Lesson 2
Compromised Casts and Adjusted Stop-Points
For those of you who have not taken the skill-honing exercise in Lesson 1 to the local park or backyard — this is Lesson 2 of that skill-builder exercise.
We’ve discussed how important finding the Key Position is, and how discovering it contributes to that “perfect cast” feeling. However, you may be wondering, “why don’t we just cast to that sweet spot [middle-plate distance] every time?”
As you noticed in the last exercise, the middle plate had the “most comfortable” casting distance of all 3 of the plates. This was where the rod-length and line-length were optimized most by the stop-point position. Meaning the line [at this distance] was able to demonstrate the best turnover allowing for a fly first cast. This distance would be described as The Key Position Distance.
Change the casting distance from your target, and The Key Position [stop-point] will change. It’s only when casting to the most comfortable [middle plate] distance when an "optimized" cast can be made.
Every cast has a Key Position. Both near and far targets have a stop-point that allows the angler "to find" this desired "aerial target." The Key Position Distance [the measurable distance] is undoubtably decided by the line and rod-length in relation to an angler's actual distance away from his or her target. It’s at this crossroads where The Key Position Distance and the Key Position stop-point can be "found." Short-range and long-range casting distances provide ‘their version’ of The Key Position, but without this crossroads equation, the "comfortable" Key Position Distance and Key Position stop-point cannot be achieved.
Uncomfortable Key Position distances [the near range plate and the far range plate] could be described as Compromised Casts. Compromised casts or compromised casting distances require a “stop point” other than the comfortable Key Position stop-point to meet their target. The compromised cast is usually the result of some environmental factor such as; tree limbs, heavy brush, boulders, fast or non-wadable water, or the need to remain stationary [so as not] to spook holding or rising fish. These obstacles and other factors hinder the casting motion [just enough] for the comfortable Key Position to not be obtained.
Compromised Key Positions may be reached using Adjusted stop-points (a.k.a adjusted-stops). This would require the angler make a cast “less than optimized,” then reach the desired casting location by either dead drifting, or by some other line or fly manipulated means (i.e. Terminal Mends see lesson 3 for more on Terminal Mends).
While compromised casts are not optimal for line energy transfer, they are a frequent and large part of 'the adjustments' an angler must make to reach their preferred casting location in certain situations. There is only 1 “comfortable” Key Position Distance. The anglers’ stance (or positioning on the river) will greatly impact whether this “fully optimized” aerial stop-point may be met. Otherwise, some change in the stop-point (an adjusted-stop) will need to be used to reach the desired casting location.
Note: There’s nothing wrong with these less than optimal casting distances, only that the use of an adjusted-stop will be needed to help meet the expectation or intention of the cast.
Skill-honing: Place [all 3] plates at a Key Position Distance. One plate may be located directly in front of you with the other two plates flanking (8-10ft. apart) on either side. You may need to adjust the “flanking plates” closer to you for an [optimal] target + line-length distance. Pick a casting location where The Key Position Distance works for all 3 plates. Cast to each plate searching for [that perfect] Key Position stop-point. Next, move the plates either closer or further away and continue searching for the Adjusted Stop-Point or the adjusted-stop.