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NCC-TU National Angling Show was a few weekends back - but was well worth attending. The program was full of good seminars, there were plenty of vendors on hand, and, most important, there were a number of TU chapters set up and they were more than willing to provide some recommendations.
I started the day by attending DustyWissmath's "Getting Started" class. Ah-hah! He solved my key issue with my cast as he discussed the proper techniques. Key points he made:
- Throw the line
- Flip the rod out and accelerate to a stop by closing the 45 degree angle you rod should form with your arm at the top of the backcast
- Start with your arm against your waist
- Opening and closing the angle of the rod gives you the power
- Point your elbow at the target for a good roll cast
- Relax your upper arm
- Start the cast low by peeling the line off the water
- You can get the slack out of your line by using a roll cast
And a number of other things I wrote down but can't decipher. My problem that he solved was how I held the rod and the angle it formed with my arm on the back and forecasts. I proved that the advice was good on the last two trips up to the Patuxent; things are working much better for me than when I practiced.
I also attended CD Clarke's class on Spey Casting. This is a pretty cool technique. Spey typically involves a two handed rod, but he showed me how to do the same stuff on my regular rod. I learned how to do a 'Snap T' to reposition the line and got personal instruction on the roll cast on steriods that is the Spey technique. Well worth the cost of the class. There were only two of us there, so it was like having a private lesson.
I attended another presentation on small flies as well. In addition to a broad speaking program, there was fly tying, casting demos, other clinics, rod swaps, and great conversation.
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Dusty Wissmath squares us away
I also wandered around the booths and chatted with the vendors. Most were guides from PA. This took me back. I would have expected guides who specialized in VA and MD, not PA. When I discussed this with them, it became very clear to me that there is a whole new world of fishing up in PA. Their waters are as close to DC as the North Branch. Dang. Looks like I need to buy a PA license and start working my way north.
I liked "Tom's Fly Fishing Service", Mike Heck's Trout Guides, and the Savage River Outfitters. All seemed to have a broad selection of services. Prices ranged from the bargain of $277 for a one night/one day (includes lodging) from Mike to $195 at Tom's for a day. I forgot to write down what Savage charges. Savage is more than a guide service - it has houses, will do float trips and has broad area coverage. Tom and Mike focus on the Big Spring, Juanita River, Spring Creek and other PA destinations.
If you missed the show this year, you should look for it next year. It was a well run event, highly organized with all the right info to get you going. |
