Drift

Key Points: Rod Drift is a subtle movement that repositions the rod between Casting Strokes. It can allow you to widen (or sometimes narrow) the available Casting Arc. It also can cushion the rod tip and improve timing.

The full definition of Drift is this:

Drift: To position the rod between casting strokes.
Moving the rod to adjust Casting Arc, Stroke Length or Casting Plane. Drift applies little or no force on the line.

Please note: you can only learn this skill once you have thoroughly developed a repeatable casting stroke with tight loops both back and forwards. Otherwise it’s going to make your casting worse!

Mel Krieger taught me to drift, many years ago, I can’t remember if he said it or I’ve since used it, but imagine you are feeling for the unrolling loop with the rod tip.

Here is an original page from Sexyloops on Drifting:
http://www.sexyloops.com/articles/drifting.shtml

It’s an exploration. Bring a fly rod. Designed for you by Paul Arden.

Small Instructor note: The IFF have defined Drift differently from Sexyloops and with them you can only drift in one direction and that is rotation away from the next Casting Stroke. You will notice that my Drift is predominantly  upwards. The IFF currently has no term for this 🙂

Cheers, Paul

Got a question? This is the place:
http://www.sexyloops.co.uk/theboard/viewforum.php?f=46

Or drop me an email: paul@sexyloops.com