Bruce Richards replies...
Paul, Thanks for forwarding this question along, it is an interesting one. I do
all Scientific Anglers line taper design and am also an experienced caster
and instructor. I'm sorry I couldn't log onto your site to track the thread
of the conversation, your site name doesn't pass muster with our corporate
internet censors!
In my experience, the profile of a line has little to do with the size loop
that can be thrown. As you correctly stated, the path of the rod tip during
the casting stroke determines the size of the loop.
Line taper can affect how the loops turn over, however, and that can affect
following loops. For example, level lines turn over very abruptly and
"kick" badly. This makes it very difficult to achieve a straight line at
the end of the turnover. If the line is not straight at the end of one cast
it is difficult to make the next cast with a nice tight loop as the casting
stroke has to be adjusted significantly to accomodate the slack. This makes
it difficult to maintain a straight tip path, hence, tight loops.
If the line being cast has a reasonably well designed front taper to
prevent the line from kicking out of shape then it should be possible to
throw a nice tight loop. The key to tight loops is tip path and having a
straight line to start with. I am assuming that line weight, line
stiffness, etc. are all equal.
It makes good sense to cast multiple fly rigs with more open loops, which
is easily accomplished by adjusting the casting stroke longer so that the
rod tip travels in an upward arc rather than straight. More weight on the
leader and larger loops (more wind resistance) require more power to
deliver effectively. Normally, lines with more powerful front tapers handle
this job most effectively.
Thanks for passing this question along Paul, if I can offer any assistance
in the future please let me know. I wish I could monitor your site, it
sounds as if you discuss some very interesting topics. Regards,
Bruce Richards
Product Development Engineer
Scientific Anglers/3M
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