Rick
Whorwood’s Skagit-style Casting Clinic
A Testimonial by Peter Lami
Over the years, I had taken three traditional Spey Casting classes.
Admittedly, I learned the basic Spey movements but never really understood
the entire rod-line system. Worse still, I struggled every time I fished out
West with a two-handed rod, especially with those 15-foot sink tips. Not
anymore! Skagit casting employs a method of casting that works on the
principle of a sustained anchor that uses the “unsticking” of a thoroughly
“stuck” fly line from the river’s surface as the mechanism for loading the
rod and allowing you to change the direction of the cast.
Rick Whorwood is a FFF Master Certified Spey Casting Instructor.
Not surprisingly, he hangs out with some of the really cool west coast
anglers including Ed Ward, Marlow Bumpus, Steve Choate, Chris Seipio, Tim
Rajeff and Steve Rajeff. Never heard of them? These guys invented
“Skagiting”in the early 1990’s. This style of Spey casting is characterized
by its relatively short shooting head lines and used for casting heavy sink
tips and big flies (tube flies and bunny leeches). I am happy to attest to
the fact that Rick Whorwood is truly an expert in this field and without
equal as an instructor.
Rick’s weekend-long Skagit Clinic was a tour de force on the
complete Skagit rod-line system. Classroom lectures were combined with no
less than eight hours of instruction on the water. The casts that work best
with the Skagit style are the Double Spey, Snap “T”, Circle “C”, and a
Skagit single Spey with a Perry Poke. Trust me when I tell you that none of
this Skagit stuff is in a book or how-to DVD.
As an added bonus, Rick conducted a Sinking Tip work shop and
demonstration. The former topic was a hands-on class on how to rig up your
own custom 12-foot sink tip loop-to-loop system. The standard multi-tip fly
lines for sale in the fly shops can’t compare to your very own wallet of
custom-built sink tips matched perfectly to your Skagit outfit.
Finally, the aforementioned tube flies are all the rage these days
among Steelheaders. Rick’s a pretty good fly tier too. Did I mention he was
commissioned by the Canadian Postal Service to tie a fully-dressed Jock
Scott for a 50 cent stamp? His demonstrations on how to tie tube flies, when
combined with a single malt Scotch after dinner, was a real pleasure.
It just doesn’t make any sense to spend all that money on a trip of
a lifetime and not take a lesson or two from Rick Whorwood before you go.
Once again, I have to tell you that Rick is one of the high priests of Spey
casting. This stuff is amazing!
Tight loops!
Peter Lami
FFF Master Certified Fly Casting Instructor
November 19, 2006
see one of Peter's course made tube flies here here
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Re: Skagit Casting Instruction - Flyfitters Rick, I thoroughly enjoyed your class last weekend. Before I took your class I had never cast a Spey rod and was almost completely ignorant of the different styles of Spey casting, classic, Scandinavian and Skagit . I left the class feeling competent to fish the Skagit system. I feel with some practice using the concepts of anchor placement, 180 degree alignment and a proper belly I will be able to improve my casting significantly without developing bad habits or hooking myself, which is significant since I do not live within 1,000 miles of the closest certified two hand instructor. Your instruction on building Skagit shooting heads, rigging the Skagit system and tying tube flies was more than I ever expected from the class. Your patience and hands on demonstrations when I could not quite get the hang of the back stroke cemented my opinion that you should start with qualified instruction, so that you do not develop bad habits. Books, DVDs and videos have there place but it is so much easier and more effective to learn from them when you have a solid understanding of the basics, learned in a course like yours. Thanks for a great class and for your rapid response to my emails afterward. William Kessler Atlanta, GA
I
would like thank you for the single hand fly casting
lessons, I really learned a lot. I was very pleased with
the one on one instruction you provided. You were able
to show me what I was doing wrong and what I was doing
right. I'm really looking forward to next spring, when I
will be able to take what you taught me, and what I've
been practicing to my favourite fishing holes.
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I attended Rick Whorwood's spey casting class in June 2005. I have taken other classes in the past and consider myself a novice caster. The class was very well structured teaching the basics of roll and switch casting initially then progressing to spey casts. Everyone had ample time to practice each step while receiving one on one attention from Rick.
For those of us that had experience casting, Rick took time to teach us advanced techniques and fine tune our casting while the group practiced exercises. It made the experience beneficial for the beginning caster and the caster with some experience alike.
Rick is plain spoken with the group, not trying to impress with his knowledge, but rather sharing it. By the end of the class everyone was speaking in terminology that in the beginning was foreign and intimidating. I am one of the unfortunate spey casters who started off trying to learn from books with no proper instruction. I have since been fortunate to receive instruction from a number of teachers. I can sincerely say that by the end of the class most of the students had accomplished in one day what took me seasons of trial and error on my own. I can also say Rick is certainly one of the finest instructors I've had the opportunity to work with. One weekend with Rick and many of the mistakes that I had picked up over the years had been corrected and my casting has improved considerably.
Jonathan Krotz
Rochester New York
I had the fortunate opportunity to attend a 2 day spey casting seminar hosted by Rick. I found the 2 days to be very rewarding mostly in part to Rick's ability to pass along his knowledge, enthusiasm and skill with regard to casting. As a fishing guide, I'm always looking for new ways to improve my abilities and offer more to my clients. Rick's approach and patience certainly assisted me with improving my abilities and skills on the river. I know I have become a better guide by incorporating some of Rick's tips with my clients. He is an asset to the fly-fishing community in Ontario and will have a positive impact of expanding the sport of single and two-hand fly-fishing.
I look forward to working with him in the future to introduce spey casting to Fly-Fitters clients.
Regards.
Mike Verhoef, Godrich Ontario www.flyfitters.ca
Hi Rick
I just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for an excellent presentation both in store and on the water. All comments were very favourable from all who participated. We're hoping to do more with you.
Nelson Murakami
Natural Sports
Kitchener
It's Dave Gonder, I thought I would provide some comments on yesterdays course. I thought it was excellent and the course certainly clarified the basics for me. Nice to meet you.
Dave
Kitchener Ontario
Richard, this is just a short note to thank you for a great day. I learned a lot and am looking forward to putting it to use over some Atlantics on the Gaspe this summer. Thanks again
Axel Larsen
Ontario
Rick-Thanks for the lesson and the opportunity to see spey casting properly demonstrated. Since these techniques are not well established in this region, it has been very difficult for one such as me to see the method executed appropriately; and more important, to get some proper instruction (especially with my limited time). I have read a lot, looked at a number of videos, and flailed in the water, but there is no substitute for a trained eye to coach you. As far as the lesson went, I wish you could have been there the first time I picked up a spey rod, it would have significantly jump-started my learning curve. I found the lesson to be very well organized and to contain the fundamentals which have been described by other masters of the spey rod. I felt you presented the material in a very straight forward and easy to understand method. I think the best part of the lesson was that there ample time on the water to practice each basic step. The one on one criticism was good (I wish there could have been more, but I'd need a private lesson for that). All in all, it was a very worthwhile day and most important it was fun!! I would be seriously interested in getting some more instruction. Hopefully I will be able to attend an advanced class in August, but would also be interested in other times and locations as my work schedule might permit. By the way, it was great to be able to cast those sweet rods you had. Anyway Rick, I really enjoyed it and enjoyed meeting you. Thanks again.
Mark Orloff
N.Y.
As you know, I was the rankest beginner in the class- the only one without equipment, even. As a result, I was well pleased that you started with real basics. Although others may have found this too elementary, I am from the “you can always learn something school". You did it quickly enough to hold everyone’s interest, I think: and, after all, you had to rig your rod anyway, right?
Your teaching style is very easy to take in. I particularly like your tactic of repeating both instructions and demonstration at different intervals: initially, then after we had tried the particular cast for a while, a review after lunch, and again at the end when we had show and tell. With that many repetitions, something should have sunk in, I hope.
I'm also pleased that you encouraged, if not forced, us to try both-right and left hand high. You also told us and demonstrated why it's a good idea to learn both. With no experience, I had no preference, so it was fine with me to try both. I'm sure I'll be happy I did.
One last specific comment, I liked the way you eased us in to using the double spey, first one way only, then going back and forth from downstream to midstream, back downstream, etc. It really works. Overall, I would recommend the class to anyone who wants to learn about spey casting. It's one thing to read about something in a book. It's altogether different to hear about it from someone who can get his point across and see it demonstrated by someone who knows how to do it right. You were very good at both. Thanks again for a most enjoyable and informative day.
Chip Weld
Rochester N.Y.
July 7, 2005
Re: Richard Whorwood
I have had the pleasure of having Rick host a Spey Casting course in Ottawa. Without exception the students were pleased with the course and the skills they developed.
Rick has mastered the skills involved and can demonstrate all aspects with skill and confidence. Perhaps more importantly, he can convey to the student verbally and in concise terms the key elements involved in performing a specific cast. He is well organized in terms of course content and has a relaxed style that puts his students at ease.
I would recommend Rick without reservation. Should you require further comment, please don't hesitate to contact me.
John Huff
John Huff Adventures, Ottawa, 613-302-1555
Wanted to thank you again for Saturday, it helped a great deal to put principles of spey casting in order so that I can start practicing and using them on the stream. Thank again
Bill Nesbitt
N.Y.
I've taken instruction from Rick Whorwood and he's helped my casting significantly. It’s obvious that Rick enjoys teaching and he has a deep knowledge of casting. Rick's knowledge coupled with a highly contagious enthusiasm make him one of the best at his craft. I confidently can recommend his services to anyone or group.
Wayne
Vierhout
Mississauga, Ontario Canada
Rick, Thanks for the great spey clinics June 25/26 2005. All the folk that attended said they learned lot's of proper casting techniques.
Rick, I've personally been in the fly tackle business since 1964 and have worked with may casting folks.
Your presentation is very good and not boring as some I have seen. I liked the way you presented and then worked each caster through it on a one on one.
Your interest in the sport of fishing is also transmitted to the class. Tight Lines
Hope we can get you to do more spey casting clinics.
Carl Coleman colemans@rochester.rr.com
Rick thanks so much for the lesson in the FFF Certification program. As you know, I'm a retired naval officer that was assigned to fleet training Center Norfolk Virginia in my last duty assignment. I was in charge of a department of electronic school with 60 senior enlisted instructors. Your lesson involved all of the principals we would expect to see:
1, you are the subject matter expert
2, communicated the material in concise terms
3, visually demonstrated the material (best retention of material)
4, repeated the material and reinforced the principals
5, kept the material in increments that where easily understood
6, gave the student written material to further support the retention
You are a practiced instructor that made the lesson not only interesting but will make me a better fly caster. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and time. Best Regards.
Neil Drumheller
Sever Warf Custom Rods Virginia
Rick, in my 30 plus years of working in the fishing industry, I have only met a few that compare to you. Your knowledge is vast with regard to all aspects of fishing; both fly and spin, especially when it comes to Loomis products. You have a real talent and ability to subtly promote the fishing products that you represent. You’re one of the best educators that I have had the pleasure of meeting. You show a lot of patience when dealing with entry-level fishermen, but also have the knowledge needed to help take an advanced fisherman to the next level.
It was a pleasure hosting and attending one of your spey clinics. Sincerely.
Jeff Liskay, Ohio
It’s a pleasure to support your Casting School. Only a few years have passed since I took my first single hand casting lesson with you. Since then you’ve taken me on a journey that doesn’t seen to have an end. Under your tutelage, I have achieved my master casting instructor certification with the FFF. Your ongoing support and encouragement will be remembered, always. One of these days, we will have to get out fishing. Your friend.
Marty Tannahill, Penetanguishene Ontario Canada
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Hi Rick
Happy New year!!
Just wanted to send a quick note to say that over the past couple of years I've had the pleasure of fishing and casting with you only a few times, however during those limited encounters I have always come away with some valuable tips and techniques that have made this great sport of fly fishing even more addictive. Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise and knowledge in such a friendly and down to earth way. Doug Swift Wasaga Beach Ontario
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