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Casting shooting heads
At the last San Rafael FF Show during Steve Rajeff's demonstration he raised a somewhat subtle point on casting shooting heads that is worth passing on. If you ever really crank off a cast and notice that the front of the head kicks under and the following line continues so it ends in a pile, try using a longer overhang. The long overhang reduces this tendancy. There is a fine line on how much overhang before the transfer of energy falls apart but you would be surpirsed how long of an overhang you can actually use with proper technique
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Excellent that you bring up Rick... In my experiences in casting shooting heads, I found my magic formula for casting these heavy grain wonders, that will put a hurting on ya if your not carefull. But if you want a cheaper but most effective way to get a fly down into a zone, without spending the bucks on these specialty lines, learn how to shoot heads.. :!:
I use a 5 foot slack rule... 2ft of over hang & 3ft as my haul buffer. I have the 5ft of running line marked, as so my thumb and index finger do not pass below the mark.
Once I have the head in front of me, I pick up quickly, haul 2x and off I go... The key is the speed of the haul, if ya hesitate, make sure to carry a sewing kit and some alcohol. Repair and apply to wounds as many times as needed... :shock:
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Shooting Heads!!!
I'm with Ray. I found a formula for casting a head that works for me and it's similar.... 8) The only time I have to worry is if the wind is coming from the wrong side :roll: or if I get tired. I have tendency to let the overhang get longer as the day goes on and my back cast begins to lower..... That's when the guide gets worried :shock: :shock:
I try to make a roll cast to bring the "head" to the surface and backcast a maximum of two times. 8) Then, I launch the whole affair into the stratosphere :lol: :lol:
The most dangerous of all places to use a "head" is at Pyramid Lake in Nevada where it's common to use a two fly cast (both wooly buggers). :shock: Many of the casters (especially waders) use the water to load the back cast and lob the forecast. This type of casting is complicated by winds that blow almost constantly. :roll:
It's all good tho...... :D :D