Analysis of different cast types may reveal aspects not recognised before, as well as prevalent differences and similarities. I will start with an analysis and observations on a “normal” horizontal cast’s footage kindly received from Graeme.
Anyone is welcome to add their own analysis to the thread. Workload allowing, I am also available to analyse usable footage anyone may choose to share with me. If you have footage to share, please PM me if you don’t yet have my private email address. A wish list for footage:
- An even as possible background, contrasting with the colour of the fly line used. Graeme’s method works well, using a dark wall as a background and casting a light-coloured fly line in the sunshine.
- Markers on the fly line, at same intervals (every 1m works fine), in a colour contrasting with that of the line. Without markers, it is not possible to track points on the line (other than line end and fly) and analysis will be limited.
- If possible, a leader which is visible against the background will be great.
- It would be great if some form of regular horizontal intervals could be part of or placed against the background, to aid in correcting the distortion that affordable equipment is likely to produce.
- Keep full cast extension in the visible frame as far as possible.
- Focus as sharp as possible.
- Slow-motion footage (preferably at least 240 fps) at a resolution as high as possible.
- Footage must please be as “raw” as possible, i.e. not compressed and thereby skipping or repeating frames.
- Footage should be taken with a sturdily mounted camera in order to be able to track motion at all, as well as to limit camera shake. Also, the camera should preferably be mounted plumb to help distinguish up from down.