My local water is wooded for the most part. The only area free from trees faces north east, so it's a nice cast, with the wind at your back.

While my casting isn't brilliant, I usually manage to put out 20 or so yards of line, with few problems.

Yesterday the wind was a northerly, and although it was only light, it made my casting go to pot.

Time after time I'd get horrible tailing loops, must have ruined 5 or 6 leaders with the ensuing tangles.

I tried a faster casting action, a slower one, casting more to the side, but nothing solved the problem.

I reckon there's something phsychological in the wind being in my face, I changed something without realising.

Anyone got any ideas?

If you're like me, you try and power the cast into the wind. The extra power is what causes the tailing loop.

If you want to cast into the wind, you have to learn to cast a tight pointed loop.

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If you lend someone £20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment

use a tapered leader? a heavier line? heavier rod? heavier fly?

One of the main causes of tailing loops is the tip of the rod dipping below the straight line path.Putting too much power into the power stroke(forward cast)remebering that the rod is a spring,it will go down on cast but will also spring back above the straight line path on normal casts.If you dont double haul try to learn this cast it will help you with wind .Casting into a headwind you need to stop the rod at about 12oclock(using the clock method)on back cast and then when the line is straight behind you cast forward and low,about 9 oclock, making a nice tight loop as wind is less lower down,on a wind from behind take the rod back to 1 oclockish and on the forward cast aim higher so as the tailwind helps the line travel forward, the loop in this case is more open and not as tight as with a headwind,which is what you want on this cast(tailwind only).have a look at this link it may help.

http://www.fishandfly.com/articles/20060708_5

when it comes to winds it is a case of undertanding the pros and cons of how it can help you and not adjusting your casts with added power or force.

Also is it not possible to fish other parts due to woods? if there is a little space that you can get to have a cast ,other than using an overhead,try roll casts or others as it could benefit you as fish will be there due to not being overfished and feeling safe from a casting fly.

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Kevin

Some more help with casting in the wind...

http://www.ukswff.co.uk/Casting2.shtml

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Cheers
Wiz

www.wandletrust.org
www.wildtrout.org
www.a-c-a.org
http://www.aapgai.co.uk
www.riverflies.org
www.wandlepiscators.net

Some good advice there from moray!

Some good advice given to me by and old fisherman was to kneel down when the wind is bad. Your a bit closer to the water and it somehow seems to help with the casting.

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Could be interesting if you're wading at the time...................

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If you lend someone £20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment