Double Haul perfection

The Perfect Double Haul

the principles of the GF backhand power haul

(aka The Arrow Haul, High Hauling)

picture taken by Marika Cicoria(It)

introduction:

This hauling technique perfectly describes the principle of on my improved hauling technique for the basic cast created in the early nineties. I have showed this technique at several shows in Europe starting with Chatsworth Angling Fair in 1996. Whereas this way of hauling is used for the back cast of the basic forehand cast, on the opposite shoulder (off shoulder casting) the advantage of this way of hauling can be used for the ordinary forward cast. It is of the same advantage for Roll, Switch and Spey casts.

The GF Backhand Power Haul was described in books and magazines because of its highest effectivity. Most of the best European fly casting instructors on the continent have meanwhile adapted this cast for distance casting on the opposite shoulder with equipment used for fishing.

Here is a little description why this way of hauling is outperforming other hauling techniques what effectivity and harmony of your casting stroke is concerned.

the beginners technique

double hauling without being able to "double haul" (makes sense doesen't it?)

When performing the back cast of the off shoulder (back hand) cast the line hand follows the the extending line to the first guide and remains in this position.

The forward cast starts. The forward pushing of the rod causes the distance between the line hand and the first guide to extend. You "haul" although the line hand does not move at all.
result: perfect harmony between line hand and rod hand

The line hand remains in this high position and releases the line at the stop.

Foto: H. Birkl

the advanced fly casters technique

Whereas the first part of the GF backhand power haul is identical with the beginners variant the line hand of the advanced caster pulls now as long as possible. At the end, both arms are more or less in a line.

Foto: H. Birkl

There are in fact some other important advantages too.

You start pulling line with your line hand only in the very end of the "stroke" when the line is already at high speed and a pull cannot cause the extending line to bump that easy(advanced caster).
you do not haul in a dead angle
you can concentrate on one hand
you do not open the loop(you pull in the casting plane) by pulling down the rod tip when hauling as you do when using a common haul below the belt line
The loading of the rod is not only concentrated to the upper part of the rod but it loads right to the bottom of it (bow like). This gives the rod much more power.
your haul is definitely at least 20 cm longer(!) in comparison to the common back hand hauling techniques

This cast is always more effective no matter if you use the thumb or the pointer on top of the rod handle. The most effectiveness is given by using the pointer on top because of additional power application right to the end of the forward stroke. It is a really tough job to train your muscles to be able to perform this cast with pointer on top perfectly. I can thell you that you really feel the power that is needed!!!

correct pulling angle for the off shoulder(back hand) back cast

The double haul for the backhand cast has to be in a straight forward movement and must not be pulled in direction of the extension of the rod line (watch the line angle near the first guide - it sould never be one line). The easiest way is to follow with you line hand to the first guide when performing the forward cast and just leave the hand there. The backcast "pull" is done by the rodhand only.

Foto: H. Birkl

backhand cast

correct backhand leg position: right hand casters - right leg in front!

forehand cast

correct forhand leg position for right handed fly casters
at point of line release - both arms in one line

special advice:

The thumb of your line hand has to point to the sky when you release the line at the stop. Immediately after the release thumb and forefinger close and form an additional guide which supports the shooting and avoids the tangling of the line.

It needs a lot of practise to automatizise this movement. It may also seem to be not as comfortable to do the high hauling technique. Without any doubt this is the case in the beginning. But if you you look at the results what accuracy and distance are concerned these "disadvantages" turn out to be meaningless.