The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I think I learn things differently from others, I don't know, some things seem easy, others impossibly difficult but, the achievement in overcoming obstacle is satisfying.

I approached Wallis Casting almost indifferently. I enjoy spey casting and surely Wallis casting isn't as tricky? except that yes it seems more so.

Having become bored with fly fishing and the insistant request to pay my subs I black balled myself, which was extreme in it's consequence having waited ten or more years to gain admittance to a most exalted society of gentlefolk, generals, baronesses, lords, which yet lacked pour moi a sense of belonging. Would my piscatorial days end here, or was a further adventure required? Yes of course the world of the coarse gestured its attraction.

Anyway I decided roach would be the thing, actually I'd seen some clonkers in the upper Test, yet fly fishing attempts had yielded nothing. A wallis Avon rod was secured as were two cheap centrepins plus some aerials and the like.

Anyway the far east made pins spun like blazes so I followed the Wallis tubes and became a Wally. Struggling, tangles, frustration but a modicum of achievement from time to time.

Anyway I found this:

http://www.chrislythe-centrepins.co.uk/ ... e-pin.html

as close to idiot proof as I have found. Out into the garden, Chapman 500, 3.5 Aerial and 75g lead, perfection. Later fishing - perfection, tried the float - perfection.

Hope this proves of worth to some fellow brothers.

The link you gave us is great, I use this method and it works for me. I suggest that anyone who wants to master the Wally cast tries this. I works!

As I was holding the fort at home today and could not go fishing I decided to have yet another attempt at perfecting the Wallis cast.I read and re read Chris Lythe's guidance and watched a lot of videos on YouTube.The American ones seemed the most useful as they showed you how to do a modified Wallis cast which did not require you to hold the float or weight in your left hand. I visualised Bendsomecane in casting action and then went out into the field to practice.After an hour of was improving but still created a fair few birds nets!.So it's work in progress.I will try it out on the river tomorrow but I suspect I will have to revert to the Grommit version(also known as the Nottingham cast).Any tips would be welcomed.

There is no tips, its all practice and getting the timing right.
I know that sounds hard but it will come just keep trying Mark. Stick with very short casts to start a rod length out. Only try further out when you have the short casts tangle free consistently.

MA

The closest I've come to a 'Wallis Cast' is when an angler in the next swim called out "Look out ... there's a wally casting next to me !!!"

AshbyCut wrote:The closest I've come to a 'Wallis Cast' is when an angler in the next swim called out "Look out ... there's a wally casting next to me !!!"

It really is all about practice, for me having the side of my thumb just brushing the reel rim and holding the rod with the reel at about 45 degrees unlocked it. Personally I've found I get more consistent casts using a wide drum reel.

This guy explains it very simply, so simply that even I could follow it. Fredline
https://youtu.be/pj6a-P44oQI

I find that my traditional use of a braid type of line which is limp, like the old dacron lines, helps Wallis casting. The throwing out of the left hand and arm should be quite high up, and it is all over very quickly really, so there is little time like that before the hand and 'cocked' thumb guiding the line is brought back to the reel.