Tailing Loops and Wind Knots

Tailing loops and wind knots are the curse of the fly angler but what causes them?

Being early season I have been spending a lot of time on the bank with guests wanting to “tune up” their casting techniques and one comment I have been getting on numerous occasions is “after a couple of hours of fishing, knots appear in my leader and I don’t know why”.

Wind knots are not generally caused by wind but by poor casting technique…..but then who is going to admit they suffer with poor casting knots?! So what is causing these poor casting kn…..I mean wind knots?

With ever progressing tackle technology comes the promise of casting further with the latest product, true some rods and lines will cast further than others but only with the correct technique. This greater “distance casting product” promise seems to change the mindset of the angler once in the hand, then in turn the angler puts a bit more “oomph” into their cast to really get the most out of their latest purchase.

Herein lies the problem. With the extra/incorrect power application comes the tailing loop quickly followed by a generous helping of wind knots.

Applying power aggressively at the start of each casting stroke causes the rod tip to buckle and dip, this makes the fly line pass under itself instead of unrolling over itself and then causing knots in the leader. Another cause can be the casting stroke not being long enough in relation to the length of aerialised line.

Distance casting will only come with the application of “smooth power” and with good timing, all of which need practice.

To help, when you make a forward cast, start the stroke by purely dropping your elbow, this in turn will pull your hand forward and make the cast for you. Try to keep your hand passive and not to push the rod with your hand too much but think more about pulling the rod tip from behind you into the forward cast, this in turn should really smooth out the casting stroke and improve your loop. You must however raise the elbow into the back cast so that you can drop it in the forward cast. Give it a go next time you are out with a rod and think “smooth power” as you cast, no jerky, snatching movements!

It’s hard to put this down in words but I will try doing a video at some point to demonstrate this technique more clearly, until then happy casting!

April 26, 2015April 26, 2015

Coarse Fish On The Fly.

Neil Keep Fly Fishing in association with

Coarse Fish On The Fly – 1 day Fly Fishing Course

Sunday 5th July 2015 from 9.30a.m. To 4.30p.m.

At Burton Springs Fishery, Burton, Bridgwater, Somerset.TA5 1QB.

Fly fishing for coarse species is a great alternative during the hot summer months when the trout fishing becomes hard, join us to discover and learn this exciting avenue of fly fishing and find out all the tactics and methods used when targeting coarse fish on the fly.

The course will cover:

* Fly fishing tackle used and setting it up including the use of floating and sinking lines.

* Species to target including carp, bream, tench, perch, roach, rudd etc.

* Different flies used from natural imitations to attractor patterns.

* Different fishing methods and tactics used.

* Playing and landing fish.

* Fish welfare when catch and release fishing.

Included for the day will be:

* All tuition with qualified instructors.

* Use of all equipment if required.

* Fishing permit.

* Tea or Coffee throughout the day.

Cost for the course is £60.00 per person payable in advance to secure a place.

All you need to provide for the day is a valid Environment Agency rod license which can be purchased online or purchased from a post office and any food you require, although the fishery does offer a selection of sandwiches etc. but these would need to be ordered on your arrival.

Also please bring clothing to suit any weather eventuality, a hat and some form of eye wear, Polaroid’s or similar if you have any.

If you would like any further information or to book a place, please do not hesitate to contact Neil on 01761 472656 (evenings are best) or by email at enquiries@neilkeepflyfishing.co.uk

February 8, 2015February 8, 2015

Beginners Fly Fishing Day.

Beginners 1 day Stillwater Fly Fishing Course

Sunday 19th April 2015 from 9.30a.m. To 4.30p.m.

At Burton Springs Fishery, Burton, Bridgwater, Somerset.TA5 1QB.

This fun filled beginners fly fishing day is aimed at beginners wanting to give fly fishing a try for the first time or improvers who want to brush up on some core skills.

The course will cover:

Fly fishing tackle and setting it up.

The roll cast and overhead fly cast with safety awareness.

Basic entomology and fly selection.

Some basic knots used in fly fishing.

Fly fishing techniques.

Playing and landing fish.

Fish welfare when catch and release fishing.

Included for the day will be:

All tuition with qualified instructors.

Use of all equipment for the day if required.

Fishing permit for the day.

Tea or Coffee throughout the day.

All you need to provide for the day is an Environment Agency rod license which can be purchased online or purchased from a post office and any food you require, although the fishery does offer a selection of sandwiches etc. but these would need to be ordered on your arrival.

Also please bring clothing to suit any weather eventuality, a hat and some form of eye wear, Polaroid’s or similar if you have any.

Cost for the day is £75.00 per person payable in advance to secure a place.

If you would like any further information or to book a place, please do not hesitate to contact Neil on 01761 472656 (evenings are best) or by email at enquiries@neilkeepflyfishing.co.uk

January 10, 2015January 16, 2015

Pike Leaders

As the waters are up and coloured at the moment, tying up some new pike leaders is the order of the day.

I have been using the Partridge Pike Tech leader wire which is manufactured from nylon coated 19 strand stainless steel wire. The wire is very flexible, kink resistant and easy to knot which makes things easy when it comes to attaching it to the end of a tapered leader at one end and to a snap link it at the other.

For those of you that don’t fancy making your own leaders, Partridge produce Pike Tech ready tied leaders with a loop for a simple connection to the loop on the end of your fly line, perfect for a bit of winter piking!