EFFA Certified Double Hand Instructor - Underhand Technique
General
Test:
The Two-Handed Casting Instructor Performance Test is to be conducted on water. The test may be done on still or moving water. In still water those tasks noted must be cast from off-shoulder or opposite hand. On moving water those tasks noted must be cast from the bank noted. For all other tasks the caster can choose the bank or rod-hand as noted.
Whenever possible the test should be done in a water depth of around 30 cm. If there is no possibility for that it might be done from a platform, too. If this is the case the platform must not be more than 30cm above the water surface.
Terms:
The candidate has to perform all casts with ease and proficiency. The casts are expected to be formed smoothly with straight anchor placements and have well formed forward loops that unroll completely, straightening the line and the leader. The verbal descriptions are to be clear and simple providing concise instruction. The examiner has the option to allow the candidates up to three attempts for each performance task. All limits in the performance test have to be mastered.
When performing casts where the anchor point is important, the fly must not anchor behind the casters position at the point of making the forward delivery and the forward cast must unroll smoothly above the water.
Exceptions: Ladies: 10% minus in length on casts exceeding 30 m.
Instructor test - tackle requirements
General:
The candidate is responsible for his equipment and correctly marked lines for the exam.
Rod:
The maximum rod length is 4,6 meters. The candidate is required to perform all the tasks with one rod. Custom build rods are not allowed.
Lines:
A floating and a sinking shooting head of the casters choice, minimum length 10 m, maximum length 14 m.
The sinking line requires a type 3 sink rate. Multiple density lines are only allowed, if the tip part has at least a type 3 sink rate and belly is not floating.
Leader: minimum length 3 m, maximum length 6 m.
Fly: well visible fly yarn, min. 5 cm in length.
Fly line marks:
The candidate should mark his/her lines at 33.5, 32, 30 and 25 meters distance from the fly with black water resistant color. The marks should be 10 cm in length. Only the four mentioned distance marks are allowed. If the total lengths of the two shooting heads (including leader) differ, the candidate has to make sure that during the test no time is wasted to change the line/running line combinations. It is suggested to use a reel with two spools each of them filled with a shooting head/running line combination (FL and S) with the correct distance marks.
Important information
Test cast:
The candidate is allowed to perform a test cast prior to starting his 3(three) attempts. This test cast does not count for the exam.
False cast:
Except anything else is demanded one false cast is allowed for all distances (especially overhead casts with a change of direction). A false cast consists of a back cast and a forward cast.
Distance measurements:
The appropriate line mark has to be out of the reel after the cast when the rod tip had been brought down towards the water. Fly line and leader should be straightened. Only these distance casts will be counted. All casts during the test require the fly to land in front of the leader and the leader to land in front of the fly line. During the test well controlled and narrow loops have to be demonstrated, except something else is demanded!
No names of casts:
In the Underhand Technique names of casts do not exist. The principle allows many combinations of casts and presentations once it is understood. So in this certification program you will find no names of casts but only instructions where to place the fly.
What does (0-45, 32) mean?
The cast has to be started with a given line length from a position downstream of the caster parallel to the bank(= 0). The fly has to be picked up and presented to a target 45 degrees downstream and shot to at least 32 m.
Practical Part
UNDERHAND TECHNIQUE PERFORMANCE TEST
Casting from the right or left bank.
1. Overhead Cast shooting line straight forward – min. 33.5 meters. (0-0; 33.5)
2. Overhead Cast from opposite hand or off-shoulder shooting line straight forward – min. 33.5 meters. (0-0; 33.5)
3. Overhead Cast (one back cast allowed) with the change of direction (30 degrees or greater) shooting line - min. 32. meters. (0-30; 32,0)
4. Overhead Cast (one back cast allowed) with the change of direction (30 degrees or greater) from opposite and or off-shoulder shooting line - min. 30 meters. (0-30; 30)
5. Dead line Underhand Cast (shooting line allowed) straight forward – min. 25 meters. (0-0; 25)
6. Dead line Underhand Cast (shooting line allowed) from opposite hand or off-shoulder straight forward – min. 25 meters. (0-0; 25)
7. Underhand Cast shooting line straight forward – min. 33.5 meters. (0-0; 33.5)
8. Underhand Cast from opposite hand or off-shoulder shooting line straight forward – min. 32 meters. (0-0; 32)
Casting from the right bank.
9. Show two different ways how to change direction (0-45°) and shoot line to min. 32 meters. (0-45; 32)
(The fly must not anchor behind the caster's position at the point of making the forward delivery cast.)
From the right bank; or off-shoulder / or opposite hand.
10. Show two different ways how to change direction 90 degrees or more, shooting line to min. 32 meters. (0-90; 32)
(The fly must not anchor behind the caster's position at the point of making the forward delivery cast.)
From the right bank; or off-shoulder / or opposite hand.
Casting from the left bank.
11. Show two different ways how to change direction (0-45°) and shoot line to min. 32 meters. (0-45; 32)
(The fly must not anchor behind the caster's position at the point of making the forward delivery cast.)
From the left bank; or off-shoulder / or opposite hand.
12. Show two different ways how to change direction 90 degrees or more, shooting line to 32 meters. (0-90; 32)
(The fly must not anchor behind the caster's position at the point of making the forward delivery cast.)
From the left bank; or off-shoulder / or opposite hand.
Casting with sinking line (either bank).
13. Show two different ways how to change direction of 45° or more and shoot line to min. 30 meters. (0-45; 30)
CASTING INSTRUCTION TESTING
Line minimum length 10 meters from tip (leader not included). The examiner asks the candidate to show a wanted cast or he cast to a certain position in a certain way. The candidate has to explain in which situation such a cast is used and how it is taught. The proper form has to be explained and the instruction has to be clear and concise.
1. Explain and demonstrate a forward dead line Underhand Cast(0-0).
2. Explain and demonstrate forward overhead casts(0-0) with wide loops and narrow loops on command.
3. Explain and demonstrate an off-shoulder forward overhead cast(0-0).
4. Explain and demonstrate a forward overhead cast from opposite hand(0-0).
5. Explain and demonstrate how to change direction with an overhead cast.
6. Explain and demonstrate mending techniques.
7. Explain and demonstrate a forward Underhand Cast showing a “D” loop behind you(0-0).
8. Explain and demonstrate a forward Underhand Cast showing a “V” loop behind you(0-0).
9. Demonstrate two ways of how to change direction to a target 45 and 90 degrees from the pick up position(0-45;0- 90). Explain the principles of these casts.
10. Explain and demonstrate an off-shoulder Underhand cast(0-45).
11. Explain and demonstrate an Underhand cast with the opposite hand(0-45).
12. Explain and demonstrate the difference when casting with very little backspace behind the caster, and a lot of backspace behind.
13. Explain and demonstrate how to shoot line. When is the proper time to release the line?
14. Explain and demonstrate what is needed to perform a successful cast with an intermediate or sinking line (or sink tip).
15. Explain and demonstrate the relationship between the length of the line carried and the casting stroke length.
16. Explain and demonstrate incorrect anchor points resulting in crossed lines.
17. Explain and demonstrate an Underhand Cast with a slack or piled anchor point.
18. Demonstrate improper anchoring resulting in a curved anchor placement. Explain main reasons why it happens.
19. Explain and demonstrate a tailing loop with an Overhead cast on command.
20. Explain and demonstrate a tailing loop with an Underhand cast on command.
21. Explain the way of casting with the Underhand Technique with a shooting head in comparison to casting with a long conventional fly line(Long Line Technique)? Explain the overall principles and differences of these casts.
CASTING INSTRUCTION TESTING – knowledge on Long Line Techniques
1. Explain and demonstrate the difference between a Classic Spey Cast, as it was performed in former times, and today’s Long Line Technique(take equipment into account as well as how the casts were performed originally)?
2. Explain and demonstrate a Classic Single Spey or a similar cast using today`s Long Line Technique.
3. Explain and demonstrate a Classic Double Spey or a similar cast using today`s Long Line Technique.
4. Explain and demonstrate a Snake Roll with a change of direction of 90 degrees.
5. Explain and demonstrate a Snap-T forming proper loops with a change of direction of 45 degrees.
6. Explain and demonstrate an Airalized Snap-T (Snap Z).
Casting Mistakes
The candidate has to detect different casting mistakes shown by an examiner. He has to analyze them and has to explain how to correct them.
Theoretical Part
Material and Methods
Explain the theories in fly casting!
How many main principles do exist in fly casting? Explain them!
What equipment do you prefer any why?
What is the difference between a Spey Cast, as it was performed in former times, and today’s Long Line Technique (take equipment into account as well as how the casts were performed originally)?
What size of rod would you suggest for a beginner?
How do you teach beginners? Explain it step by step.
How do you organize beginners` course?
How do you adapt to the character or profession of the student?
How long should be the shooting head for a beginner?
What line do you suggest for a beginner if he uses a 9/10 wt rod?
How long should be the leader for the Underhand Technique?
Describe the grip for the Underhand Technique?
Describe the grip for the Long Line Technique?
How do the hands move in the Underhand Technique and why?
How do the hands move in the Long Line Technique and why?
How do you share the power of your hands in the Underhand Technique?
How do you share the power of your hands in the Long Line Technique?
How do you use your body in the Underhand Technique?
How do you use your body with the Long Line Technique?
How can one overcome the problem of casting a little bit a longer head in a situation with limited back space?
When is a long shooting head a good choice?
What kind of lines are used for salmon fishing?
What are polyleaders and how are you choosing and assembling them for fishing!
What is a gaff?
What is the difference between a polymer (flat beam) and a coated Dacron running line? Compare these two!
What changes if you lower the position of the upper hand in the Underhand Technique?
What type of rod action is used for the Underhand Technique?
What type of rod action is used for long fly lines?
What type of line tapers are usually used for the Underhand Technique?
What type of line tapers are usually used for the Long Line Technique?
What type of line taper is used for the Classic Spey Technique?
Explain line tapers – differences and consequences!
Is there a connection between the length of the head and the length of the casting stroke?
Is there a connection between the action of a rod and the length of the casting stroke?
What initial enquiries would
you make about the person you are to instruct?
Compare the AFTMA line rating system with systems in grains and grams.
Explain differences between casting straight in to the wind casting with back wind.
What are you going to do if you are fishing in a river and the wind is blowing from the side?
What is reverse casting?
Explain the
stance in Underhand Technique.
Explain the stance in Long Line Technique.
How do you handle a sinking line?
How do you cast a heavy tube fly and what leader requirements are?
How do you adjust a shooting head?
Where should the anchor be placed with the underhand technique?
Is the “lift” and a proper back cast important for the Underhand Technique? Why?
What is the Key or firing position?
When do you start the forward stroke during an Underhand
Cast?
Why do some fly casters suggest to tapering the joints of double handed rods?
How much running line should be out of the rod tip for beginner learning the Underhand Technique?
What are polyleaders/tips?
Explain what a skipping anchor is and why it occurs!
Explain what a piled anchor is and why it occurs!
Explain and show which hand is the fulcrum!
What is rod tracking?
Explain the straight-line path!
Explain the 180-degree principle!
Explain the term overhang!
Explain the use of a longer overhang than usual?
What changes in a casting technique when deep wading?
If you wade deep, do you change something in your casting technique and/or equipment?
What is Skagit?
How can you recognize the difference between a male and a female salmon?
What is a parr?
What is a smolt?
What is a kelt? How do you recognize a kelt and what are you going to do with it if you catch one (depending of the rules at the river)?
Is there a difference between an Atlantic salmon and a pacific salmon?
What is U.D.N?.
What is the Gyrodactulus?
What do you
know about wild Atlantic salmon diseases and problems – please give some
examples?
Fishing Techniques
What are the advantages of intermediate lines?
Which line do you prefer as an overall line for salmon fishing and why?
How do you present a fly to an Atlantic salmon?
Explain different fly patterns and how you use them?
Why do you mend the line?
What sort of flies work best in brownish water?
What tactics do you choose to catch an Atlantic salmon if you fish on a warm and sunny day?
What sort of flies work best in clear water?
Is deep wading necessary to catch a salmon?
What is your favorite fly?
What flies would you choose for evening or night fishing and why?
Is there any connection between a fly and the water temperature?
What flies work best for King Salmon?
How do you prepare a fly for fishing the Riffle Hitch Technique?
Show some major knots for salmon fishing.
Is there a difference in tackle if you compare the fishing for sea trout and salmon?
When do you use a sinking line and when do you use a floating line for fishing for Atlantic salmon?
Is there a difference in leader length when you use a sink 2 in comparison with a sink 6?
What is an in swing?
What are grilse?
Explain the unwritten rules in salmon fishing.
What are the differences between a salmon and a sea trout?
Why is there in some waters a leader restriction when using sinking lines?
How do you handle the line during the fishing, and what are the most frequent problems?
How to present a fly?
Where do salmon usually lay and where do they never stay/stop?
What are main safety rules?
How would you fish for a rising salmon?
Are you checking your leader during the fishing?
A salmon takes your fly – how do you behave?
What are the basic rules one should follow during the salmon release?
Tell one short story about your biggest salmon or best ever salmon fishing.
What will you do if you do not get any takes?
Please notice that the examiners can ask additional questions to make sure that the candidates are well prepared to instruct clients.