Two Hand Salter Style

If you have been in the two hand casting game for at least five years then you have seen a dramatic increase in the old world styles popularity. A re-birth of what was the norm many years ago.  The benefits of  Spey, Skagit and Scandi for Salmon and Steelhead have been written about for some time now. There is one aspect of the two hand rod that has not received a great deal of attention. Salt water casting from a non platform position with the use of a striping basket.  Let's define what I am talking about.

Say you are fishing from the beach, rocks, flats or jetty. This means that the environment at your feet is probably not very friendly.  In theory the advantage of the longer rod will be of relevance when you are able to cast farther using big flies. Having the extra length of rod should keep you clear above debris and rolling waves to achieve this goal. With the techniques below you will be casting farther and have greater control of each presentation.

One of the strongest casts that can be made with a two hand rod is with dominant hand up and over the opposite shoulder. The style is used by Scandinavian casters with shooting heads to gain great distance. This cast makes it possible to fish the salt with a two hand rod and not have your lower hand interfere with the need for a striping basket. The basket will be worn on the same side hip as your lower hand. You will also note that this keeps the bottom of the handle on your dominant hand side and does not hinder striping line.

For Wind Behind,Right To Left or Head On

• Right hand up over left shoulder = Right foot forward
• Body canters fore and aft with cast motion
• Right hand up = Stripping Basket on Left Hip
• Shooting with intermediate and sinking heads will cast best
• Use 11' to 14' firmer fast action style rods that are as light as possible with short bottom hand grips
• Back casts are made by pointing the rod tip at 10 o'clock and pulling up and back to 2 o'clock hard
• Forward cast is stopped abruptly at 11 o'clock keeping hands close to the body and making a strong pulling with the bottom hand
• Arms must be kept tight to the body with very little extension of the dominate hand

For Wind Left To Right

• Sling Cast holding dominate hand at shoulder level
• Lower hand at chest level
• Pull hard with lower hand
• Rock back and forward and use body momentum
• Forward Cast is stopped abruptly at 11 o'clock at horizon
• Keep arms as compact and tight to the body as possible

As all of this casting is overhead style we can also include a standard cast with the bottom hand held higher. This hand also becomes the underhand pull that is required for distance.

I introduce the Salter Casts for two hand rods.

William

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