Three years and 9 days ,( give or take a month or 2) . I did away with the spinning reel on the long rod,and replaced it with a float reel. As I started to type this,I started laughing at myself. (why I dont laugh at those that are first timers, I know they will go through their own trials and tribulations) I thought it would be so easy. Just head out and start fishing. Pull on the line,whipping the rod bobs your uncle. NOT
My first outing was late fall,well more like December,-15. Reels full of braid. Not sure where I read to use braid,but hey.I was stoked about getting out with my first set up,I didnt care. I was warned,but who are you to tell me. Ok,lesson was learned fast. 15 minutes in and Im all iced up. Braid was full of ice and I was frozen and pissed off. Nice start to pinning eh
After a few outings,in more favorable weather and watching a fella for an hour and having Bill M make a trip down with me,I got the hang of the side cast. I was very happy I was able to float my way to catch some fish. Still remember my first.
I got line twists alot though and had discussions on how to prevent this. The Wallis cast was mentioned. So I did some youtube searching.The swivel suggestion came up as well and I went with that.( wallis cast looked a bit confusing to me) I found this triple barrel swivel,it worked, for awhile. I was getting no line twist , but after a few outings,it was back.
I tried on many occasions to give the wallis cast a try. I just couldnt get it. Maybe I was in a rush to get the hang of it. I knew it was all about timing.
I had the past 9 days to fish. I said to myself,you are going to get this.
I tried and tried,but I just couldnt get it.
Day 3 I was getting there. Well sorta. Day 4 better,but not there yet.Day 5 and 6,pretty much there but just not natural yet.
Then came the 7th day. Lucky 7 . I slowed myself down and just let it happen. Light pull,hand to the side and the line flowed. Reel in and do it again. Same result. Timing and not thinking about it was the key. I caught myself doing a side cast the odd time. I would quickly reel up the line and re cast.Need to get that out of my head.
The Wallis cast.
Yes I conquered it.
This may not seem like a historic completion to some,but it,s a hell of a great feeling to this old dog that learned a new trick.Finally.
I dont give lessons.