorset on Sunday, will hopefully be there for the next gathering of the Outcasts, in the meantime y'all have fun now  :z18

H  :z3
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 08/11/2008 at 21:35
looking forward to tomorrow :z12
Hopefully the weather holds.

I'll be there about 12-30, so you should all be hauling and casting 100ft+
So i can give you all a good laugh :z4 :z4 :z4

Sandy
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Brian Brand on 08/11/2008 at 22:10
See you all there tomorrow.

Sandy, it's not all about the length it's about the presentation. :wink :z4

regards,
Bri.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 09/11/2008 at 05:59
 :z4 :z4 :z4
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Jim Eddie on 09/11/2008 at 16:49
As Jim Bowen would say "Smashing , Super, Great"

It all went really well , everyone turned up with the right attitude , the crack was good  :z13

Magnus gave lots of things to think about and practical things to practice , Sandy also kept us on track , no pun intended.

I could actually see the improvement in peoples casting as the day prograessed. Lots of different rods and lines to try  :z16 

We all owe mike a debt of gratitude for organising it.

 :z18

Jim
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Peter McCallum on 09/11/2008 at 17:02
I'm really miffed about not making it, I'll need to watch how many diy jobs I do on Saturdays in future. Ah well ............ theres always next time. :cry :cry :cry
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Cameron deBoth on 09/11/2008 at 17:04
Yea great day and I saw a big improvement (we all know why......Hamish???)  :z8 :z7 :z4

Thanks to Magnus, Sandy & Mike for their tips/help with your casting

And thanks to Mike again for organising the meet.  :z18
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Brian Brand on 09/11/2008 at 17:28
Hi guys,

As above many thanks to Mike, Magnus & Sandy.

I had forgotton how uncoordinated I could be until I was shown how to double haul cast, it was starting to come together at the end but more practice will be required in my back garden though.

It was a great day out, and good to put faces to some of the names in the forum.

Thanks again,
Regards,
Bri.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 09/11/2008 at 19:13
Hi "Outcasts" :z16

Well, twas a bit cold and more than a bit windy, but it was great fun! :z12

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Brq-mvJFzlA

I really enjoyed my day
Thanks everybody
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 09/11/2008 at 19:40
I had a great time too :z16
Nice to meet some folk and great to see that people are better than they think. :z13
A big thank you to Magnus, for giving his Time and expertise, much appreciated :z14

I hope everyone learned a little bit and that it inspired you to practice a bit more.
That little bit of practice goes a long way.
Its such a shame some of you were ill, i was looking forward to doing some fly rod gymnastics.
Ah well never mind, definatley next time. :z16.
I think we all have something to practice over the winter and i reckon if we go for another meet up about March, just in time to brush up some river casts for the coming season.

All told, a good afternoon

 :z18

Sandy

Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Iain Goolager on 09/11/2008 at 20:29
Hi guys,

I had a great time today and felt that the instruction was extremely beneficial, which was evident when you could see the progress that was made throughout the group in such a short time.
I always try to take at least one major point away from occasions such as this but infact grabbed many & on occasion felt that I was casting like a real bloke.
It was indeed good to see new faces and try out the different rods & lines. That Airflo Ridge line impressed me and I do like the 5wt Sage XP but I don't think I'll be shelling out £75 on a Sharkskin (or should it be rattlesnake) line.
Attempting the Double Haul without a safety net is something I've done a few times while fishing and this usually ended in a retied leaded and a return to the safety of my ham fisted Single Haul - today proved the worth of practicing away from the fish.
It was very interesting to cast against the tape but I got the feeling that a few of us (I did for sure) resorted back to our 'less technique more oomph' style but I know that as we practice and become more confident in our abilities, that 'less is more' lesson we learned today will increase our distances.

Thanks To Magnus, Mike, Sandy and 'the crew'

A big thumbs down to the wind :mad

Iain
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: PDScott on 09/11/2008 at 20:50
Can I just repeat everything that has been said in the previous posts and add my personal thanks to Mike, Sandy and Magnus for giving up their Sunday to give us all something to think about (and practice) over the coming months.
I also hope that those who fell ill, are feeling better soon, and are able to join us on the next occasion. It was also nice to put a face to the names who appear on the Forum.
Must go now and turn the heating down - the feeling is returning to my nether regions!
All the best
Peter
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Ben Dixon on 09/11/2008 at 22:40
Hi All

Looks like a good day was had. I am very sorry I missed it, please accept my apologies for my no show.  I was in Wales and thought the do I was attending finished on the Friday but found out once I got there that the event ran on until Sunday morning, I shall make sure in future to read my email more thouroughly.


Cheers

Ben
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 09/11/2008 at 23:43
Hi Ben :z16

Yes, sorry you missed the first "Outcasts" gathering ......... but I'm sure there will be more next year and you'll get to play!

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Irvine Ross on 10/11/2008 at 08:39
Just to add my personal thanks to Mike Sandy and Magnus. It was a good day and I learned a lot more than I thought I would. Also it was presented in a spirit of good fun and everyone enjoyed it. I certainly plan to be at the next gathering if Mike is kind enough to organise one.

Thanks again

Irvine
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Steven Kidd on 10/11/2008 at 11:15
A very interesting day indeed, really enjoyed it, Thanks Mike / Magnus and Sandy.

The knowledge shared and demonstrations made the mind boggle!!.......

I definately would be a regular next year, a very good idea this casting on grass......I'm off to do some more, to practice some of the drills learned.

Practice on grass.......and then you should'nt have to think about it when you are fishing at all, it just becomes the norm.

As Bruce Lee said about a fight situation........'And when there is an opportunity, "I" do not hit, "It" hits all by itself'....wacko :wink

Yeah, not quite sober yet.

Cheers,

Steven
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Paul Rankine on 10/11/2008 at 13:22
Hi All,
         Sorry I missed it. Flu bug strikes , or as my wife would say , "a mountain of Man Flu"  :wink

Will there be another next month ? Intrigued by Sandy's fly rod gymnastics !   :z7

Paul.
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Mike Barrio on 10/11/2008 at 16:52
Some of the rods were put through their paces ............  :z4

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/zsandybendrod.jpg)

(http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/zsandybendrod2.jpg)

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: stickleback on 10/11/2008 at 19:17
Looks like you all had great fun even though it looked Baltic. Looking forward to making the next one.
 :z18

Cammy
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Dave Mundie on 10/11/2008 at 19:18
I should have made a bigger effort to get there also if i had it would have saved me a fortune, i went out and bought a X-Trail instead :! :z12
Prob with a Sunday is its the family day so i have to be extremely good before i can get a free pass.

Oh well next time.  :z16

Dave
Title: Re: "The Outcasts"
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 10/11/2008 at 20:54
Blimey

My bald head and a bent rod :shock
I dont know what surprises me more.
 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4

Sandy