I'll bet this is the week for Cuttyhunk

[decksweeper]

wow...pretty sure I suck at casting after reading this....

[redlite]

Originally Posted by decksweeper

wow...pretty sure I suck at casting after reading this....

YOU do.......I'm such a nitemare that no one can stand on my right side when I cast.........based upon Numbie's description I am a testament to the casting durability of an Arra 1205....

Cutty has been so dead this year with water temps warmer than I can ever remember in my 7 years going out there on a regular basis, that I fear it is just not gonna happen this year.........Was amazing how many skilled and able fishermen were over there this fall with no results......And the weather ain't helpin a whole hell of a lot.

[Fish_Eye]

Here are three photos taken many years ago when a 3.32 mega pixel camera ruled.

The first image shows the rod fully loaded as Ron performs an "off the beach cast." This is the perfect cast to illustrate the full loading of the rod because the friction of pulling the plug (normally a cast done with chunk bait to prevent it from ripping off the hook) across the sand pre-loads the rod. Then Ron pulls down with his left hand as he pushes out with his right (think fulcrum). Notice his legs are should width apart and he is transferring his weight from his back leg to his front.

The second shot shows Ron making a simple overhead cast. The lure is dropped to around the first collecting guide and then with the same stance as the off the beach cast, he transfers his weight while punching through the cast. I'm sure Ron can do a more detailed and step by step explanation, but the photo show exactly what numbskull was talking about when he suggested the need to fully load the cast well before you approach the 'release' phase of the cast.

Finally, this image shows the proper form when the rod releases all the pent up energy and sends your needlefish into the stratesphere...especially if you didn't use a shock leader.

Hope this helps.