This is kind of long and rambling. Sorry in advance.

I went out fishing a local pond this morning and although I didn't catch anything, it was quite a learning experience. As I said in another thread, I just started fly fishing a few weeks ago and have a 9 foot long 6 weight fly rod. In the past, I have fished with grass hoppers, poppers and other assorted dry flies and streamers in sizes 6-12. I have had no real problem casting any of these when I use the right technique. Basically, when I do my part, the flies go pretty close to where I was aiming. I know that with practice I will get better. I am far from a professional, but at least 8 out of 10 casts could be classified as a success, or at least not a failure.

I did however have a major problem this morning. Once I tried the above flies, I tied on a Betts Bass Bug that I got the other day. I was going to throw it near some aquatic vegetation, but I immediately had trouble. I couldn't cast the thing worth a darn. If I tried to cast any further than about 15 feet, the fly acted really weird. When the back cast reached its rearward peak, it kind of felt like a rubber band was popping (if that makes any sense. That is the best way I can describe it. It felt like the line went slack, and then all of the sudden tightened up and came forward quickly.) This resulted in the bug accelerating forward faster than the line and everything getting tangled. The line would cast out forward, but the bug would land right in front of me.

It seemed like the bug might have been too heavy. Another thought I had is that my casting motion isn't smooth enough (which I know it isn't) and when I get the kinks worked out and become smoother the bug will cast correctly.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice? I am hoping all I need to do is keep practicing.

that popping sound also sounds like a whip?

your not waiting for the fly line to straighten enough behind you. its harder to explain for me instead of show you. if your around mckinney. come to the fly meet at town lake.

some bass plugs are too heavy for a 6wt...i have had the same problem. you can try shortening your tippet, if you are using one. i have even removed the tippet and tied the plugs directly onto my leader on occasion.

Like Artan said, we are having a casting meeting at Towne lake this Saturday AM at 10:00.

I will take a stab at this one. It sounds like the bug was not unrolling all the way behind you. If its very much bigger than the other flies you've been fishing this could be the fix: Slow down, turn your body so that you can watch the back cast. make sure that the line lays out completely and fully behind you before starting the forward cast. Again, not too fast. Instead of visualizing pushing the rod, visualize it as pulling the line with the rod.

That might help sort out the "bug" with casting the bug.

One more thing, if you still have the package, what size is that Betts Bug?

It isn't a whip noise. Popping may be the wrong term. It is kind of like you are pulling on a bungee cord and then stop while keeping a hold of it. The bungee cord goes from tight to really loose all in one movement and pulls your arm really hard. It is kind of like the bass bug is trying to pull the rod out of my hands when it straightens out. I probably just confused everyone even more, but oh well.

I think I am just going to continue to practice casting with other flies and when I get a lot more consistent, try the bass bug again. If it still doesn't work, it may be too heavy.

rrhyne,
Thanks for the advice. Next time I go out I am going to get my brother to video tape me casting so I can actually see what I am doing. I heard that doing that was one of the best ways to see what you are actually doing, not what you think you are doing.

Artan,
I am in southern Dallas County, but there shouldn't be traffic on Saturday mornings. I will have to try to make it up to McKinney one of these Saturdays when y'all are meeting. Thanks for the offer.

I am not sure what size bug it is, but it is the one they sell at Wal Mart if that helps. It is a pretty good size bug.

Video taping is good mojo I hear. Never tried it myself but I probably oughta.

Let us know how it goes.

Speaking of videos:

Lefty

Lefty
and more
Lefty

bcbagger,
I fish betts poppers often, and have done it with 5wt rods, so a 6wt should not be that hard to do given some practice. Its a different beast casting larger poppers, you just need to practice and get a feel for it. I suggest what Robin said... look at your backcast. That helps you see what is going on. Also make sure your leader is not too long. I would go with a short leader, around 5ft. When I try and cast bugs with too long leaders, I also notice casting gets real difficult.

ccabal,
Thanks for the advice. Good to see that it is probably my fault I can't cast it correctly. I had a longer leader than that, so I will shorten it next time I fish the popper. And I will keep practicing. Thanks again.

An important point to keep in your mind while practicing is that in fly casting you are not casting the lure or fly. Instead, you are casting the line itself. As far as fishing goes, the ultimate goal is to get the fly or popper out there for the fish to see. But its necessary to back up to the casting and realize that the fly/popper ought to not be any part of the whole casting equation. It ought to be small enough that the line can cast as a line, unencumbered by any extra weight on the end. When the fly/popper gets heavy enough or wind resistant enough that it enters into the equation then all kinds of extra different interesting things start happening to the casting.

More than a short leader you need a leader with a large diameter. If you have 5 feet of 6 pound mono you will not fish the popper, you will dig it out of your shoulder once in a while.

See a casting instructor-- and choose one wisely. Not necessarily always your local fly shop although sometimes that has to do.

A most excellent point.

The bulk as well as the weight of the big bass bug will always give you trouble if your using a lighter fly rod. It can be done but it is easier to use a heavier rod that is better matched to the fly. When using bulky bass bugs I use a short heavy leader of straight 12-20 pound test mono about 5 feet long. Bass are not very line shy in the typical stained water that I fish, which is good because it takes a hard strip set to get the hook to set and there is usually weeds or other cover that you will have to fight through as well. I can't tell you how many times I've had a one pound fish covered in ten pounds of weeds! Heavy leaders are a must when fishing for big bass in thick cover with expensive flys!

what LHD said.
I'll say it gain: Too many well inspired folks bought videos, gear, sought help on web sites AND NEVER spent a dime on certified casting instruction; therefore now there's some good buys on ebay.
Anyone listening??...

I got too much Fly junk already but I'm listening anyway!