GAIC Single-Handed and Techniques (Trout & other species)

General

1. The practical and oral examination will be carried out in accordance with the following schedule. Candidates are advised to read the advice set out in the GAIA “Taking Assessment Tests for Award” (TATA). Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the tests before taking them by seeking clarification regarding any doubts or obscurities.

2. The tests require the efficient performance of casts and knowledge of casting physics, teaching ability and particularly fault recognition, diagnosis and correction. You will be required to explain, demonstrate and teach up to four tasks which will be selected by the Assessment and Standards Officers on the day.

3. The order of tasks may be varied by agreement between candidate and assessor.

4. An observer will be permitted by agreement for the purpose of assessor training.

5. Where “one hand only” is specified the candidate should use only one hand to accomplish the task. Candidates may choose to hold line in the cast but if any hauling is detected the task will be failed.

6. The assessors may make allowances for adverse conditions such as wind being in the wrong direction for a particular task.

7. Variations in casting style are acceptable providing that they satisfy the required key points and provide a sound basis for teaching and the style can be transferred.

8. All casts must be performed with ease and proficiency. There must be smooth well- formed loops (D or V as required), straight anchor placements and have narrow forward loops that unroll completely, straightening the leader and landing gently, unless otherwise requested. A narrow loop for the purpose of GAIC is a loop measuring 3 feet 6 inches or less at a distance of 5 to 6 feet from the unfurling loop.

9. Up to three attempts are permitted for each task but the assessors may request additional casts or tasks.

10. Cast distance is measured from the reel to the wool tag.

11. Lines used during the tests may be marked only once, either to identify the rear taper or at an appropriate point on extra long belly lines.

Task Pass Refer

12. Tests may be conducted on grass or on water (due allowance will be made for roll type casts on grass).

THE TASKS ARE GROUPED FOR CONVENIENCE, i.e., ALL GRASS TOGETHER, THEN ALL WATER

Tackle Required

1. Candidates must provide all necessary tackle for purposes of the test.

2. Fly rod of maximum length 9’ and a maximum AFTM rating #7 with an appropriate floating line and suitable leader of 7ft 6in minimum length with a wool tag. A high visibility line is advantageous. Candidates should take note that some tasks require control of substantial lengths of line in the air and choose their outfit accordingly.

3. Any teaching aids or devices that the candidate uses or recommends whilst teaching.

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Tasks to be Performed on Grass

1. Generalities of

1. a Explain, demonstrate and teach rod grips, rod handle shapes, rod actions, strength, styles of hand, arm and body movements and efficiency.

Open and closed stances with the benefits and possible disadvantages of the various stances explained.

Explain demonstrate and teach rod loading, stroke length and arc in relation to distance and loop size including relative stroke lengths and discuss timing.

Assessor Comments:

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2. Overhead Cast

2. a Explain, demonstrate and teach the basic “pick-up and present” cast to a distance of approx. 45ft.

The demonstration will be done with one hand only.

The cast will show consistent narrow loops front and back.

There are to be no tailing loops, front or back.

The cast will be done slowly enough to allow the observer a good view of the cast.

Variations of the rod plane from vertical and variations of style are acceptable provided that the casts are demonstrated with efficiency and the style can be transferred.

Smooth lifting of line from the surface and positive acceleration of the rod tip to a precise stop in both directions.

Assessor Comments:

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2. b Explain, demonstrate and teach how to vary the size of your casting loops. Start by casting wide loops (approx. 6ft in height) then make them increasingly narrow over 5-6 false casts , finally casting a narrow loop to approx 45ft.

The demonstration will be done with one hand only.

The cast will show consistent loops front and back.

There are to be no tailing loops, front or back.

The cast will be done slowly enough to allow the observer a good view of the cast.

Variations of the rod plane from vertical and variations of style are acceptable provided that the casts are demonstrated with efficiency.

Smooth lift of line from the surface and also positive acceleration of the rod tip to a precise stop in both directions.

Assessor Comments:

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2. c Explain, demonstrate and teach a side arm cast to approx. 40ft. Make two false casts and a delivery cast. Repeat on the other side of the body.

No water or ground contact.

No hauling allowed.

The cast will show good symmetry of front and back loops 3 feet 6 inches in height.

There are to be no tailing loops, front or back.

Line speed adequate to keep loops in plane and aerialised.

Assessor Comments:

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2. d Explain, demonstrate and teach how to cast parallel loops.

Explain and demonstrate how to cast with parallel loops.

Explain why loop legs get out of parallel and the consequences of this.

Include 2 common causes for non-parallel loops in the vertical plane and the most common for the horizontal plane.

When might it be an advantage not to have parallel legs?

Assessor Comments:

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2. e Explain, demonstrate and teach the causes of tailing loops and their correction.

Demonstrate tailing loops on the forward cast on command.

The caster is informed on which forward cast the tailing loop is to occur saying “after 2 good loops we want you to cast a tailing loop”.

Comments: (loops that cross bottom line, loop size).

Assessor Comments:

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2. f Explain, demonstrate and teach line management techniques and ways of stripping, holding and shooting line

Demonstrate different methods of retrieving, holding, coiling and shooting line to 60ft, including measured extensions of the line during false casts.

Assessor Comments:

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Accuracy Casting-Overhead Casts

2. g Explain, demonstrate and teach how to cast a fly to targets at 25, 35 and 45ft.

The target will be a tent peg, cone or similar. Tolerances will be dependent on weather conditions.

Three attempts only, comprising at each distance, up to 3 successive lay- downs allowed. Presentation casts are expected and an explanation as to when delicate presentation may not be desired 3 successive lay-downs will be allowed for each attempt at each target to score in a sequence through all targets. A minimum of 1 false cast must be cast between attempts at the target. Line length to be adjusted in the air during false casting. Consistent loops are required at front and back. False casts must not touch the water surface – they will be counted as a delivery cast. Hauling is allowed. No tailing loops allowed. Where appropriate allowances will be made for adverse weather, especially wind. Test theory of accuracy casting, best stance, how to aim and how to get the distance correct. Line may be removed from the reel before commencement of this task.

Assessor Comments:

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3. Single and Double Hauling

3. a Explain, teach and demonstrate continuous double hauling on a minimum of 5 false casts at approx. 50ft. Repeat for opposite shoulder.

Expect smooth, consistent hauling front and back, producing consistent narrow loops. (3ft 6 inches or less).

Cast to be performed at slow to medium speed with no tailing loops.

There should be no slack line between line hand and stripping ring during the processes.

Hands should come close together between hauls.

Show appropriate stroke lengths with similar haul length and speed on front and back.

Rod tip path to be in a single plane.

Both open and closed stances to be demonstrated.

Assessor Comments:

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3. b Explain, demonstrate and teach a cast to a minimum distance of 75ft.

Either stance may be used.

Should be done with a minimum of one false casts, and a maximum of two.

Delivery and leader turnover must be acceptably straight.

Expect to see rod drift, a long stroke and smooth, well timed hauls.

The caster should make this look easy – without appearing to struggle to achieve the distance.

Assessor Comments:

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3. c Explain, demonstrate and teach separately a single haul on the forward and back cast at a distance of approx. 50ft.

Do not shoot line.

Show consistent narrow loops.

Explain uses of the single haul.

No tailing loops allowed.

Assessor Comments:

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3. d Explain, demonstrate and teach a single haul on the forward cast, shooting line to a distance of approx. 60ft

No tailing loops.

This should be done with a minimum of 2 false casts.

Assessor Comments:

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4. Overhead Cast - Adapting To Conditions

4. a Explain, demonstrate and teach how to cast approx. 45ft of line, and present the fly with an aerial mend at close, medium and long range. Mend will be to the right or left at the assessor’s request.

Mends are to the left or right and will be a well defined angular shape and not a curved bow.

Accomplished casters should be able to control the location and amount of the “mend” along the line.

The candidate should be able to shoot line or not as requested.

No tailing loops.

Demonstrate good line control with consistent loops front and back.

The line should land on the surface relatively straight, other than at the mend point.

No hauling allowed.

Assessor Comments:

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4. b Explain, demonstrate and teach a reach cast with approx. 45ft of line, presenting the fly with a reach mend. Reach will be to right and left.

At the end of the cast the line from rod tip to fly should be straight and the rod itself should be almost parallel to the flow of the water.

The candidate should be able to shoot line or not as requested.

No hauling allowed.

Assessor Comments:

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4. c Explain, demonstrate and teach the Oval cast - heavy fly/leader tip. False casting required.

Hauling allowed. Cast to approx. 45ft.

Include the following considerations in the explanation: line pickup, loop size, false casting and shooting line.

Your demonstration should show a back cast under the tip and forward over it.

Assessor Comments:

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4. d Explain, demonstrate and teach at least three ways to change the direction of a cast at least 45 degrees upstream, excluding spey and related casts.

Include a minimum of three different casts, to change direction from left to right, and right to left.

Explain why the demonstrated casts were used and their advantages and disadvantages.

Demonstrate good loop formation and no tailing loops.

Assessor Comments:

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4. e Casting in winds

Explain, and demonstrate and teach casting with strong head and tail winds and wind from either side using the overhead style of casting.

Hauling is allowed.

Demonstrate and explain at least one cast for each wind direction.

The explanation should include why it was selected, how it should be made and characteristics, e.g. loop size/shape, rod plane, line speed, trajectory etc.

Assessor Comments:

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The following Tasks are to be Performed on Water

4. Overhead Casts - Adapting To Fishing Conditions

4. f Explain, demonstrate and teach wiggle casts to 40ft, first with a series of wide wiggles of 4ft in width and then narrow wiggles of 2ft width.

No hauling allowed.

No tailing loops.

This may be requested with and without shooting line.

Assessor Comments:

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4. g Explain, demonstrate and teach how to perform a Pile cast at 40ft.

The candidate is expected to show a variety of ways to perform the cast. The ability to vary the position of slack line placement is required. Using rod hand only. Explain purpose. No tailing loops.

Assessor Comments:

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5. Roll Cast

5. a. Explain, demonstrate and teach a roll cast at 40 ft in which the leader straightens completely. Repeat from opposite side of body. Demonstrate wide loops (approx. 4ft) and narrow (approx. 3ft).

Under normal casting conditions on water, the cast should straighten the leader.

The cast is to be performed using one hand only.

Show consistent well formed loops unless otherwise requested.

Show and discuss minor and major changes of direction.

Explain consequences of casting “outside hand”

No tailing loops allowed.

Assessor Comments:

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5. b Explain, demonstrate and teach a roll cast pickup at 25ft and 40ft.

Explain uses.

The cast to be performed using one hand only.

Line, leader and fly must be fully aerialised.

No tailing loops allowed.

Show consistent well-formed loops.

Assessor Comments:

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5. c Explain, demonstrate and teach a roll cast, shooting line, to approx. 50ft in which the leader straightens completely.

Using one hand only.

No tailing loops allowed.

Show consistent well-formed loops.

Assessor Comments:

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6. Jump Roll and Single Spey

6. a Explain, demonstrate and teach how to perform a jump roll at 50ft or more in which the leader straightens completely (D and V loops are expected).

Variation in rod casting planes and styles are acceptable provided always that:

It is a continuous motion cast with no slack line during the cast i.e. from the start of rod movement to the precise stop.

A dynamic, D and V loops are expected.

Show consistent narrow loops.

No tailing loops allowed.

Assessor Comments:

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6. b Explain, demonstrate and teach how to perform a jump roll, shooting line to 55ft or more in which the leader straightens completely (D and V loops are expected).

Variation in rod casting planes and styles are acceptable provided always that:

It is a continuous motion cast with no slack line during the cast i.e. from the start of rod movement to the precise stop.

A dynamic, D and V loops are expected.

Show consistent narrow loops.

No tailing loops allowed.

Assessor Comments:

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6. c Explain demonstrate and teach the single Spey cast to a distance of 45ft without shooting line. Repeat for opposite shoulder at an angle of 45 degrees.

Explain conditions which dictate where and when this cast would be used. This cast requires rotational movement of the upper body to achieve the change of direction. Variation in rod casting planes and styles are acceptable provided always that: It is a continuous motion cast with no slack line during the cast i.e. from the start of rod movement to the precise stop. Timing of forward acceleration must be correct. Produce a narrow delivery loop. Anchor placement to be outside of the direction of the forward cast. D loop and anchor point to be in plane with forward cast. No tailing loop on forward cast.

Assessor Comments:

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6. d Explain demonstrate and teach the single Spey cast to a distance of 55ft shooting line (50ft if from opposite shoulder) to an angle change of 45 degrees.

Explain conditions which dictate where and when this cast would be used. This cast requires rotational movement of the upper body to achieve the change of direction. Variation in rod casting planes and styles are acceptable provided always that: It is a continuous motion cast with no slack line during the cast i.e. from the start of rod movement to the precise stop. Timing of forward acceleration must be correct. Produce a narrow delivery loop. Anchor placement to be outside of the direction of the forward cast. D loop and anchor point to be in plane with forward cast. No tailing loop on forward cast.

Assessor Comments:

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7. Double Spey Cast

7. a Explain and demonstrate and teach the Double Spey cast to a distance of 45ft without shooting line to an angle change of 90 degrees. Repeat for opposite shoulder.

Explain conditions which dictate where and when this cast would be used. Variation in rod casting planes and styles are acceptable provided always that: The “cast” breaks down into two movements the first of which achieves the correct positioning of the “anchor” and provides the requisite amount of line for the “D” loop. During the first movement the fly should anchor between one and two rod’s length downstream of the caster and the amount of line moved upstream must be sufficient to produce the “D” loop without moving the anchored fly. Variations in the styles of movements required to bring the line upstream are allowed provided that there is no excessive body movement and that good line control is achieved. Variation of elevation of the rod tip is also allowed. Explain when either a high or low elevation of the first movement would be useful relative to wind strength and line density. From completion of the upstream movement this is a continuous motion cast and no slack line is allowed i.e. from the start of rod downstream movement to the precise stop. Timing of forward acceleration is correct. Produce a narrow delivery loop. Anchor placement to be outside of the direction of the forward cast. D loop and anchor point to be in plane with forward cast.

Assessor Comments:

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7. b Explain demonstrate and teach the Double Spey cast to a distance of 55ft shooting line with an angle change of 90 degrees (50ft if from opposite shoulder).

Explain conditions which dictate where and when this cast would be used. Variation in rod casting planes and styles are acceptable provided always that: The “cast” breaks down into two movements the first of which achieves the correct positioning of the “anchor” and provides the requisite amount of line for the “D” loop. During the first movement the fly should anchor between one and two rod’s length downstream of the caster and the amount of line moved upstream must be sufficient to produce the “D” loop without moving the anchored fly. Variations in the styles of movements required to bring the line upstream are allowed provided that there is no excessive body movement and that good line control is achieved. Variation of elevation of the rod tip is also allowed. Explain when either a high or low elevation of the first movement would be useful relative to wind strength and line density. From completion of the upstream movement this is a continuous motion cast and no slack line is allowed i.e. from the start of rod downstream movement to the precise stop. Timing of forward acceleration is correct. Produce a narrow delivery loop. Anchor placement to be outside of the direction of the forward cast.

Assessor Comments:

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Candidate: Assessment Pass/Refer

Assessors: Date:

Recommended Study Material

Books Joan Wulff’s Fly Casting Techniques Joan Wulff’s Casting Accuracy Swisher Richards Lefty Kreh, Advanced Fly Casting, Solving Fly Casting Problems, Modern Fly Casting Methods, Longer Fly Casting. Tom Deck, The Orvis Guide To Better Fly Casting Al Kyte, Orvis Guide To Better Fly Casting Al Kyte, Simple to Sophisticated Macauley Lord, Fly casting Handbook Mac Brown, Casting Angles Ed Jararowski, Troubleshooting The Cast G.V.Roberts, Master The Cast Mel Krieger, The Essence of Fly Casting Ed Jawarowski, The Cast Jason Borger, The Nature of Fly Casting Lefty Kreh, Saltwater Fly Casting Techniques

DVDs 15 Most Common casting errors, Gary Borger, FFF Joan Wulff’s Dynamics of Fly Casting Mel Krieger, The Essence of Fly Casting (1 and 2) Doug Swisher, Advanced Fly Casting Lefty Kreh, Fly Casting With Lefty Kreh Mel Krieger, The Essence of

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