I recently bought the new DVD about the House of Hardy's. In one of the scenes a gentleman casts a silk line on a split cane rod and the presentation was just beautiful. I really mean beautiful. the line uncurled from a perfect loop, straightened, hovered and then ever so gently drifted down, making contact with the water along the complete length simultaneously.

This was an epithetic moment for me. that's what I want to achieve. I am not one of those fishermen who needs to cast to the far side of the lake. in fact as i don't see too well i prefer to fish right in front of me but I would like to present a fly/line with as much grace as i can muster from my rig.

Apart from practice, practice and more practice, which i fully intend to do. how else can i help myself?

I currently fish mainly a Greys M2 9" 5/6 with a Cortland 444 WF floating line. I cant afford to invest in the vintage tackle market so what modern tackle can i choose to recreate that 'Thistle Down' effect?

I am considering silk lines but i am not sure about the maintenance.

Eric

Make sure you practice the right things. Take lessons.