Spey Casting With Jon - Anchor Issues

Jon Hazlett at the Ashland Fly Shop goes over proper anchor placement and explains why it is so crucial in order to execute a good cast.

[@justal4844]

I never realized that the anchor point with a sink tip was the line joint and not the streamer. This explains why I can nymph but have trouble throwing my streamers. Can't wait to practice this on the water. Thanks for the tip ! ☮

[@ashlandflyshop770]

Thank you Al! Glad we could help with that!

[@sommerpetter]

Best Spey videos on KZbin! Thank you 👍

[@ashlandflyshop770]

Thank you Petter!!

[@chrisbajema8002]

Great topic of conversation 🤙👌thanks for learning me something

[@wstntime2]

What about anchor placement in relation to your position? I understand that it should be a rod length away, but where is that radial zone exactly. Assume you are standing right where the x-y axis intersects and facing the y axis. Can it be as far back straight out from each side 90 degrees, or should it be out to one side on more of a 45 degree angle?

[@ashlandflyshop770]

Great question! Somewhere between 45 and 90 degrees is the sweet spot. The line should land parrellel to the bank at the completion of the anchor stroke, but how far out the line lands is determined by the path of the anchor stroke, i.e., where the rod directs it. You may intentionally place the anchor out further in order to make a D-Loop that stay out in front of you, in an effort to fish in tighter quarters. Overall I'd say that if the line lands a few feet out in front of you, you're good to go!

[@wstntime2]

Thanks for the reply. Another question - every spey casting tutorial talks about the anchor a rod tip away, but very few explain exactly what it is you should be looking at. Is it the actual fly, or is it the end of your fly LINE. You mentioned it in this video, but just to clarify, it is the connection between your Skagit head & MOW tip that should be a rod tip away, correct? I find if I focus on the end of the Skagit head and forget about the fly, then I make good casts.