Tracy&James | Sunday, 19 February 2023
Last week’s plan to have a robot write the front page for me was, as I’m sure you’ll agree, a bit of a failure (I notice Walter had similar issues yesterday). That’s a bit of a pity as I’m currently sat here longing to crack open a bottle of red, but instead I need to write something hopefully interesting, but at the very least coherent (to be fair the coherency limit is probably deep into the bourbon that I’ll be following up with). Thinking about the response I received from ChatGPT it was obvious that the term ‘five weight distance’ had pickled its microchip brain so I thought I’d give it chance to redeem itself with an easier question. As such, I asked it ‘how do I fly cast further’ – surely with the wisdom of the whole of the World Wide Web at its disposal our AI robotic would nail it with some useful information:
“Fly casting further requires both technique and power. Here are some tips that can help you cast further:”
Right an encouraging start – I believe you’ve understood the question, Robo-caster my friend.
“Line Speed: Maintaining a high line speed during the casting stroke will generate more energy in the line and help you cast further. To increase line speed, make sure to use a smooth, fluid motion when casting.”
Mmm, I’m not sure I like that first bit – high line speed doesn’t generate energy; the line has a higher kinetic energy as a result of the speed imparted in it by the caster. The second bit is good advice, but I could be pedantic and note that I could use a smooth, fluid motion to produce a very low line speed. Perhaps I could advise you to spend some time reading the physics section of the Sexyloops board, Robo?
“Line Tension: Maintaining proper line tension during the casting stroke is key to casting further. The line should be tight enough to maintain control, but not so tight that it restricts the rod from reaching its full potential.”
I thought you were about to pull it back there Rob, but then you said the last bit about restricting the rod’s potential – what’s all that about? Have you had too much 3-in-1?
“Power Stroke: A powerful casting stroke will generate more energy in the line and help you cast further. Focus on using your entire arm, shoulder, and even your body to generate power in the cast.”
You’ve sobered up RC, is it ok if I call you RC, it’s cool. I have a friend called TC – he’s cool also and a great caster, can’t handle his drink though.
“Rod Flex: The right rod flex is essential for generating distance in your cast. A rod that is too stiff will not provide enough energy to the line, while a rod that is too flexible will not allow you to control the line. Choose a rod with the proper flex for your casting style and the conditions you will be fishing in.”
Ok, not cool! You sound like a follower of the big spring hypothesis. I’ll go back to Rob if that’s ok with you.
“Line Weight: Using a line weight that is appropriate for your rod will also affect your casting distance. A line that is too heavy for the rod will not load the rod properly, reducing your casting distance, while a line that is too light will not provide enough energy to the line.”
You giant nob-head! I bet you cast nothing but brick-on-string type lines don’t you. You also, no doubt, thrash them out with little metal arms made from a 1970’s Ford Cortina’s windscreen washers. I don’t think we can be friends, Mr. Robo.
“Casting Loop: A large casting loop will generate more line speed and energy, resulting in a longer cast. Focus on making a large loop with the line when casting.”
I’m going to hunt you down and whip you to death with a five weight MED. You have access to a digital encyclopaedia of all fly casting knowledge and I think, instead of learning, you’ve spent your time looking at Robo-porn and snorting electrons until your LED eyes rolled into the back of your head, you should be ashamed of yourself.
Robo-caster and I haven’t spoken since. Unfortunately that means Tracy and I will have to be responsible for the content going forward, or at least until AI II comes online.
Have a great week, James.