An Initial Study on the Coordination of Rod and Line Hauling Movements in Distance Fly Casting

Background. The double haul is a unique feature of single-handed fly casting and is used in both fly fishing and fly casting competition. The movement behaviour during the double haul has not been investigated in previous research. Objectives. Describe the coordination of the rod and line hauling movements during distance fly casting. Methods. Elite fly casters performed distance casting with four different fly rod and fly line set-ups used in fly fishing and fly casting competition. Rod and hauling movements were measured with a 3D motion analysis system. Results. The rod and line hauling movements were coordinated in an order whereby peak translational speed of the rod occurs prior to the peak speed of the angular rotation of the rod, and the peak speed of the angular rotation of the rod occurs prior to the peak speed of the line haul. This was consistent for all cast sequences, i.e., the back and forward false casts and the delivery cast, and for all four equipment set-ups, i.e., a shooting-head line cast with a relatively stiff fly rod and a long-belly line cast with three different fly rods with different stiffness and action curves. Results also showed differences in movement coordination between cast sequences and rod and line set-ups. Conclusion. Among elite casters, single-handed fly casting with double haul is coordinated in an order of events whereby the peak speed occurs first for the translation of the rod, then for the rotation of the rod and finally for the line haul.