After trout fishing exclusively with ultra light spinning gear, I finally acquired an entry level 9' 5wt outfit. I was able to get out on the water in a DH stream Saturday. I had a good time, but I was certainly out of my fishing comfort zone. In fact, I packed my ultralight spinning gear just in case.
From my Saturday experience, it seems like the roll cast is pivotal to having a decent day on smaller water. I've been practicing it on grass but the casting stroke feels a lot better having the friction from the water's surface tension.
On a roll cast when forming the d loop, should you always bring the rod up to the shoulder that is facing downstream or does it matter?
I also struggled to roll cast beyond the 10-12 feet range. Should I have a certain length of line out to initiate the roll cast then shoot additional line out if i want to go further?
Are there any other essential casts I should focus on? Seems like the opportunity to perform a traditional back cast is going to be rare unless I want to catch trees and bushes. I definitely felt handcuffed at times on spots I could fish Saturday due to my casting ability(inability).
Any and all pointers would be greatly appreciated. My casting and mending are very much at the beginner level, I'm just glad a couple rainbows didn't seem to mind.
If it matters, I was using a 9' tapered leader, strike indicator, and a single nymph with some split shot. I dont trust myself with a double nymph rig.