High Speed Video of Ultralight Spin Casting

The high speed video shows author, instructor and avid angler Joe Robinson demonstrating three styles of advanced casting techniques for ultralight spin fishing. Slowed down to 1/17 of real speed, the videos can clearly show the complicated dynamics of the flip, snap and fer de lance casts. For more information about these casts or about Joe Robinson's book, see http://piscatorialabsurdities.com/

The rod that Joe uses for this video is a custom-built ultralight spinning rod made from the top of a 2wt fly rod blank. These casting styles require a "slow" rod with a deep, gentle bend. He is casting a 1/16th ounce casting dummy on 2.3lbs line (actually 7x tippet material). With this setup, Joe consistently casts 40-50ft with incredible accuracy.

Special thanks to National Instruments for use of the video hardware.
Copyright Ben Black and Joe Robinson

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• high
• speed
• ultralight
• spin
• fishing
• cast
• piscatorial
• absurdities
• joe
• robinson

[andrewmtreat]

Is that type of reel still available today? I find this fascinating. I want to build my own rig!!!

[bblack7489]

@andrewmtreat There are a few really high-end models that offer bail-less options. I've found (and this is what Joe does as well) that a dremel and some emory cloth do a really fine job of getting rid of the bail. I prefer some of the older all-metal reels like the Mitchell 308 and the Alcedo Mircon because they're basically bullet proof, but with a little determination you can take the bail off of almost any reel out there.

[andrewmtreat]

Does that reel have a bail? If not, why is that advantageous?

[bblack7489]

@andrewmtreat...very observant to notice that his reel doesn't have a bail. There are a lot of reasons for that, but essentially it comes down to control and line management. Without a bail, you slow the line and stop it using your finger which makes your cast and presentation more accurate. Also, if you rely on the bail to stop the line, the closing action pushes slack into the line. That in turn can create a loop that will lead to a birds nest which is devastating in such small line.

[bblack7489]

Good questions. I updated the description to include a little more information.

[1gnatz]

This is brilliant! Thank you so much for posting this.

[coolrivertx]

I don't think there really is a maximum distance, but most casts seem to be 40 feet or less. The rod was a custom St. Croix Avid series fly rod blank (6' #3) built as a spinning rod, with an antique Alcedo Micron, Orvis 50A, or a Cargem Mignon. Joe fills the spool with 12# backing, and tops that off with 7X fly fishing tippet (currently using Stroft). I believe he was using a 1/16 ounce practice plug in the video. Temple Fork has recently released a 6' Spin/Fly combo rod that works great!

[munozafa]

I love it!

[munozafa]

Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[prophetnoir]

Great video. What sort of distance can be expected using these techniques? Can you please give the specifications of the rod, reel, line and lure used to demonstrate these casts?