Highlights from Derek Brown's Speycasting Master Class Updated 5 October 1999

Derek Brown is without a doubt the best instructor in the art of Spey Casting in the world. Anyone who is interested in Spey casting should avail themselves of Derek's excellent video and if given a chance should attend one of his classes. Derek can cut years off the learning curve. I have studied with many different instructors all over the world and none of them had the ability to expose just the right detail of the cast at the right moment to improve my abilities, until Derek.

I want to expose a few of the high points of the class.
TENSION The more tension in the line the easier and more powerful the cast will be. There can be no break points during a cast, except for the setup of a double, or the tension will be reduced. From the beginning of the cast the tension on the line in increased and the loop gets higher and higher until the release point at which time the line explodes out of the water and across the river. The speed at which the tension is produced can be fast or slow depending on the rod but the speed MUST be consistent. There is no speed change during a cast since any change will affect the tension of the line.

RADIUS The larger the radius described by the rod the greater the tension. In order to maximize the radius you must get the rod far away from vertical during the casting movements.The rod must come down during the beginning of the side casts such that the rod tip is as far away from the caster as possible.

PISTON The hands must deliver the power stroke straight out from the body, never down or to the side. Stand proud and extend your back and push from your feet up your back out your shoulder straight to the target.

OPEN YOUR STANCE Stand with one shoulder or the other pointing at the target so that at launch time your upper arm is able to move as far back as possible, just behind your ear. If you cast across the body you MUST do this to allow the hand to travel the distance required to make a good stroke. The weight shift brought on by your hip movement must not be sacrificed when realigning your stance.

PRACTICE All this can be done on the grass, use the entire 40 yards for practice as shorter line length reduces tension and make practice difficult.
Email

Back to Steelhead Anglers home page