Buy a casting lesson ,,,, its often said and it really is great advice I had my first lesson after 45 years of fly fishing couldnt beleive the improvement....far better value than a new rod...

O M W

 

I think I need both! I recently tried a 10ft Hardy swift, I could get some nice distance with this but did struggle from time to time, plus my arm really felt it by the end of the session

 

I've been waiting to get lessons.. But with lockdown I simply can't.. If you can get to a lesson it will save you money and stress.. However I'll leave the guys who know alot more about rids to help with your question..
Good luck.. Stay safe..
Gary.

 

Length, does not always mean distance & many guys here around Bristol waters are more than happy with 9' rods casting #5's or even 4's. on Chew & Blagdon. That's both when wading, & from a boat. A casting lesson, must be your first priority & from a suitably qualified person. In the long run, it WILL save you money & aches & pains from using the wrong gear, the wrong way.

 

I've got to agree with OMW above, a casting lesson or two would be a great investment. The #5 Demon you mention is my favourite rod which I find easier to cast than any other and not floppy at all. I don't know where you are located but if you're in the north West area I can recommend a casting instructor.

 

I'm in NW Ireland and recommendations for a tutor for me.. ??

 

I was wondering if I bought something with a medium fast action this may help me improve a little.
i was also looking at a 10ft rod hoping this would add some distance to my casting,
So the remit is,
must be easy to cast, able to cast lures, add distance to a poor casting ability.
James

James, the simple answers are - the length of your cast is not related to the length of your rod and no rod has been designed or is capable of improving your ability to cast or add distance. If my wife went to a garage and bought an Aston Martin she'd still be a crap driver when she left. The answer to your issues do not lie in buying a new rod.

 

Get the lessons first: your casting style may change as a result and therefore the type of action you like may also change. In addition the instructor will likely be able to advise on the type of action that suits your style and tempo. Lastly the instructor will also likely be able to get you to try different rods...

Last but not least: almost no modern rod is bad, but the line pairing may ruin a rod’s perceived action or on the contrary make a donkey of a rod shine. Try a few different line profiles on your rod before changing the rod!

 

Get the lessons first: your casting style may change as a result and therefore the type of action you like may also change. In addition the instructor will likely be able to advise on the type of action that suits your style and tempo. Lastly the instructor will also likely be able to get you to try different rods...

Last but not least: almost no modern rod is bad, but the line pairing may ruin a rod's perceived action or on the contrary make a donkey of a rod shine. Try a few different line profiles on your rod before changing the rod!

As a result of learning from a lesson to improve your ability to cast your 'style' will change - it has to as it's your 'style' that's causing your casting problems. There is no 'type of action' you like because at the moment you can't cast effectively. The instructor may be able to advise on a length and action of a rod that will be helpful for where and how you intend to fish - not your 'style and tempo'.

I don't know what a 'perceived action' is? Is it the action you think you'd like the rod to have or one that it should have? The use of your body movements combined with the flexible lever of the rod casts the line, no line in the World makes the rod cast better.

 

I think most of us would say that we are not great casters if we were being honest. And in honesty we could improve IF we had a few lessons. Trying to get better at a skill by get 'better' equipment is a waste of time and money. Skill improvement comes with learning how to do it correctly and practice, practice, and more practice.




I just realised that means we NEED to fish more. ?

 

A lesson it is then. Can anyone recommend a tutor in the West Yorkshire area?

 

I've had a lesson with Jim Fearn in the past, he's from Whalley/Clitheroe so not too far from you. He's really great, I found the lesson a massive help.

 

Thank you all for your input. I think that with the 2 rods that I use are so poles apart that it makes them feel stiff and floppy, which probably isn’t the case.

 

For anyone in range of him I used Brian Towers in the Yorkshire dales , I have had two sessions with him . He is very good taught me to double haul, for that he deserves high praise...

O M W

 

Vision Onki 10’6wt is a cracking rod not too fast

 

I once read there is no right or wrong way to cast a flyrod . There are just efficient and inefficient ways

 

Sorry Paul I thought they had both completed the course last year .

 

Noel, Richard and Steve are not GAIA members, what they completed was the Angling Trust, Coaching Course.

 

Find the 5wt Demon sloppy, put a 4wt line on it.

Find the 6wt Orvis too fast, put a 7wt on it.

Casting lessons are way better than a new rod (still remember Hywel Morgan’s ‘Woolworths rod’ demonstrations ??‍♂) but some expert caster(s) at the factory decide the AFTM rating for us.

We’re not all the same, we’re not all expert casters. But it’s always a good day when buying new tackle ?

 

How much should I expect to pay for casting lessons? Just so I know!