[devegus]

I have trouble casting poppers with hooks 4, 6, 8. I have a 6wt line, reel and rod. Any tips would be appreciated. thanks

[Fishplease]

Only thing I can say with the current information is that you need to let your back cast unfold a little more.

[devegus]

When i look back at the popper i noticed it doesn't fully extend back.

[BigCliff]

The problem is being caused by lack of line speed on the cast. The best way to increase line speed DOES NOT involve putting more strength into the cast.

Make sure you are accelerating through the casting stroke, and making a very controlled stop at the end of the stroke. Double hauling is also a great way to increase line speed, but that's sorta tough to learn.

A simple fix for now is to use stronger, shorter leaders, and stick with the smaller flies. A 6' 8lb/3x leader casting a size 8 popper on a 6wt line should work well for you. (don't cut a 9' leader down to 6', as you will end up with a MUCH stronger/stiffer leader than you need)

[xjguy07]

well i cast similar sized popers on a 5wt system and all i can say is that you have to learn how popers cast. their not gonna be nice pretty curves like a dry fly would be but just work on your timeing wait longer to start the foward cast because the popper will take longer to fully extned behind you.

[keebranch]

Like Big Cliff said line speed is the key. But here's a recommendation which might help.Try roll casting the fly out say 20+ feet if you can, then use a pick-up cast to generate load to your back then make a forward cast.

[troutbum]

Line speed, Line Speed, Line Speed!And let that line completly straighten out on your backcast,this requires you to slow down a touch and hesitate slightly before starting your forward stroke.
Also, as mentioned,shorten your leader up and try tapering down to a 2 or 3x tippet.
Search"double haul fly casting",practice it.A good Double haul is a very usefull weapon in your fishing arsonal.
Tight Lines
Aaron

[BigCliff]

Keebranch's suggestion to flip some line out and then use the water's surface tension is a great suggestion as well. That's actually part of a technique known as a "water haul".

Just beware that doing this with a popper can produce quite a disturbance on the surface as you lift it off.

[keebranch]

Cliff,
You're correct about the downfall to water haul with a popper. If the popper's picked up with too much force and too rapidly it will pop coming out of the water.
Still, I feel it's a pretty good technique for a novice.
Les