The BFCC currently
offers fly casting events for fly anglers, tournament fly casters,
and an annual event for team fly casting. To serve majority
interests, we offer distance-casting events, but are happy to offer
accuracy and other unique technique-building games as UK casting
diversifies and demand for non-distance events grow in the future.
Providing a relaxed
environment for fly fishermen's events with an emphasis on personal
best efforts are the primary goals of the BFCC, while rules for
tournament-grade events will be in line with the International
Casting Sport Federation (ICSF), and/or the American Casting
Association (ACA) to prepare potential international casters for
these top-level competitions. This way those who aspire to European,
USA, and World level competitions can be familiar with what is
expected. Please read below and become familiar with the casting
events on offer including the equipment associated with each event.
Please do not forget to read the GENERAL
RULES section.
(1)
Fly Fisherman's #7 Distance (NEWCOMER): This
event is generally for inexperienced competition anglers.
Since the majority of
UK fly fisherman use rods in the 6,7, & 8 AFTMA weight divisions,
we feel that this competition is the best way to introduce fly
fishermen/women to distance casting without resorting immediately to
light river or heavy saltwater equipment. To maintain a sense of
fairness, the BFCC will provide a suitable fly casting outfit
(historically a 7 weight outfit) for this event, however casters are
permitted and encouraged to use their own rods with appropriate
floating lines.
Trophies, Casting
Certificates & Proficiency Casting Badges modelled after the
coveted 55 yard club badge will be on hand to commemorate your
casting efforts. Perfecting your distance-casting skills with your
own tackle will convert into better and more enjoyable fly fishing
whether using WF or DT floating lines.
General Equipment
& Casting Time Limits:
-
Any standard production
fly rod marked 7 weight up to 10
feet
(3.1m) in length is permitted. Tournament-grade blanks/rods are NOT
PERMITTED.
Where there are questions, casters need to consult the senior judge
whose decision is final.
-
Any standard production WF7F
or DT7F
fly line can be used.
-
Distance Badges to be
attained: 25, 35 & 45 yards.
-
Leader: 1.8 metres
minimum to 3.6 metres maximum length.
-
Casters in this
division will not
be
eligible to cast in the WF5 division for the 1st place trophy.
However, they are welcome to give the WF5 event a try when time &
equipment permits.
-
Time
Limit: 3
minutes.
Casters are advised to arrive at Huntingdon Racecourse early, e.g.
9-10 am., to allow for proper casting practice. All casts will take
place on flat ground.
-
NOTE: Record
Breaking rounds may be offered if conditions deem that there may be a
chance of exceeding current BFCC distance records.
(2)
Fly Fisherman's #5 (or #7) Distance (EXPERIENCED): Generally
for experienced competition casters.
General Equipment
& Casting Time Limits:
-
5 weight to be cast in
light wind and 7 weight outfit to be cast in strong wind. Decision as
to which outfit to be used will be made on the tournament day.
-
Maximum length for
production rod marked 5 weight is 9 feet (2.74 metres). Maximum
length for production rod marked 7 weight rod is 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 metres).
-
Any standard production
fly line can be used up to and including WF5F/DT5F
or WF7F/DT7F.
-
Leader: 1.8 metres
minimum to 3.6 metres maximum length.
-
Time Limit: 3
minutes.
Casters are advised to arrive at Huntingdon Racecourse early, e.g.
9-10 am., to allow for proper casting practice. All casts will take
place on flat ground.
Steve Rajeff
Casting a 5wt fly
line for distance (YouTube.com)
Click above
(3) 5
Weight Fly Casting (EXPERTS) Distance with Floating Line:
To acommodate the interests and goals of our more experienced
UK fly fisherman, we have fashioned this event to allow these casters
(and anybody else interested in casting light lines) to push the
distance-casting envelope. This event is extremely popular in the USA
where large money prizes and exposure on the telly, e.g. ESPN &
Outdoor Life Network (OLN) have brought in the big names of fly
casting/fishing. Currently in the USA, Sage, GLoomis, and other top
rod brands matched historically to a Scientific Angler's XXD WF line,
are being used in the 5 weight distance event since these outfits
often produce fast tip and line speeds, however, a caster's technique
is just as important, so bring your own gear and have a go and
experience fly casting's distance frontier. More detailed information
on the ISE 5 weight 'Best of the West' USA competitions & full
line 5 weight distance casting techniques can be found on http://www.sexyloops.com/
General Equipment
& Casting Time Limits:
-
Any standard production
fly rod to 9
1/2 feet
in length. Tournament-grade blanks/rods are NOT
PERMITTED.
-
Fly line will consist
of a production standard WF5 (e.g. Scientific Anglers XXD WF5) with
no modifications. Leader loops are permitted. Backing will be at the
caster's discretion (e.g. monofilament, braided monofilament, gel
spun line etc.). Fly line outfits offered by the BFCC will consist of
a premium WF5 fly line matched to 20lb Stren Hi-Vis Gold monofilament backing.
-
Leaders will be no
longer than 3 metres and will be constructed of unweighted nylon
(e.g. Stren, Maxima).
-
The fly reel will hold
all of the backing, fly line, leader, tippet & apprpriate BFCC
distance fly consisting of wool (yarn). Distance Badges to be
attained: 25, 35 & 45 yards.
-
Casters in this
division will
not
be eligible to cast in the WF7 division for the 1st place trophy.
However, they are eligible to try and break the existing WF7 distance
record as part of the newly formed WF7 Experienced division.
-
Time Limit: 3
minutes.
Casters are advised to arrive at Huntingdon Racecourse early, e.g.
9-10 am., to allow for proper casting practice. All casts will take
place on flat ground.
-
NOTE: Record
Breaking rounds may be offered if conditions deem to be a chance of
exceeding current BFCC distance records.
Fly
Fisherman's Distance TEAM event: Following
on from the success of this type of event in previous years, teams
composed of three (3) casters each are invited to cast against other
casting teams from all over the U.K. The winning team will be the one
with the longest combined total of top distances cast by it's members.
