62
PUBLIC SCHOOLS, DULUTH, MINNESOTA

RECREATION DEPARTMENT
OVERHEAD CAST

As a matter of review to those who were present at the first two sessions
and to acquaint those who are present for the first time with work already
covered, an attempt will be made to outline and explain the fundamentals of the
overhead cast. The overhead cast is considered the fundamental cast. Once it
is learned one can cast at any angle.

We will take up each step of the cast in order. We will assume that the
rod is essenoleéd and that 25 to 30 feeb of line is stripped fron the reel and
extended out in front. of the caster.

THE GRIP

The rod should be gripped with thumb pointed toward tip of rod. This
position of thumb gives better control and is also less fatiguing. Avoid wrap-
ping thumb around rod as is done in the so called baseball grip.

THE PICK-UP

The tip of the rod is slowly raised to the position of a 45° angle.
This not only gives caster control of the line but also enables the caster to
get proper height to the back cast by starting at this point. Start the back
cast from this point by snapping rod up to vertical position. e |

THE BACK CAST

The rod really should move backward less than 45 degrees from pick-up of
line at start of back cast to vertical position or point where rod is checked.
This is very important. Too often the back east is begun from horizontal posi-
tion of rod. A properly executed back cast insures a good forward cast.

PAUSE

A slight pause is necessary at the end of the back cast to permit the line
to practically straighten out behind the caster. This pause is very brief and,
of course, varies with length of line, wind resistance, and power put into the
back cast.

FORWARD CAST

After the slight pause mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the forward
cast is begun. Not much power is necessary on the forward cast. Rod is checked
above horizontal position to allow fly to light first. ce

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

1. Keep elbow close.to side in order to avoid bringing arm action into
the cast.

a. All action is supplied by the wrist.

3. Strive for a high back cast. A high back cast gets you into less
trouble and insures a fine forward cast.