After making the initial lift, the next part of the casting sequence involves what could be described as making a high lift of the fly-line by rotating the rod-tip with a high, circular, upstream movement, this has the effect of lifting the fly-line off, or out of the water. By continuing the sweep of the fly-rod, around and back downstream, the fly-line is laid on the water’s surface, upstream and in a straight line, forming a water borne anchor, which can be peeled back and formed into a D-loop. The anchor point is determined by the rod-tip position at the end of the return sweep and this can be adjusted, depending upon the required casting angle, and the body line.
When a sinking line is used, the circle cast may have to be speeded up to prevent the fly-line from sinking before the casting sequence is completed.
This cast allows for some adjustment of the casting angle and for creating clearance between the casting position and bank obstructions when these exist. The casting angle is determined by the body line and so the cast should always begin with the caster facing the intended target area. To place the fly-line so that the line-tip is near to the anchor point it may be necessary to bring the rod-tip into the bank side after the initial lift has been made. This can also be usefully applied if there are back obstructions because from the position the line can be thrown out into mid-stream thus creating clearance for the back-cast.
There is a tendency for inexperienced casters to put a lot of power into making the high circular movement which causes the line to land noisily or with a crash on the water. A slow, steady acceleration of the rod-tip will still achieve the desired effect and will give a more efficient and elegant result.
There should be plenty of time available to peel the fly-line back off the water for setting up the D-loop so there is no need for this be hurried unless there is a fast current which causes the fly-line to be swept downstream too quickly or if a sinkng line is being used.
