Hi everyone, this is my first post here so let me introduce myself.

I've a relative newcomer to fly fishing having been converted from course fishing about a year ago.
I'd like some advice with my rod/reel/line setup from your obvious wealth of knowledge.

Bare with me here as i may waffle on a bit!...

I use a Greys GRXi rod, X-Flite reel and Platinum floating line. Over the last year have noticed that it takes me between 3 and 5 false casts to get a good amount of line out. Whereas my Dad (who has also been fly fishing a year) only needs a couple of gentle flicks to get out the same amount of line, he is using a cheaper rod and reel he bought as a bundle from the shop at Bewl.

At first I just thought that his technique was better than mine and I spent a lot of time trying to work on my casting. But a few weeks ago I took my girlfriend for a lesson and while she was having lunch I picked up her rod that she'd been given and had a quick cast, lo and behold a few gentle casts and line positively shot out!
So the last time I fished with my Dad I tried his rod and found the same thing!

So now I am confused, the rod and reel are both 7/8wt and the line is 8wt.
(Dad's is the same, my girlfriend's was 6/7)
I did discover that Glasgow angling centre had originally sent me the Platinum XD line which they have now swapped for the basic Platinum, this has made a small difference but not solved the problem.

So here are my thoughts...

1: I found the other 2 rods had a softer action than mine, maybe this is a difference?

2: Maybe my setup would be more suited to someone more advanced?

3: I'd really rather not have to buy a whole new setup, as I've already spent a fair amount! But I am now finding my confidence is slipping at the waterside due to struggling with the casting. (very much like golf, i'm starting to over analyze and it's getting worse!) Should I bite the bullet, sell my current setup and get a new one?

4: I realise that in an ideal world i would have tested the rod and reel before buying but unfortunately i don't have anywhere near me where this can be done.

I'd really welcome any thoughts of advice as I'm at a loss of what to do.

Thanks

Dan

Welcome to the Forum.I'm at a bit of a loss as to why your having these problems.why don't you get a loan of your dads outfit for a day.and see how you get on.Or try using his line on your rod.or your line on his rod
You can take the reel out of the problem.It has nothing to do with the casting action of the rod.
That should give you some idea where the problem lies.

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

For what its worth,rod and reel is fine,in fact I was teaching with that same rod yesterday,I have seen this problem before with the line,and would suggest the only possible change would be the line itself.The other thing which stands out like a sore thumb and is a major problem with casting is the amount of false casts you are making.You dont need to make anywhere as many as 5 false casts to get enough line out.done right 2 to max of 3 is all thats required to get sufficent amount of line out.

The other possible problem could be that is the line on the right way?it does happen or it could also be a dud one, which with everything does again happen.
just a few thoughts without seeing or having a cast with your set up.

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Kevin

Welcome to the forum Dan, Why dont you try a different line,seems to me that the line you are using is to heavy come down to a 7 wt There is some good lines out there a a reasonable price try the Cortland or the Airflow should make a difference cheers Jim

Hi dan welcome to the forum . Think the guys are right sounds like the problem could be your line .try your local tackle dealer he should be able to give good advice . and show you a selection of lines that might solve your problem

Wully

Buy a line from PitsfordPirate, he's on this forum, Ask his advice, if that doesn't work, nothing will.

Pitsford Pirate 'Castaway' Fly Lines

Thanks for the swift replies everyone.

3lbgrayling:

I'll definitely try using my Dad's line with my setup, that's a really good idea. (can't believe i didn't think of it to be honest!)
I'm hoping it is the line that's the problem, as it's (relatively) cheap to sort out!

morayflyfisher:

Totally understand what you are saying, I definitely don't want to be making that number of false casts. Even though I'm eventually getting a decent line out and catching fish, it's very tiring by the end of day.
Having briefly tried my Dad's setup and only needed 2 false casts, I know something is wrong.

I'm 99% sure the line is on the right way, I attached it to the reel at the end with the label on and it seems to taper in the correct places.

jimc1234:

I think a different line may be my next move, although it does seem strange that a Greys line isn't working well with a Grey's rod.
I did ask a guy in a shop the other day if i should maybe try a 7wt but he said that it's best to have an 8wt with a 7/8 rod?
It can get quite baffling when advice differs so dramatically!

I have to say that when using the other 2 setups i mentioned the line did feel lighter and slicker through the rings, so you could well be right about trying a 7wt.

One last thing, just had a quick glance in the Glasgow Angling Centre brochure and the Airflo Sixth Sense comes as either WF6/7 or WF7/8.
Whereas the Greys come in WF7 or WF8. I take it getting the Airflo WF6/7 would be a mistake then?


Thanks again for help guys.

SS 7/8

Jim

__________________
The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Welcome Dan,i think most of the things you could try has been covered,you might try and leave more of the line out of the tip ring when you start your first cast to load the rod quicker.

Speaking as someone who has spent more money than I care to mention on casting lessons. As a newcomer to the sport I very much doubt there is anything wrong with your gear and you should perhaps consider some more instruction.

I think a reasonable caster should be able to cast a good line with any setup really, they might not like the action or the line being cast but that's a different kettle of fish altogether.