My wife

[Vinny]

Asked me the other night “how do you know when the line/rod wants to change direction especially being we’re fishing in the dark and you’re letting more line out each time to you go back and forth”?
We were fishing the bridges at night, after Jude hooked/landed several Stripers on her spinner she sat and watched me cast. So usually where we were I’ll pick up say 25-30’ back cast shooting some line if possible, then forward where ill shoot line then last back cast where I’ll shoot again before initiating my delivery 60-90’. Sometimes I just pickup and delivery without false casting but that’s obviously subject to how far I’m throwing.
Back to Jude’s question, how does one know when the line is ready to change direction?
I couldn’t answer it, she laughed and said first time since 1978 you don’t have an answer
Thoughts?

[rusty]

Bait, lead and dry cleaning…

—-Perhaps it isn’t when a line change is going to happen but, that change is okay with the line? Or, that we must base fundamentals on the latest euro jig.

As always,
Microwavable

[Vinny]

Sorry Rusty but I have no idea what that means.

[rusty]

Some half & half supplies for a fly I’ve always wanted to learn?

[Graeme H]

For me, it's an experience thing. I estimate when I need to initiate my forward or back cast based on what it normally takes.

Could I have done that as a beginner? No.

Could I explain it to someone who hasn't done it? No.

I guess the cues are based on the sound of the line, the feel of tension in the rod/line, the "symmetry" of timing for the front and back casts. But no, I couldn't have explained it to your wife either ...

And no, I can't explain Rusty's answer. Maybe he will explain.

Cheers,
Graeme

[VGB]

I think that being able to provide acceptable answers to your wife for over 45 years is one of the greatest pieces of evidence underpinning Predictive Coding Theory known to man.

Nevertheless, the Perception Action cycle provides error information about the outcome of a action based prediction which is used to update the mental models stored by the predictive brain and used to improve future predictions. Should all of this seem too complex, you could tell her that you have a feely blanket and can improve your chances by buying a better rod.

Maybe…….

[Paul Arden]

Yes I feel the tension change. We had a topic on this recently actually.

Cheers, Paul

[Paul Arden]

Does anyone else find that they subconsciously slip line at loop straight to soften the impact on the rod tip?

[VGB]

How do you know what you are doing subconsciously Paul?

[Paul Arden]

Because I have to consciously stop myself when throwing comp distance.