Over the last three or four years I have been learning to Spey cast the Guideline 3D sinking shooting heads.  I have tried several set-ups but finally settled on my own adaptation of the already known Tongariro Roll Cast (TRC) that is used for upstream nymphing.  As the cast became more and more refined it became obvious that it differed significantly from the TRC, which is primarily an upstream nymphing cast.  It is so different that I became convinced it deserves its own identity.  I discussed this with some friends, and we settled on the name “Tongariro Spey Cast” (TSC) for downstream streamer swinging.  The word “Tongariro” indicates that like the TRC this cast was also developed on this famous river.   

 Out of the box, the 3D shooting heads are only about 6m long and are best Spey cast with either single-handed or short double-handed rods.   Even with such short rods, it is easy to blow the anchor for a failed cast.  As part of my development of the TCR, I have added an extra 1.5m T8 tip, which has significantly reduced my anchor failures.  Using near frictionless mono shooting line 100’ foot casts are achievable with a 9-foot rod.

 The TSC is a sustained anchor cast where the sunken anchor provides the resistance to load the rod.  From the very start of the rod loading phase, this load is maintained until the line is released towards the target.   If cast with a single-handed rod a haul adds extra distance.  To avoid hauling some of the shooting head into the tip rod guide it is necessary to set up the cast with a 50-70cm overhang.  Any more runs the risk of introducing slack, which would spoil the constant tension.  The short shooting heads necessitate that the whole set-up remains very compact and is carried out with precision timing.  An angled rod stroke improves anchorage.  Unlike Skagit heads, which generally float and are highly visible, the sinking 3D heads become invisible under the surface.   I have found that the only visible anchor sign is a slight water disturbance where the line leaves the water to form the D-Loop.   This becomes the only visible signal for the delivery cast.  Timing is everything and getting there requires lots of practice.   

 I prefer mono shooting lines of 25-35 lbs for maximum distance.   Wading in a current and attempting long casts requires trouble-free shooting line management.   In the past, I used to hold two big loops with my lips to keep as much of the shooting line off the water.  While this has never been a health issue for me on the clean Tongariro River I realise that more polluted waters pose a health risk.  To deal with this problem I have designed a small gadget, (I call "Tongariro Line Hanger") which I have attached to my vest.  As I retrieve the cast, I hook two or three big loops from it to minimise water drag.   This simple line storage system allows me to haul with my left hand only holding a single strand.   Once the cast departs the line loops peel off the device without tangling. 

Cheers

Rainbow

Over the last three or four years I have been learning to Spey cast the Guideline 3D sinking shooting heads.  I have tried several set-ups but finally settled on my own adaptation of the already known Tongariro Roll Cast (TRC) that is used for upstream nymphing.  As the cast became more and more refined it became obvious that it differed significantly from the TRC, which is primarily an upstream nymphing cast.  It is so different that I became convinced it deserves its own identity.  I discussed this with some friends, and we settled on the name “Tongariro Spey Cast” (TSC) for downstream streamer swinging.  The word “Tongariro” indicates that like the TRC this cast was also developed on this famous river.   

 Out of the box, the 3D shooting heads are only about 6m long and are best Spey cast with either single-handed or short double-handed rods.   Even with such short rods, it is easy to blow the anchor for a failed cast.  As part of my development of the TCR, I have added an extra 1.5m T8 tip, which has significantly reduced my anchor failures.  Using near frictionless mono shooting line 100’ foot casts are achievable with a 9-foot rod.

  The TSC is a sustained anchor cast where the sunken anchor provides the resistance to load the rod.  From the very start of the rod loading phase, this load is maintained until the line is released towards the target.   If cast with a single-handed rod a haul adds extra distance.  Here is a sequential break-dawn of a river right set-up for a right-handed caster.  

 1.  Starting from the dangle.   Facing slightly down stream, strip and store all mono until the shooting head is close to the rod’s tip guide.

2. Sweep rod tip upstream and just above the surface past your position.

3. Immediately reverse and roll the shooting head over your left shoulder to land upstream of your position.   How much upstream depends on the current speed.  This gives you time to carry out the rest of the set-up manoeuvres and launch the cast at the right angle down-stream and across.

4. Once the head has landed on the water pull it with a low rod tip until the rod points almost to the bank behind you.   

5. Now move the low rod tip out again forming a small loop on the water.  Slip about 50-70cm of mono for the haul.  The purpose of this loop is to create resistance for the rod to load

6. The end of the loop forming signals the beginning of the rod loading and D-loop forming phase.

7. Under constant tension the rod tip travels rearward just above the water to form the D-loop and comes back in a half circle to launch the cast.  While the right hand carries out this action the left hand goes up and hauls the mono to coincide with the delivery rod stroke.         

 To avoid hauling some of the shooting head into the tip rod guide it is necessary to set up the cast with a 50-70cm overhang.  Any more runs the risk of introducing slack, which would spoil the constant tension.  The short shooting heads necessitate that the whole set-up remains very compact and is carried out with precision timing.  An angled rod stroke improves anchorage.  Unlike Skagit heads, which generally float and are highly visible, the sinking 3D heads become invisible under the surface.   I have found that the only visible anchor sign is a slight water disturbance where the line leaves the water to form the D-Loop.  This becomes the only visible signal for the delivery cast.  Timing is everything and getting there requires lots of practice.   

  I prefer mono shooting lines of 25-35 lbs for maximum distance.   Wading in a current and attempting long casts requires trouble-free shooting line management.   In the past, I used to hold two big loops with my lips to keep as much of the shooting line off the water.  While this has never been a health issue for me on the clean Tongariro River I realise that more polluted waters pose a health risk.  To deal with this problem I have designed a small gadget, (I call "Tongariro Line Hanger") which I have attached to my vest.  As I retrieve the cast, I hook two or three big loops from it to minimise water drag.   This simple line storage system allows me to haul with my left hand only holding a single strand.   Once the cast departs the line loops peel off the device without tangling. 

As you can see, I have changed the name of this new cast to Tongariro Swing Cast as it is primarily used for downstream Streamer swinging.     I have also attempted to describe the various phases of the set-up.       It is complicated to translate the written words into a fluid movement.     Far easier to watch the video on a previous post.      

Cheers

Rainbow