glenda powell
TRANSCRIPT
Education & OutreachOfficers'
Basic Fishing
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Manual
www.glendapowellguiding.com / +353 (0)87 2351260 / [email protected]
Maintain a Safe Working Procedure within the Team
Social Distancing and Covid 19 Guidelines from the HSE
Risk Assessment document used when delivering the Fun Go Fishing Events
Safety and Clothing while Fishing
Tools and Equipment required for Spinning
Spinning Rod, Reel, and Line Explained
Swivel, Bead, Leader and Spinners Explained
The Clinch/Improved Clinch Knot
Assembly of Spinning Equipment
Casting the Spinning Rod
Speed of Retrieve depending on water flow and height
Getting untangled and free from snags on the bottom of the river, or
overhanging trees
ContentsEducation & Outreach
Page 1
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 5
Page 7
Page 7
Page 1
Page 2
Fly Rod, and Reel Explained
Backing, Running Line, Fly Line, Tips, Tapered Leader and Tippet Explained
Three types of Fly Explained
Using the correct Cast for Safety
The Roll Cast, Double Spey Cast and The Snap C Cast
Fishing Etiquette on Rivers
Equipment Care
Perfect Practice makes Perfect
ContentsEducation & Outreach
Page 16
Page 24
Page 24
Page 19
Page 21
Page 23
Page 17
Page 19
Maintaining a Safe Working Procedure within the Team
It is of utmost importance that the Education and Outreach team can maintain a safe
working environment for the health benefit of themselves and the groups they are
organizing to go fishing. To enable this to happen measures have been put in place
following a long discussion on the first day of training. The team will comply to all social
distancing and Covid 19 guidelines from the HSE and have written an extensive
risk assessment document which will be used when delivering the Fun Go Fishing Events.
Education & Outreach 01
Social Distancing and Covid 19 Guidelines from the HSE
Following the guidelines from the HSE the team will ensure that everyone will:
Wash their hands often
with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing their nose, coughing
and sneezing, before eating, and after using the bathroom. The team will wash their hands
after touching someone else’s fishing equipment or belongings. If soap and water is not
available they will use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and will cover all
surfaces of their hands and rub them together until they feel dry. A hand sanitizer will be
carried with each team member at all times when working with each other or groups going
fishing.
Everyone will keep a distance of 2 meters apart and we found the use of the visual aid 2
meter stick to be a useful tool to bring to show groups how far 2 meters is. We discovered
that it is further than we thought throughout our training days on the river, and constant
reminders are important to ensure everyone remains safe and aware.
The team will ensure that surfaces being used will be clean and disinfected before and after
use. They will also ensure that all equipment is disinfected before and after use and each
part of equipment will be marked to avoid cross contamination including; rods, reels, and
landing nets. We found the fastest and most thorough way of doing this was to spray the
equipment with Dettol Disinfectant Spray which kills germs and viruses. By spraying the
handles of the rods you can cover easily all the surfaces which otherwise may be hard to
reach.
The team will monitor their health daily and be alert for symptoms. They will watch for
fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of Covid 19 and will not attend a
fishing programme if they are unwell.
Applies to IFI staff receiving training or present while delivering training courses.
Hazards
Level of Risk
Controls
Specific Procedures
Education & Outreach Activities Updatedfor Covid 19
Low
See details outlined below
Outdoor angling skills/coaching trainingcourse
1) Additional Covid Signage will be displayed at venue if deemed necessary, e.g. one-way
entry and exit.
2) All participants will be advised not to attend if they are feeling unwell or displaying
symptoms of coronavirus.
3) Where possible participants will be advised to travel separately to the venue.
4) If transport is required ensure government guidelines are adhered to in relation the use
of face masks and social distancing.
5) Participants will be encouraged to avoid congregating at beginning/end.
6) Always reverse park where possible, park safely taking account of others.
7) Participants will be asked to wear appropriate clothing and bring waterproof clothing
and extra clothing (all labelled) dependant on weather conditions. Application of suncream
and insect repllent are also advised prior to the outdoor event
Risk Assessment document used when deliveringthe Fun Go Fishing Events
The following Risk Assessment document was compiled by the team and will be used when
delivering the Fun Go Fishing Events.
Education & Outreah 02
8) Bring your own equipment where possible (all labelled) e.g. disgorger/ forceps, nippers,
notebook & pen and umbrella and foldup chair if required.
9) Participant will bring their own refreshments including water, with water bottles
labelled.
10)Hand Sanitising Station will be clearly marked where sanitising wipes or alcohol hand
rub will be available to all. Everyone should be encouraged to carry hand sanitiser at all
times.
11) Trainer/Coach will work with participants to ensure that all COVID19 measures are
strictly adhered to, namely; Hand Hygiene and Cough Etiquette and social distancing and
equipment disinfection.
12) Trainer/Coach will have mobile phone and emergency contact details
13) To facilitate an instance where contract tracing is required a daily log will be
maintained of staff members, participants and coaches involved in the event
14) No sharing of equipment amongst participants. Isolate equipment during breaks and
do not allow it to be mixed with others. Equipment used e.g. fishing rods, buoyancy aids to
be sanitised prior to use and after use and also before storing and labelled if necessary.
15) PPE will be provided to participants including safety hats, protective glasses and
appropriate flotation devices.
16) Group size to be limited to a pre-agreed number of active participants. Groups may be
further divided into pods (smaller
groups) if appropriate to assist in safe delivery of the training course.
17) A safety talk for 10 min at beginning of session will be incorporated into the program to
include a question to all participants to confirm they are free of any symptoms. (e.g. Is
everyone feeling well today?). It will also outline the use of hand sanitiser in the protection
of Weils disease and the need to protect and look for ticks which can cause Lyme disease.
Education & Outreach 03
18) Participants are required to observe physical distancing by keeping at least 2 metres
apart from other participants and from trainer/coach. This should be demonstrated and
marked if necessary.
19) If thunder and lightening occurs at the event, we will have an alert practiced to clearly
call all participants to immediately leave rods and equipment upright where they are and
return to a set location.
20) Unsafe venues will be avoided. Where possible areas will be avoided of deep water,
dangerous currents or where there could be falls from heights into water e.g. high walled
piers.
21) Where a coach is required to tie knots a spray bottle of water will be used to moisten
line.
22) All participants will be encouraged to respect the environment and dispose of waste
appropriately and to bring their own waste home. However, waste bag will be available
and disposed of by staff member appropriately. A hazardous waste bag will be available at
the event.
23) Where toilet facilities are present it will be indicated how they are are to be used.
Wipes to be used before and after use on touched surfaces.
24) A biosecurity kit will be available and used to ensure prevention of the spread of
harmful pathogens on equipment/boots prior to and after event.
25) First aid station will be clearly marked, with updated contents. Smaller items
may be separated in small bags to avoid cross contamination e.g. plaster and wipe for
minor cuts.
26) A response plan will be in place, outlining details of how to deal with a suspected
Covid-19 case i.e. isolation and arrangements for transport home.
27) IFI may cancel the event if measures are not being adhered to.
Education & Outreach 04
Safety & Clothing while Fishing
1) A Personal Floatation Device must be worn by anyone around or near water. The device
must be suitable to the person’s body weight, must be fitted properly and also have a
crotch strap which should be fastened under the crotch.
2) Eye Protection must be worn by anyone fishing or by people around anglers who are
fishing. Eye protection can be a pair of sunglasses or a pair of protective clear
glasses. This is required to help prevent the hook from getting stuck in the eye and
sunglasses will also filter out bright reflected light from the water, making it easier to spot
hazards and give some protection from wind and hooks.
3) A hat should be worn while fishing to protect the head from hooks. A thermal hat will
help to conserve body heat on cold days and a peaked cap will help to prevent
sunburn/glare on sunny days.
4) Sun screen should be worn on all fishing days as wind will burn as much as sun.
A lip balm is also recommended.
Education & Outreach 05
5) Be aware of overhead power lines and thunder and lightning as a lot of rods are made of
carbon fibre and can conduct electricity. If when you are fishing and you hear thunder
please stop, put your rod to one side and find shelter away from the rod.
6) A wading stick is recommended when wading to help the person to keep their balance
and also to check for rocks or holes that they may step into. The wading stick should be
used on the downstream side of the body, should be used as a third point of contact to the
bed of the river/lake and only one point of contact should be moved at a time. Wade
slowly and quietly, lifting the feet a few inches high with each step to avoid kicking rocks
and tripping up. The quieter the better so the angler
does not frighten fish. Avoid wading in soft or boggy rivers or lakes and avoid strong
currents.
7) Clothing should be layered, waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Clothing should
also be comfortable and shouldn’t restrict movement. Wear long sleeve tops to prevent
sunburn and to protect from hooks. It is important to bring extra clothing to change into if
all clothing gets wet by falling into the water. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of
hypothermia.
8) Waders should be loose and not restrict movement. Be careful to protect the neoprene
fabric feet on breathable waders by using a mat to place feet on when putting on and taking
off. The safety belt should be worn around the waist. Wear ankle/long socks and avoid
wearing jeans under waders to prevent the seams of the jeans rubbing against the skin
which could cause sores.
9) Insect repellent can play an important part in the kit bag and be aware of ticks and the
signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.
10) Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Education & Outreach 06
Education & Outreach 07
Tools & Equipment required for Spinning
It is important to be prepared when going fishing. Below is a checklist of the tools and
equipment required to be carried on your person for a successful day when going
spinning.
1) Spinning rod, fixed spool reel filled with line
2) Landing net
3) Clippers, forceps, leader
4) A small plastic tackle box is required to safely carry; beads, swivels and a selection of
spinners
5) The three types of spinners used on this programme; The Flying C, Spoon, Mepps
Spinning Rod, Reel, and Line ExplainedA spinning rod is a long, flexible rod used to catch fish. Various types of fishing rods are
designed for specific types of fishing and on this programme we are going to be using the
spinning rod and the fly rod. Fly rods are used to cast artificial flies and spinning rods are
designed to cast baits or lures/spinners. The length of the rod varies depending on what
type of fish the angler is fishing for. We will be using spinning rods of approximately 10
foot. One of the reasons we use quite long rods is to be able to use the rod as a lever to
avoid the spinner from getting stuck in riverside vegetation when we are retrieving the
spinner.
Education & Outreach 08
On the butt section of the spinning rod there is a reel seat to attach the reel, and along therod blank it will give information regarding; the length of the rod, the weight of spinner ingrams that the rod will cast, and the action of the rod. The parts of the rod are called thebutt, middle and tip. Along the rods length are rings which we call eyes or guides that wethread the line through.The spinner rating measurement is meant to describe the idealweight for ‘’loading’’ the rod when it is cast. For example on the rod it may say 10-30gms.If you try to cast a spinner that is too light the rod will not work properly and if the spinneris too heavy for the rod you may be in danger of breaking the rod. The action of the rod isdetermined by where the rod flexes along the blank. Faster action rods flex mostly nearthe tip. Medium action rods flex in the middle and slower action rods flex down into thebutt section. For a beginner/improver it is better to begin with a medium action rod asthey are easier to use. Spinning reels are most widely used because they are effective andeasy to use after a few hours of practice. The type of reel that we are using in thisprogramme is called a fixed spool reel. Fixed spool reels are either front drag or rear drag. The drag system is designed to allow line to pull from the reel when a fish is being played. If the reel drag is set too tight then the fish could break the line. The line capacity iswritten on the reel and the reel varies in size. It is important to understand that the reel androd must feel ‘balanced’ when holding the rod otherwise the angler could get tired quicklywhen casting and retrieving the line. The reel has an anti reverse clip and I suggest that thisis set in the locked position. For the beginner it is important that the reel can only bewound in one direction or they will get confused and wind the wrong way which will makea tangle in the line commonly referred to as a ‘birds nest’. The reel has a spool which canbe taken off easily if the line gets trapped under the spool. For our programme we will beusing 15lb breaking strain monofilament line and a 12lb leader. The reason the leader islighter than the main line on the reel is in the hope that if the spinner gets stuck on thebottom and the angler needs to pull to break the line free then the lighter line should breakfirst leaving the main line still on the reel.
Education & Outreach 09
Swivel, Bead, Leader and Spinners Explained
A swivel is one of the smallest parts of the terminal (end) tackle. It is a very useful little
object that prevents the line from undesirable tangling when retrieving especially when
fishing with a spinner where the blade is designed to rotate. The swivel consists of two
rings/eyes connected to a pivoting joint. The swivel is usually made of metal and the
pivoting joint is usually ball or barrel shaped. The line is attached to one end and the
leader is attached to the other and at the end of the leader we will tie on the spinner.
The fishing bead slides onto the line first and then the swivel is tied on. The bead is to
prevent the beginner from reeling in the swivel through the top eye of the rod which could
cause damage to the eye. The bead needs to be big enough not to go through the top eye
of the rod.
The leader is the monofilament line that will be attached from the swivel to the spinner.
This line needs to be less strong than the main line. The reason for this is to prevent the
main line being lost when the spinner gets stuck on the bottom and we need to pull to
break. We hope that the leader is the only part of the line that breaks. In our programme
we will be using three types of lure/spinner. The Flying C is a popular spinner and is used
when fishing for many species of fish. The blade of the spinner spins round and round
and may resemble a small fish swimming. There are many colours of Flying C and
normally we use a brighter colour if the river is coloured during a flood and black would
be a popular colour in clear water.
Education & Outreach 10
The Clinch/Improved Clinch Knot
The Spoon moves in a different way than the Flying C as it rotates from side to side and
can fished with a slower retrieve that the Flying C. The Mepps spinner is like the Flying C
and the blade spins around. The Mepps is useful in low water conditions as they come in
many sizes and weights. A small Mepps is a popular lure when trout fishing or for fishing
for Salmon in low water.
Spinners come in various weights which are sometimes written on the blade or along the
body of the spinner/spoon. We use heavier lures when the water is high and lighter ones
when the water is low.
The Clinch/Improved Clinch Knots are the knots that will be used the most during the
fishing programmes. Practice is important to be able to tie these knots securely and at
speed. This knot is also known as the Half Blood/Improved Half Blood Knot.
These knots are normally lubricated with saliva before pulling tight to seat the knot. It is
important to wet the knot before pulling tight as the monofilament will heat up and
weaken the knot. Due to Covid 19 water will be used to moisten the knot and it is
recommended to carry a spray bottle of water as part of the kit.
Education & Outreach 11
Assembly of Spinning Equipment1) Take the spinning rod from the protective sleeve and put the pieces of the rod together
by pushing the rod joints together firmly but not too tight. Make sure the eyes of the rod
line up. The rod joints need to be checked on a regular basis when in use, or they may
come loose, which may cause the rod to break, or the top section may be cast out with the
spinner.
2) Attach the reel by placing the reel foot in the reel seat and screw the wing nuts together
firmly. Check this attachment regularly when in use.
3) Place the butt of the rod on the grass. Ensure the line is caught under the bail arm and
then release the bail arm by clipping it to one side so the line may run freely.
4) Thread the line through the eyes making sure not to miss any. If there is a little ring
near the rod handle avoid going through this as this is a hook keeper and not an eye.
5) Pull the line through the top of the rod and give an extra two meters to work with before
clipping back over the bail arm on the reel to trap the line.
6) Slide the bead on first.
7) Attach the swivel using the clinch knot.
8)Attach one meter of leader to the other end of the swivel using another clinch knot.
9) At the end of the leader attach a spinner of your choice suitable for the river height.
10) Hook up the spinner to the bottom eye (the outside leg as to not damage the eye) and
wind up the line until tight.
11) Place the rod in an upright position in a safe place. Do not leave the rod on the ground
or someone may stand on it causing breakage.
12) Carry the rod in a backwards upright position to prevent the tip of the rod causing
damage to someone, or by breaking the tip if it touches the ground in front.
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Casting the Spinning Rod To cast the spinning rod;
1) Grip the rod with the dominant hand around the reel foot with the reel foot between the
fourth and little finger. This hand does not move from this position. The other hand does
everything else.
2) Ensure that the drag on the reel is set and the anti reverse clip is locked so that the reel
can only wind one way.
3) Unhook the spinner from the bottom eye of the rod and reel up leaving approximately
30 cms between the top eye and the bead. Look behind to make sure no one is there.
4) Keeping the rod horizontal move the reel around with the other hand to ensure the
smallest distance between the line roller and the index finger on the casting hand.
5) Catch the line with the index finger on the casting hand and trap securely that it doesn’t
slip.
6) Clip the bail arm over ready for casting.
7) Place the other hand on the bottom of the rod ready for casting.
8) Slowly move the rod gently to the side to reach the key casting position.
9) Cast the rod forward (there is no back cast) by pushing the tip of the rod forward with
the top hand and pulling in with the bottom hand. As you cast forward release the grip on
the index finger when your rod is in the forward position. This requires a little practice to
get the timing correct. While casting, the top hand holding the rod around the reel should
not move.
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Speed of Retrieve depending on water flow and height
10) When the lure hits the water either reel forward and the bail arm will close
automatically, or if the arm sticks, manually clip it back over using the bottom hand.
11) Start to reel immediately to gather up slack line and to get the spinner working. If the
angler is too slow in starting to reel the spinner may get stuck on the bottom.
After casting and once the lure lands on the water the slack line is quickly wound up to
have tension and full contact with the lure. Having a tight line is important to ensure that
the lure is working effectively and is moving in the way it has been designed to move. If
the river is very high after a flood the angler can wait for a few seconds to let the lure sink a
little to ensure the lure is ‘fishing’ near to the fish. In medium or low water heights it is
important to reel immediately to avoid the lure from getting stuck on the bed of the river
or lake.
Normally the lure is cast across or slightly upstream. It is not normal to cast the lure
downstream and reel back up against the current.
The speed of retrieve depends on how deep and fast the water is flowing. In slow water the
lure can be retrieved a little faster than in fast water when the lure needs to be retrieved
more slowly. If casting slightly upstream the lure needs to be wound quickly first until the
lure comes in line with you and then a slower retrieve is required after that. When reeling
the lure in keep the tip of the rod close to the water and pointing across the river to avoid
snagging the bank side vegetation.
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Getting Untangled/ Free from Snags on the Bottom of theRiver/Lake, or Overhanging Trees
There are a few tips and tricks used to get the lure unstuck, and these vary depending on
where the lure is stuck – in the bed of the river or in the surrounding vegetation.
If the lure is struck on the bottom of the river first try lifting the rod to see if it comes free.
If this does not work then do not keep tugging with the rod or the rod could be broken.
Try to work out what direction the lure was moving in when it got snagged and then walk
along the bank and try to pull the lure out from the opposite direction it went in. If these
two suggestions do not work then pull to break is the last resort. Wrap the line near the
reel around the arm (long sleeves required to not injure the arm). Turn away from the lure
and do not look at it. With the rod horizontal pull away and keep walking until either the
lure comes free or the leader breaks.
Once free please check the line by running the fingers along feeling for abrasion. If the
line is damaged then cut off the damaged portion and renew the leader. Please do not
discard any damaged line by the waterside. Also check that the hooks are still in good
condition and have not been bent by pulling free from the snag.
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If the lure gets stuck in the vegetation along the bank or an overhanging tree caution is
required when pulling the line. If the lure comes free when it is close to a person it may
spring back at speed and hit them or anyone else around. Avoid forceful tugging with the
rod, try wiggling the line with the tip of the rod to see if this will help it to come free. If
this does not work and the ‘’pull to break method’’ is required please ensure that the person
is not close to the lure when pulling. Use the drag on the reel to walk to a safe distance first
before wrapping the line around the arm and pulling to break. Always turn the face away
from the stuck lure before pulling.
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The rod manufacturer has two specific aims when making a fly rod. The first is to produce
the best possible means of casting; the second is to provide a sensitive spring to play the
fish firmly, but be able to respond to its sudden lunges without breaking the fine nylon of
the leader.
The action of the rod can be described as tip action, medium action, or through action. The
tip action rod bends mostly at the tip, the medium action rod from the middle to the tip
and the through action bends all the way to the butt. The medium action rod is best for
beginners.
Rod length is related to its fishing purpose. On this programme the double handed rod is
being used, and these rods are mostly used for salmon fishing. These rods are normally 11-
15 foot long and allow for ease of casting when casting a longer distance while salmon
fishing. The other type of fly rod is the single handed rod, and these rods are normally 7-11
foot long and can be used to fish for a wide variety of fish including; trout, salmon on
smaller rivers, sea trout, pike and bass.
The double handed rod has two handles for using both hands while casting, eyes along the
rod blank to thread the line through, and a reel seat to hold the fly reel.
Fly Rod, and Reel Explained
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Backing, Running Line, Fly Line, Tips, Tapered Leader andTippet Explained
Along the butt section of the fly rod there will be written information. This information
will inform the angler; how many sections the rod has, what weight of line is required to
load the rod properly, and the brand of the rod. The weight of line required to load the
rod is the most important information as a line that is too light for the rod will not load the
rod properly and a line that is too heavy will over load the rod and may cause the rod to
break.
The fly reel serves two purposes. The reel should hold 100 yards of backing, the running
line and the head/belly of line. However the reel must not be overfilled so that the line
rubs tight against the case of the reel. The weight of the filled reel should balance the rod.
If the outfit is not balanced, more effort will be required to cast. There are many brands,
prices and styles to choose from, but the beginner should look for one which is simple and
robust with a tightly fitting spool and adjustable drag. The drag should be set to allow line
to be pulled from the reel easily without causing the line to overrun and cause a tangle
inside the reel.
The reel should be filled to capacity as this reduces the number of turns of the spool
needed to wind in the line, which may be important when playing a fish. The backing line
is of course vital if the fish fights hard and swims further away then the length of the fly
line. There are various reel fittings on rods, but all should hold the reel tightly so that it
cannot fall off. Screw reel fittings are more secure.
Before the line is wound onto the reel the beginner should decide which hand he/she feels
more comfortable to use for winding.
The backing is the first line to be wound onto the fly reel and for a double handed reel this
should be approximately 100 yards. This line is used to fill up the spool and also to help
the angler if the fish runs a large distance away from the angler’s position when a fish is
being played. The backing will not be used for casting purposes. The backing is tied on
with an arbor knot and should be wound tightly onto the reel under a little pressure.
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The running line is approximately 100 feet and this is attached to the backing with a nail
knot or with a loop to loop connection. The running line is used when shooting line to
gain further distance and can be made from nylon or a coated nylon depending on the
angler’s preference.
The fly line is the main belly or body of the line and this is the line that is used to provide
the weight to load the rod when casting. This line is attached to the running line with a
loop to loop connection and for a beginner the floating version is the best line to purchase.
For the beginner it is recommended not to get a head length over 33 feet long. This line
needs to be the correct weight for the rod that it is being used on to balance the outfit.
At the end of the head there are two choices to make. If the conditions are such that only a
floating line is required, for example when the river is low then a tapered leader will be
added to the end with another loop to loop connection. If the conditions are such that a
sinking tip is required then a sinking tip needs to be added to the floating line by a loop to
loop connection and 6 foot of tippet on the end of this.
The tapered leader is usually made of monofilament and is fatter at the butt section which
attaches to the fly line. The leader tapers along its length, like a rat’s tail, to a fine point at
the end. This helps with fly line and leader turnover when casting.
The tippet which comes in different strengths is used at the end of a tapered leader if a
lighter point is required when using a small fly. The tippet is also used at the end of a
sinking tip.
The tapered leader and the tippet is used as an invisible link between the fly line/sinking
tip to were the fly is tied on so the fish cannot see the leader, and it also helps with
movement of the fly.
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There are many types and sizes of flies. On this programme three flies will be used. In the
photo there are three Cascade Flies tied in different ways. The double hook fly, the single
hook fly and the tube fly. The double hook fly gives a good hook up when playing a
salmon. The single hook fly is used mostly on catch and release rivers. The tube fly which
in this case is made from brass is used as added weight to get the fly down in the water if
the river is high after a flood.
Three types of Fly Explained
On this basic double handed casting programme three casts will be learned. The Roll Cast,
Double Spey Cast and Snap C Cast. It is very important that safety always comes first
therefore, it is important that the correct cast is used depending on the direction of the
wind.
The grip on the rod should be light and not too tight with the top hand holding the top
handle and the bottom hand holding the bottom handle. The feet should be slightly apart
and should be facing opposite the target. The line should be held under the index finger of
the top hand while casting.
The Roll Cast is not a fishing cast as it does not change direction well. This cast is used to
get out of trouble, to straighten the line before another cast is used to change direction, and
is used when using a sink tip or a heavy tube fly to get the line to the surface of the water
before the change of direction cast is used.
Using the correct Cast for Safety
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When a cast is performed a D Loop is made. It is important for safety thatthe D Loop is always blowing away from the caster.
When the wind is blowing downstream then the Double Spey Cast is used.When the wind is blowing upstream then the Snap C cast is used. There isan easy way to remember this. Downstream wind equals DownstreamArm at the top of the rod, and the name of the cast is Double Spey. Remember 3 D’s. If there is no D in it then it is the Snap C Cast that isrequired as the wind is blowing upstream.
If there is no wind then choose the preferred cast and change to practicethe casts while fishing.
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The Roll Cast is used as a safety cast to get the line straight before the change of direction
cast is performed. The Roll Cast is also used to bring a sinking tip or heavy fly back to the
surface before the change of direction cast is performed.
1) The rod tip starts low and the rod is pointing downstream.
2) The rod tip is lifted slightly and then moved to the side ‘cutting the trees with the tip of
the rod’. This movement is quite slow as there is no back cast.
3) The rod is raised slowly to key position where the D Loop is formed, ‘up the banana’.
Make sure at this point that the bottom hand is not too far away from the body.
4) The caster looks for the line lying on the water which is called the ‘railway track’ and the
rod is cast forward aiming close to the track without crossing over the track.
5) The rod is cast forward by ‘flicking the mud off the stick’ and aiming high. The rod
should come to a stop on the forward cast.
6) The line should roll out above the water and not on the water.
The Double Spey Cast is used when the wind is blowing down the river. This cast must not
be used when the wind is blowing up the river as this could be dangerous. This cast is a
change of direction cast and sounds and looks more difficult than it is. The downstream
arm should be holding the top of the rod and the other hand placed on the bottom handle.
1) Start with feet pointing opposite the target and the rod tip pointing downstream and
close to the water (paint brush in paint tin) with the line on the dangle.
2) Lift the rod vertically and complete a ‘big slow rainbow’. Make sure the rainbow is
complete with the rod tip nearly touching the water on the upstream side of the caster and
that the fly is still downstream of the angler.
3) ‘Cut the trees’ horizontally with the rod tip.
4) ‘Climb the banana’ and pause for a very small amount of time to ensure the D Loop has
time to form.
5) Perform the forward cast by ‘flicking the mud off the stick’ with the rod coming to a stop
6) Follow the line back to the water with the tip of the rod for the follow through move
7) To add a little tempo to the cast remember to run the mouse as you are ‘cutting the
trees’. Remember; Rainbow, Trees Banana, Flick.
The Roll Cast, Double Spey Cast and The Snap C Cast
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The Snap C Cast is used when the wind is blowing up the river. This cast mustnot be used when the wind is blowing down the river as this could be dangerous. This cast is a change of direction cast. The upstream arm should be placed atthe top of the rod and the other hand on the bottom handle.
1) Start with feet pointing opposite the target and the rod tip pointingdownstream and close to the water (paint brush in paint tin) with the line on thedangle.2) Lift the rod to approximately 11 o’clock.3) Complete a swift large backwards C. Remember C stands for commitment. Ifthis move is too slow it will not work. Finish the C in the same position that therod started the cast.4) Keeping the rod horizontal ‘cut the trees and climb the banana’.5) Pause for a short time to let the D Loop form.6) Perform the forward cast by‘flicking the mud off the stick’ with the rodcoming to a stop.7) Follow the line back to the water to complete the follow through move.
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Fishing etiquette is a code of polite behaviour among members of the angling fraternity.
Here are a few important points to consider;
1) Carry your State Licence with you at all times if fishing for salmon or sea trout. If you
kill a fish then it must be tagged immediately and logged into the log card on the licence.
If you release the fish then this must also be logged on your log card before returning to
fishing.
2) Ensure that you are fishing on the correct beat (section of water) and that you know the
upper and lower boundaries. Do not stray onto other beats.
3) Never start fishing in front of any angler who is already on the water – downstream of
them. Always start fishing upstream of them and this applies to anglers on your bank of
the river and also to the other bank.
4) Never wade more than a third of the way across the river. Wade so as to create the
minimum possible disturbance.
5) Never cast back towards your own bank.
6) Never ‘hog’ a lie on the water. Take a cast and then take a step or two downstream
before the next cast is made. By doing this, rods from both banks will be able to fish in
harmony.
7) Do not continue to fish in the proximity of an angler who has hooked and is playing a
fish.
8) Keep well away from the bank of the river when not fishing. In this way, you will not
disturb the fish or any angler already on the river.
9) Return all coloured salmon.
10) Return all kelts.
11) Practice Catch and Release if possible to protect the fish for future generations.
Fishing Etiquette on Rivers
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All equipment costs money and should be treated with care and respect. Please ensure to
keep all rods in the bags/tubes that they came in and wipe down with a soft cloth to clean.
Do not store wet rods in the tubes. Reels should be kept clean from grit and dirt when in
use by carefully placing the rod on a grassy area if possible. Fly reels should also be
oiled/greased each year. Fly lines should be cleaned twice a year with a fly line cleaner that
you can purchase from any tackle shop. Lines should never be left in direct sunlight as they
may melt. Never leave waders in the car wet, hang up to dry before storing in the mesh bag
they came in. Also be careful that the small tackle boxes holding flies, spinners etc do not
get stored in a wet condition or they will rust. Take home and air out after use.
Equipment Care
Perfect Practice makes PerfectIt is important to realise that the only way to improve is to practice what has been learned.
Below is a log card for you to fill out as you practice. Aim to practice three times per week
for 30/60 minutes per session. I have left a comment box for you to record your success
and difficulties. Practice with the spinning rod and fly rod. Also practice assembly of all
equipment including know tying. Enjoy your practice time.
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Date/time Location Activity Comments
Practice Log