Q I have heard of anglers throwing distances of 125 feet plus, but in our attempts with shooting heads that distance is unreachable. We have tried all different types of floating and intermediate shooting heads in lengths from 30 to 38 feet, but we can get only 80 or 90 feet. Are there a select few who can achieve this distance? If so, can you tell us how to throw a longer line?
I travel the world, and I don’t know anyone who can consistently throw average to large flies 125 feet under normal fishing conditions, using conventional fly rods. From what you describe, I have two hints that might aid in getting a little more distance. One, a sinking line is less air-resistant than a floating or intermediate line, and it’s easier to manage in the surf. You can also get a few more feet with a shooting taper if only on the last backcast you let a little more line feed to the rear.
Another solution to the problem is to use a two-handed rod. A 14-foot two-handed rod can increase your distance by at least 20 feet, and it will also allow you to hold line above the waves and, to some degree, defeat the wind.
-Lefty
