Originally Posted by
Jeff Putnam
You are on the cutoff for the length of your skagit head... here are some things to think about.
Due to your rod/line setup, when using a standard length head, if you use a fast and or long casting stroke you'll be more likely to pull or blow the anchor. This is amplified when using a low rod tip path that's close to the water. Rod tip paths close to the waters surface are long and tend to generate too much power, especially when the rod is longer than 13'. When forming the "D" Loop, as soon as the rod tip begins its path traveling 180 degrees opposite from your target, elevate the rod tip a few feet above your head (experiment with different heights, keep your eyes on the rod tip) then smoothly accelerate the rod tip path while staying at the same height/flat. Then watch the anchor point and make sure it changes direction and points toward your casting target, then execute your forward stroke as the MOW tip connection loop touches the waters surface. No sound should be heard when the lines lifts off the water.
When using a rod in excess of 13' it's much easier to place the anchor too far from your position which will take away the "D' loop's ability to load properly. Avoid this by not sweeping the rod around your body through a curved path.
When using a longer skagit head length, if your application of power isn't sufficient when forming the "D" loop, the anchor point will never face the target when executing the forward stroke. If you use a longer, more powerful casting stroke you'll be less likely to pull or blow the anchor due to the longer length. Things to think about... -JP
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