Q: “Why do they call you Lefty when you cast with your right hand?”
A: It’s a fair question that deserves an answer. Basically, I am left-handed. However, when I was in school in the 1930s, students were “requested” to write with their right hand — there were not any left-handed desks.
I began my fly-casting career with my left hand but realized that, to be a good teacher, you must be able to cast with either hand. When I participated in casting demonstrations, I thought it best to demonstrate right-handed. Many years ago, I flipped over a mattress for my wife and tore my biceps muscle in my left arm. I’m still able to cast left-handed, but I quickly develop severe cramps, so now I cast right-handed most of the time.
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