Rick Hartman - Welcome!!

[John Finn]

Hey Rick, After many years fishing I have finally got around to improving my cast. It's going to be a long hard process of undoing years of ingrained faults. Was happy enough until I found this site . Now the neighbours are looking at me fishing in the driveway in the middle of Winter. It's the best time to make changes as when I see rising fish all good intentions go out the window .
What I find interesting now is that there is more than one way to make a tight loop. Have been messing around with Italian style casting and you seem to be describing another technique. Would I be right in saying what happens during the end of the stroke is what really determines the tightness of the loop ?................John

[Lee Cummings]

Lee, I have been weight training for sports (football, track and fitness) for much of my life. Now I help my daughters for their sports doing the same. I am studied in every type of weight training from bodybuilding to plain old fitness and weight loss. I have not used weightlifting to specifically target casting, but I don't feel time spent lifting has hurt as far as casting is concerned. I personally feel that martial arts training would be very helpful to casting, but sadly never took it that far. Never to late. I don't know if that touched on your question, but would be glad to elaborate more on my own programs if interested.

Thank you Rick, keep up the good work...!

Best Regards

[Walter]

Hey Rick, thanks for coming out!

Some questions:

What do you look for in a rod and line for distance casting and why? Feel free to name names if you like.

How does this differ from what you would choose in equipment for fishing?

Since Lee brought up the subject of weight training - what are your thoughts about steroid abuse at the world fly casting championships?

And speaking of the world fly casting championships, do you think they should have a senior's category to give Paul a chance?

[Paul Arden]

Hi Steve, I had alligator gar in Louisiana - I think on Clousers but my memory in these things is not the best. I'll find out when I'm back over the weekend. I'm heading down the lake with Ash for a couple of days so I can think up some difficult questions to ask Rick. Back Friday night - have fun

[easterncaster]

Hi Rick,

I'm curious about your casting grip:
- what is it?
- has it too changed over time?
- different grips for different rod wgts?

etc..

Thanks!
Craig

[Rick Hartman]

Hello Paul, don't know if I am in good enough casting form to compete at that level right now, I need to start taking it seriously again. I would very much enjoy meeting all the people involved at the championships, most of best friends I have made over the last 20 years have been involved in casting. I think the best part about guiding is just everyone is happy to see you, and usually you are going to give them one of most fun days they have had in a while.

[Rick Hartman]

Hey Rick, After many years fishing I have finally got around to improving my cast. It's going to be a long hard process of undoing years of ingrained faults. Was happy enough until I found this site . Now the neighbours are looking at me fishing in the driveway in the middle of Winter. It's the best time to make changes as when I see rising fish all good intentions go out the window .
What I find interesting now is that there is more than one way to make a tight loop. Have been messing around with Italian style casting and you seem to be describing another technique. Would I be right in saying what happens during the end of the stroke is what really determines the tightness of the loop ?................John

John, its a fun ride when you decide to start working on your cast simply for the sake of flycasting. You have found a wealth of knowledge on this board. I have had the luxury of meeting some of the casters on this board, and they are damn good. I will tread lightly here as not to start a long drawn out process, but technically speaking there is really not more than one way to create a tight loop as far as the rod is concerned. Body, yes. I am not going to open a can or worms with loop shape in regards to end of your stroke, or the stop. Its safe to say that the leading edge of your loop is defined by your stop or the end of your stroke. Thats a fairly safe answer, but again in this game, all can be picked apart.

Rick

[petevicar]

Hi Rick
I once had a trip to South Padre Island and fished for reds in Laguna Madre. Is that where you are based?

It is a few years ago now.
On the way from the airport to the hotel there was an incredible storm and when I finally got there there was no power.
The next day was calmer but the water was very muddy.
We fished from strange shaped boats not like a normal skiff. My guide would get out of the boat and push or pull in on occasion. Unfortunately when he poled the boat it was going down wind, he tried to stop the boat with the push pole. The pole broke and he fell off the platform, cracking his ribs. That was the end to my first day fishing there.
However over the next few days the weather improved, I found another guide and managed to catch some fish.

My memories of fishing South Texas.

Pete

[Rick Hartman]

Hey Rick, thanks for coming out!

Some questions:

What do you look for in a rod and line for distance casting and why? Feel free to name names if you like.

How does this differ from what you would choose in equipment for fishing?

Since Lee brought up the subject of weight training - what are your thoughts about steroid abuse at the world fly casting championships?

And speaking of the world fly casting championships, do you think they should have a senior's category to give Paul a chance?

Hello Walter for distance casting the rod is a large factor, but for me, the line is a larger factor. I prefer a line with a longer head and front taper and smaller diameter running line. For fishing, since I am casting much shorter distances and need to throw at a moments notice. I prefer to over line my rods by one weight so that they load quickly with less line out, for a quick shoot. For fishing, I prefer rods that are less stiff, (slower recovery). Hell yes, I am all about steroids in casting, lets make it a freak show, especially for the women, LOL. I assume the question was a joke. Speaking of steroids, I am a little concerned about the size of Pauls biceps lately in preparation for the seniors division, but I don't think he can win. He doesn't take enough viagra to keep the tip up.

[Rick Hartman]

Hi Rick
I once had a trip to South Padre Island and fished for reds in Laguna Madre. Is that where you are based?

It is a few years ago now.
On the way from the airport to the hotel there was an incredible storm and when I finally got there there was no power.
The next day was calmer but the water was very muddy.
We fished from strange shaped boats not like a normal skiff. My guide would get out of the boat and push or pull in on occasion. Unfortunately when he poled the boat it was going down wind, he tried to stop the boat with the push pole. The pole broke and he fell off the platform, cracking his ribs. That was the end to my first day fishing there.
However over the next few days the weather improved, I found another guide and managed to catch some fish.

My memories of fishing South Texas.

Pete

Hello Pete, great to hear from you , its been a while. Yes, South Padre Island is where I am based out of. I am sorry to hear about your experience. If you fished from a strange shaped boat, you might have found the wrong guide. We use traditional skiffs down here for flyfishing. There are a couple of full time fly guides down here, myself, and Eric Glass.
Weather here can be a bit tricky. What time of year did you come down?