Well I was knackered at work today, should have taken today off but no cover at work meant I had to work. That will be sorted for next year though. I felt like I had fallen asleep and someone had given me a good kicking, ribs, back arms, I need to get fitter, I can see the benefit of getting fitter for this casting lark now. Great fun though.
Hopefully we can get a great turnout to the monthly casting group in Aberdeenshire over the winter and get a few more folk inspired to give it a go, I know Dan had a great day and learned a lot into the bargain.
No more help from me mate, you're now a serious competitive threat
Aye some day perhaps, you and I know the truth. Close but no cigar is the term I would use in my efforts to get near your level of casting. I don't think it's about casting further than a mate or anyone else for that matter, it is about the competition you have with yourself. We all know where we are in terms of ability / performance, in reality we are all trying to cast further than we know we have before. It is all about spurring each other to do better, ANYONE to do better because that is what it is all about. There is a bit of competitive spirit but it is low key and everyone at these events is pleased when someone puts in a good performance.
While my casting has improved with good tuition (from Ben) and a good amount of time spent going over the basics in the field, you just can't replicate the real world of someone with a timer and a marker checking the distance or accuracy, it's great fun. I would like to do better and I know I still have a LOT of work to do on my casting, I am very pleased with the progress, (never satisfied with the results though)
You always feel you could do better or I do at least. I know I should be better with a #5 and #7 rod, especially the #5 outfit. I do find it so dammed hard to get that line to fly to 120 feet. I know that will take a good bit more work and possibly another lesson or two from Ben if is teaching schedule will allow.
With good instruction and a lot of work in a field or section of fairly flat river eventually you start to see some progress. Not where I want to be but I don't suppose I will ever be happy with my casting. I can remember (so can a few of the other guys) me saying that anything over a #5 line rating was just crazy and I would neve be able to cast them. Thanks for the casting lessons Ben, I know it is the good casting tuition from you going over the basics again and again with me that has made the difference.
I now look forward to going to the park for an hour or two with the rod, any rod. Short stuff and long stuff, it's all great fun.
So guys, put your name down for the winter casting meeting and we can all learn from each other over the winter.
Kev.