Draft:Spey casting and the Welsh Throw History

The Welsh Throw Origins

The "Welsh throw" cast has its roots in the rivers of Wales. This unique casting technique originated during the early 1800s and was primarily utilized on rivers like the Wye, Towy, and the Welsh Dee. Surprisingly, various forms of this cast continue to be employed in angling practices today. The "Welsh throw" holds a notable place in the history of Celtic salmon casts, even though the precise origins of the technique remain shrouded in mystery. It cannot be definitively linked to a single river or individual. Nevertheless, if we were to venture a guess, the river Wye would be a likely contender. What we do know for certain is that this casting method had its beginnings on the rivers of Wales in the early 1800s. It is important to note that the "Welsh throw" has no historical connection to the river Spey or the Spey cast

The fly is brought as near you as the length of the line will admit, by drawing the rod almost perpendicularly or inclining a trifle behind you, either on the right hand or the left, immediately delivering the line before, while the fly and several yards of line remain on the water, and the fly reaches the surface last. To accomplish the throw, the rod must be well proportioned to the line. If the rod is lighter, the line must be proportionably so; else to succeed is impossible, and without the line made for the exact purpose, no man can accomplish the throw. The line must increase in thickness from the point for about twenty-five yards; nearly the last of those 25 yards being very heavy. The object of this is that the weight of the upper part shall be such as to force forward the lighter end, with the gut and fly. The greatest weight of the line being at the point of the rod sends out the lighter part with much less exertion to the angler than is required for the usual overhead throw. It possesses another materialistic advantage: you can fish these casts from the bank, which you could not command unless in a boat, for, as the line will never be brought behind you, no rock, tree, or bank impels the throw. The fly, too, can be pitched much further by this than any other means. The economy of manual exertion, the being enabled to fish in any cramped place, and sending out a greater length of line, surely form a triad well worthy of the salmon-fisher's notice.

The Early 1800s Wales Weight-forward Fly Line

The origins and history of the tapered head fly line finds its origins on the salmon rivers of Wales in the early 1800s. It is difficult to attribute the invention of the tapered head double handed fly line to a specific person or river, but this line was exclusively used in Wales in the early 1800s. This line was produced in various weights and lengths to match casting conditions, the power of one's rod, and its length. Essentially, it functions as a weight forward casting head. This classification is based on the fact that the line's body weight or mass is retrieved back to the proximity of the rod tip before each cast and is linked to a thinner running line via a rear taper. The Welsh triangular profile weight forward fly line has a history of over 180 years and was the first purpose-built line for D loop casting. Considering that the available alternatives at this time were predominantly characterized as the Scottish level or extended level body line with a brief taper on either side. The Welsh weight forward casting head has no connection to the river Spey or the Spey cast; these are distinct line styles from the early 1800s.

"To accomplish this throw the rod must be well proportioned to the line. If the rod be powerful, so must be the line. If the rod be lighter, the line must be proportionably so, else to succeed is impossible; and without a line made for the exact purpose, no man can accomplish the throw. The line must increase in thickness from the point of about 25 yards; Nearly the last half of these 25 yards being very heavy. The object of this is, that the weight of the upper part shall be so, as to force forward the lighter end, with the gut and fly. The greatest weight of the line being at the point of the rod, sends out the lighter part with much less exertion to the angler by than is required for the usual overhead throw. And it possesses another material advantage; that you can fish these catches or casts from the bank which you could not command, unless in a boat; for, as the line is never brought behind you, no rock, tree, or bank in impedes the throw. The fly, too, can be pitched very much further by this than any other method. The economy manual exertion. The bring enabled to fish in any cramps pace and the sending out a greater length of line surely from a triad Well worthy the salmon-fisher’s notice." By Wheatley ‘The Rod and Line’ 1849.

Spey Cast Origins

I should therefore advise any aspirant to excellence in Salmon fishing have, to attain this knack (the throwing of the line) in the greatest possible perfection. Some anglers who throw the longest line make it “swirl” out upon the water, The Hook appearing to align last. others cause the fly to hover for a moment and touch the water before any part of the line. These last appear the neatest fisher, but the others command more water. In fishing a salmon cast, throw a point downstream bring in your hook gradually around, but always keep it 2 points against the stream I never bring it in so straight towards you as in trout fishing. In deep water when a very long cast you made it through straight out bringing the fly round by keeping the point of the rod up instead of downstream. There is an underhanded cast much in use on the Spey, which prevents the fly line from circling behind. Of course, this is a great advantage amongst trees and other obstacles. It is generally practiced upstream, on the line with its “swish” up on the water goes over the fish before they see the fly which appears to me a great objection. These Spey fishers can through this underhanded cast as far as an expert hand in the ordinary way. A peculiar rod is necessary, which must be very stiff. Indeed, a common salmon rod would be apt to break in the hands of these fishers. The cast is easily learnt but must be seen to be thoroughly understood.