Here’s the casting stroke of S.M., a longtime guide and expert angler. This is a pretty typical “chicken wing” movement pattern, a very common stroke impairment, characterized by primarily pivoting in the elbow rather than the shoulder. S.’s elbow remains more or less stationary as the video begins, then starts to move back and forward on the same level as he increases his distance. This movement pattern generally results in tailing loops, and at distance or with heavy equipment often leads to tennis elbow. The ability to control the trajectory of the line is also compromised.
There are workarounds that allow anglers with this movement pattern to fish successfully. S.’s backcast and forward cast take place in slightly different planes; this is one way of keeping the line from running into itself (but affects accuracy for most anglers). His elbow flies away from his body and forearm and wrist kick over forcefully on the forward stroke (otherwise the line will run into itself). This is the part of the stroke that can cause tennis elbow.
At this moment, S. is not inclined to alter his mechanics. He catches plenty of fish and is quite happy with his angling experiences. That’s great. But I believe good mechanics make casting more fun, as well as more efficient and safer for the body. Better casters can also enjoy the more difficult—and much less crowded!—fishing that is unavailable to those without control of their line and fly.
Many of my other videos show and detail efficient casting mechanics. Have a look at them if you like.
