Casting course for fly-fishing
Most every activity has its heroes.
In fly fishing, a most notable protagonist is Lefty Kreh, whose skill with the long rod, as well as his ability to share the knowledge of such, is legendary.
Fulfilling a plan that was initially considered by Kreh decades ago, fly-fishers can now test their skill on a multistation casting course designed by the renowned icon.
"Lefty first had the idea back in 1969," said Tom Ference, Home Waters Fishing Club business developer, and certified Lefty Kreh Casting Instructor. "The course was to be built in Montana, outside of Yellowstone National Park, by one of the major rod companies.
"The idea never took life, and was put on the shelf for decades."
Ference said some 40 years later, Kreh was encouraged by the Spruce Creek, Pa.-based trout fishing club to turn the concept into reality. That was accomplished in early Maywith the unveiling of the Lefty Kreh Flyfishing Challenge Course in Huntingdon County.
While Home Waters is a private fishing club encompassing sections of several central Pennsylvania trout streams, the Kreh course is available to the public and is open from May through November.
"The thinking is that a course of this nature would help introduce a new generation of potential fly anglers to the sport," explained Ference. "It would also be a spot where fly-fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels could improve their abilities, either by practicing on their own or by employing an instructor.
"Also, we conduct some events that promote friendly competition," he added.
The course offers a variety of stations that are laid out so participants can move smoothly from one to the next. Examples include a distance station, loop cast, curve cast, wind cast, roll cast, cast and retrieve, hoop casting and drift fishing. Most stations are on dry land, while others, such as the drift fishing scenario, are on the waters of the Juniata River.
The drift station is mobile, using both fast and slow current. A pond is utilized for the skip cast, where the caster duplicates the motion needed to skip a cast under a tree branch or dock.
Ference said a description posted at each station informs participants as to each particular challenge.
"Casters can walk through the course alone, using the posted information as their guide," noted Ference. "If they opt to employ an instructor, it's more personal and the pro can be sure the caster is using the correct "Lefty" technique."
The Lefty technique, according to Ference, has advantages that make casting easier and more enjoyable.
"Most fish casting techniques, especially in regard to distance casting, use references of the face of a clock to illustrate rod position in casting," he explained. "Lefty isn't an advocate of that system. Rather, he utilizes the rod in a longer arc, as more of a lever, which is more efficient for distance, for casting into the wind, as well as other benefits."
Ference noted that to the best of his knowledge the Huntingdon County facility is the only fly-fishing challenge club in existence.
Advance reservations are required to cast the course. Pricing varies depending upon the size of the group.
Single anglers can use the course by paying an hourly fee. Groups have the option of package deals that include lodging, meals, as well as the use of the course.
Reservations and additional information can be obtained by phoning Ference at 724-889-6091 or by contacting the Home Waters Fishing Club at 877-788-9797 or visit www.homewatersclub.com .
Jeff Knapp is a fishing columnist for the Butler Eagle
