Paul writes:

Hi Gordon,

it is very nice to hear from you (and great to be included in the list at the bottom! Thanks! :-))

Firstly I'd say this, distance is about tight loops and line speed. Tight loops are a result of a straight path of the rod tip during the stroke and line speed is very much enhanced directly by the speed of the haul.

I like to think "heavy" (Mel Kreiger) with the rod and "fast" (Lefty Kreh) with the haul. Timing of the haul is very important and should be timed to coincide with the "stop" part of the stroke (*I* think!) I can send you a short article on this if you want.

Before learning to double haul, good rod arm control is essential, otherwise mistakes are compounded.

OK Here are some things I disagree with (of course many instructors will disagree with what I write here, but that's what makes life interesting, right? :-))

Hauling has little impact of the flex in the rod, indeed flex in the rod has little impact on casting. Bend a rod to it's maximum by pulling the line against it and then let go and you'll see just how little impact the "spring" gives. (I know I could get shot for writing this)

For the backcast try making the entire stoke the squeeze of the hand. If you can stick a haul into this you should get a wicked loop. It's important to drift up as well as back since you want the rod tip to travel the path of the unfurling flyline.

On the forward cast the first movement should be very slow (and I think a lead with the elbow) otherwise the pupil usually tries to knock it for six and throws a tailing loop.

Longer hauls don't create larger loops. Convex paths of the rod tip create larger loops (actually it's slightly more complicated than this and I'm currently trying to get the appropriate video footage)

I like it. Having read it and thought about it I can say this :-)

I like to emphasise that the rod hand casts the loop and the haul gives it velocity. Works for me anyway! BTW I also teach hauling to a straightened elbow. I find this can give me a cleaner sharper V loop.

Looking forward to hearing from you an the board :-) BTW Can I use this email on site somewhere (advice pages)?

There's some great stuff in here.
Cheers for now
Paul

Gordon replies:

Hi Paul

Thanks for your prompt reply, advice, and kind words. If you can use anything I sent, feel free.

I cast for distance at Taupo in winter with Sage SP 9'6'' 8wt and either Cortland 444 #6 (288gr) 10 wt shooting head with Amnesia shooting line for deep river mouths, or SA Ultra 3 9wt floater for heavy nymphs. Both of these systems work very well for me but there are new lines I intend trying over the next few weeks (in particular SA XXD and Cortland 555 floaters). I have a few questions for the board, regarding gear, and will put them together ASAP

Having always been a "pusher" I am keen to practice the pulling techniques you prefer. I will let you know how this goes. The only other "puller" I've met here is Mike Weddell, a former UK casting champ. I assumed he pulled because of the slow action rod he had.

I sometimes haul through and beyond the positive stop to flick over the leader into a good New Zealand breeze (read wind for most other locations)

Thanks for pointing out "Longer hauls make larger loops". I'm not sure why I put it like that as I generally use long hauls, particularly on the delivery cast.

Cheers
Gordon Baker