casting with a split shot-is there a secret to it?

[thetonyage]

Im having trouble casting with a split shot on my leader, it seems to tangle all the time. Is there a proper way to cast with a little weight on the line? Or is it something i just need to get used to?

 

[Heritage-Angler]

Here's one that'll help keep you from hitting your rod with the shot:

http://midcurrent.com/techniques/the-belgian-cast/

There's other things you can do, such as waiting to feel the "tug" as the back cast straightens out, water loading at the end of the drift, etc.

 

[henrydavid]

It does take some getting used to. In the past I've made the mistake of using a 4wt and then adding alot of shot/putty to get the fly down in heavy current. A light fly line won't cast that rig as well as a 5/6 wt. which works better for me.

I assume you're nymphing or using a bugger, you don't necessarily want to "back cast" those rigs all the time. A short lob cast won't tangle as easily. This is also true with mulit-fly rigs.

Also, how far up are you placing the weight? Your post says you're weight is on the leader, I place mine 8 inches or so up from the fly which is all tippet, not on the leader itself.

I'm not sure if this makes sense, but this is how I look at it, especially for weighted tandem fly rigs. Try and treat the weighted rig as a delicate assembly. It's not like tossing a dry fly where you can back cast and really work the line. Try and keep that weight and fly rig in a straight line, the more you practice this the more natural it will become. Then in wind or if you miss a strike you'll still get tangles but that's another story.

I think I've read that you fish Bowmans Creek, I'm out there quite a bit. If you ever want to meet up I'll be glad to join you.
I'm still a newbie myself but have been lucky to have some guidance from experienced fly guys.

 

[gochs]

I've found the easiest way is to roll cast downstream, then while there's still tension on the line, flip the line upstream.

So if you're right handed and the current is running to your left:

1. Roll cast to your left, downstream
2. Bring the rod tip just behind your left shoulder
3. Make a C shape from your left shoulder, around your back, and then point upstream where you want to cast.

The tension on the line should make the line should make it swoop in the air behind you, and lay out where you want it. If you're casting a ways, this does require some force. Give it a go, it's served me well when I try to get streamers along the opposite bank.

 

[shirk81]

thank you for asking this question. I actually just joined here tonight and was going to ask the same thing. Today was my first time out on the water, I went to the Tulpy in Berks County. Thanks again for asking this and these tips as well.

 

[thetonyage]

henrydavid wrote:
Also, how far up are you placing the weight? Your post says you're weight is on the leader, I place mine 8 inches or so up from the fly which is all tippet, not on the leader itself.

i meant to say tippet, i placed it between 6 and 10 inches experimenting with it to see what length would be easier to cast, and it was all pretty much the same

I think I've read that you fish Bowmans Creek, I'm out there quite a bit. If you ever want to meet up I'll be glad to join you.
I'm still a newbie myself but have been lucky to have some guidance from experienced fly guys.

i was actually at bowman creek fly fishing for the first time on thursday when i was having this trouble. it was the first time i ever tried using a weight on the line. id be interested in meeting you to fish, im trying to learn as much as possible

im going to try out everyones advice, thank you

 

[henrydavid]

I was there on Wednesday, I'll probably sneak out a day this week. Feel free to pm me or post on here.

 

[Yotrout]

Not that this is your issue but i had a similar issue. I was using 5x leader with 5x tippet. Thought i should match them up. Obviously i was wrong but didt realize it until i added the split shot. Every cast would curve out or die mid flight. The fly would fall above the split shot and get wrapped around it alot. I told steve at tco outfitters in bala and he said to use a 4x tippet or to cut down on some of the tapered leader. I cut about 10 inches out of the leader and viola! Perfect casts everytime and i even caught a few fish. Hope this helps. 🙂

 

[CatchingChrome]

Slow you forward cast down a little to create a wider loop. In addition try using smaller shot closer together then say one big one.

 

[masou]

I know a lot of people will say it is just me but for some reason nylon and I don't get along. I waste way too much time untangling or cutting out wind knots. I have not had the same problem w/fluorocarbon.

I primarily nymph fish w/weight and cast mostly side arm, cross body side arm (Spring Creek) or w/the rod at a ~45° angle. Another option is to flip and chuck.

I don't bother trying to casting the typical 10-2 w/weight. One b/c there never seems to be any backcast area and two b/c it usually flings the weight off the leader/tippet.

Lastly, I exclusively use a 4WT w/a 4X or 5X leader and it works fine. If you try to cast too much weight w/the "typical" 10-2 cast your asking for trouble.

 

[stevehalupka]

watch this video:

it's taught me how to cast size 4 coneheads and sink tips with ease

sorry but couldn't embedd

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZyKjIBzEDI&feature=related

 

[DGC]

The first part of Joe Humphreys's DVD A Casting Approach to Nymphing Tactics trains you in the central PA tradition of nymphing and includes tips on overcoming problems of casting shot on the leader. Worth a look if you can borrow it. I know that is more of a footnote than a suggestion, but since others are interested in this topic I thought I would mention it.

Edit. Be forewarned he nymphs "naked" instead of with an indicator, but the open minded and flexible angler can adjust accordingly.

 

[stevehalupka]

I'll also add that if I'm fishing a split shot, I've never found it adamant to use a backcast, but rather a roll cast. Single handed spey casting is very easy to learn and creates the best water tension release you can get. When you learn to employ it properly, you will notice an increase in your casting distance as well. Watch the video by putnam I posted above. It will help tremendously.

Even when fishing dries and your drift is over and has passed you, you will find yourself snake rolling once to get back into minimal false casting.

 

[IloveBrookies]

Here's one trick I've used a few times:

Try adding about 12" of tippet to the bend of the last hook you've got, then tie a couple of knots on top of each other towards the very end of that and add your split shot just above that. I use the putty and put it over the knot to keep it from sliding off.

I've found this not only helps the flies from tangling (I usually fish 2 if I'm nymphing), but it also keeps you from getting hung up on submerged branches and rocks. You'll also want to adjust your casting like the others have mentioned, but this could help too...good luck!

 

[nymphingmaniac]

This is fine in PA, but when traveling check state regs. I seem to recall reading that some states do not allow weight to be placed below the hook

 

[IloveBrookies]

Thanks, didn't realize that would even be an issue...I'll have to check for future reference...