Simon Chu is a fishing guide currently splitting his time between his home waters of New Zealand’s South Island (Simon is a native Kiwi) and the waters surrounding Bozeman, Montana. (Not a bad gig if you can get it!) He is a remarkably skilled guide and angler, on a never-ending mission to improve his abilities in both areas. He also possesses a truly magnetic personality; it is impossible not to be drawn into his orbit once you’ve met him. It’s a rare pleasure for me to teach alongside him at Anglers Academy, absorbing both his wisdom and humorous Kiwi sayings.
In this video Simon is casting into a strong, swirling wind. His stroke contains the fundamental elements shared by all superb casters: Shoulder joint acts as the main pivot point. Elbow moves up on the backcast and drops down on the forward stroke. Wrist is engaged in the second half of each stroke. Rod stays in one plane throughout the stroke (this is not a Belgian cast!). Acceleration is smooth and overall speed of stroke is appropriate for the line length and wind conditions. Length of stroke and pause are appropriate for the line length. Overall, a model stroke by an excellent angler, guide, and instructor.