Re: A lesson with Lefty
- From: "BJ Conner" <oakiefisher@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 20 Jan 2006 11:08:19 -0800
Tom Nakashima wrote:
> The International Sportsmen Expo this past weekend was pretty darn good for
> me. I finally got to meet Lefty Kreh in person and watch his demonstration.
> He put to rest a lot of questions I've had and some of the questions that
> were asked in roff. Lefty is quite a character and for his age of 81, his
> senses and skills are still very keen.
>
>
>
> Unfortunately Lefty now has rotator cuff (yes got from casting) and has
> changed his casting technique from his early days. He told me he doesn't
> want to see anyone get this problem as his casting style is almost sideways
> now. I'll have to analyze this more.
>
>
>
> During his demonstration Left made a few 70' cast with just half of a 9'
> rod, using only the 4 ½' end section, with tight loops. That tells me you
> don't need an expensive rod to make good cast. Then he pieces the rod back
> together, gets down on his knees and effortlessly makes another 70' tight
> loop cast, so you don't need a long rod or raise the hand up high, or be 7'
> tall to make long cast either. Oh, the rod he was using was a fresh off the
> rack TFO TiCr 9', 6wt 4pc which still had the plastic wrap on the cork.
>
>
>
> After his lecture he asked for a volunteer from the standing room audience.
> Years ago I remember a local fly-shop paying Left $2000, divided among 20
> serious anglers to have him fly out here to CA and give a 1 hour lecture
> with a 1 hour hands on class. Since no one wanted to make a fool out of
> themselves, I thought this is my chance to volunteer a lesson with one of
> the greatest casters in the world for the price of my ticket to the show.
> For that I think I could tolerate embarrassment and be the guinea pig. After
> he asked my name and put the rod in my hands, he had me make a cast the way
> I normally do. I made a 60' cast and on the microphone loud and clear Lefty's
> famous line: "Tom didn't listen to anything I was saying!" as the crowd
> roared with laughter. Then he corrected me on 2 ever-so-slight
> technicalities, keeping the wrist straighter on the backcast, and stop the
> rod a touch higher on the forward cast. I'll have to admit, I was a bit
> nervous standing in front of everyone with Lefty at my side. I made my
> second cast and was ready for more embarrassment, but to my surprise he
> blurts out; "Make another cast!" I make another 60' cast as I'm feeling
> pretty comfortable now, he then whispers to me, "you got it down?" with his
> warm smile. I nod my head yes, then he gets on the mic and yells; "Anyone
> worst than Tom?" I felt pretty relieved thinking it could have been worst.. I
> continued to walk around the show, but came out empty-handed except for
> something I'll remember for the rest of my life.
>
> -tom
I think I just missed you Saturday morning. I had to sample life in
the big city and ride the train up. I am TDY in the Silcone Valley. I
got to see the usual outfitters and guides that show up in Portland
plus a few from Oregon who are never at the Portland show.
Did you see the guy who had the antique fishing stuff. Makes me feel
old, I have stuff in my closet older than some of his. I bought my
Medalist 1498 in 63, it got more scars than the one he had. I
overheard one guy who wondered if people really caught fish on them.
.
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