Casting With A 7 Wt And Bass Flies

[Njardar]

This weekend I got out my new to me 7wt, put on a bass fly and started casting from a dock at the lake where we were camping... and I sucked. Now granted I'm not an experienced fly fisherman, but I was a whole lot better with by 5 wt going for pan fishing. So is there a secret to casting big flies on a heavier rod? My wrist started to hurt after a few minutes and that was my first hint that I was doing something wrong like over flexing my wrist. I would appreciate any tips or tricks on casting bass flies with this rod. Even more I appreciate a lesson.

Charlie

[MaxDrown]

Make sure you let the rod do the work. Let the line fully unload behind you and fully unload in front of you before dropping the tip.

[Wayne SW/MO]

A bass taper makes a big difference and depending on your rods action, uplining to an 8 might also help. As far as casting try slowing your cast down a little. Making your backcast out at a 60 or 70 degree angle will allow you to open up the loop and slow down a little letting the rod load.

[Addicted to Creeks]

i have found that cussing and tossing the rod around tends to help (DISCLAIMER: it does not)

[Greasy B]

Yea, slowing down your casting stroke is the key to throwing the heavier lines. Your really don’t want to slow down the part of the cast where you are driving the rod forward or backward loading the rod just when you hesitate between each stroke. Try standing sideways and turn around to watch your line unroll behind you on the back cast, start your forward stroke just as the line has completely unrolled.

[Gavin]

A fly cast is a fly cast, there is no difference between casting a 3wt and a 10wt....but a heavier rod will really beat the tar out of you if you dont use good form.

[stlfisher]

I suspect the flies you may be casting are a bit too big or too heavy or your leader is too light. As others have said try slowing down and definately don't flex your wrist. Wait to feel the rod load. Also, if casting heavy weighted or wind resistent flies use a short leader of 8-10lb mono as that will help turn over the fly better. Doubling hauling will also help and is easier with a heavier rod...won't wear you out as much.

I love my new 7 weight but super heavy flies still can hing a bit if not casted properly. Try using a lighter or smaller fly at first until you get used to casting it and then work your way up to the heavier flies. This way you will find out what weight and size flies you cast the best and then stay in that sweet spot. This has worked well for me.

If I remember correctly is your 7 weight an Echo Ion? Those are fast action rods so if your other rod is a medium or medium fast it will be a bit harder to feel your rod load on the 7weight. The upside is once you get it down you will really be able to wing it.

[Wayne SW/MO]

a faster rod will struggle even more to cast air resistant flies or heavy ones with the standard WF. Standard WF lines are designed to cast small flies and make delicate presentations. You need a line with a shorter heavier head to cast and turn over flies that offer a lot of resistance.

A bass taper is the best all round for the job and if the distances are short then an upline one weight won't hurt anything.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a bass taper, Cabelas, SA and Rio all make good ones for $40 or less. If you know some one who has an 8 wt BT, try it before you buy to see how it works on your rod.

[Njardar]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. The rod (actually an 8wt) was se up by Pat Ehlers' shop with 8wt bass taper, my problem is probably operator error. I'll slow down (pause between backward and forward stroke) and learn what is feels linen the rod loads up. Another good suggestion is to go with a lighter fly until I get the feel of this rod.

Charlie

[laker67]

A simple roll cast works best for me, especially in the wind.