Distance Casting Exhibition

[Brian F.]

I know this is not part of the usual National fare but, in a conversation with Tom Harwood (our host at Fife), I mentioned I knew of some tournament longcasters in the Houston area. I know that Harvey, in his research on Primo Livenais and his reels has had contact with some fellows, and may already know them (sorry I didn't contact you privately, Harv, before mentioning this). There are a couple of world class casters in the group. They know about our convention and I'm aware that a couple guys are into old reels also.

My question is, would anyone be interested in seeing a longcasting exhibition in conjunction with our casting tournament?

It may not include antique tackle and I'm thinking that only because the thought of casting a 5-8 oz sinker on an old bamboo rod with linen line seems to hold potential for some serious health/property damage. We would be talking a couple maybe 3 guys (really big, big Texas guys) with tournament surfcasting gear that can launch it 700 to 800 feet.

Before this thought, I had been toying with bringing along a 6/0 Senator to fling around, remembering Tom Harwood's surfcasting exhibition a couple of years back. I also owe Jim Madden some surfcasting lessons, as I'm hoping he'll give me a few pointers with a baitcast reel.

Just something to kick around. I know time is limited and we can't do everything but if there's more interest, I'd be happy to approach the National organizers and contact some of the fellows I know of.

[Harvey]

Brian,
Yes, I have contacted a couple guys from the Texas area about other stuff and have casually informed them about our show.
My plans were to contact Nick at Breakaway and see if any one had an interest in putting on such a demonstration. Go ahead an do it if you want. I just haven't done it yet.
I think it would be great to see them throw an object out of sight!
harvey

[Brian F.]

Harvey,

The two casters I'm thinking about are Jerry Valentine and Lou McEachern. In the recent SFCCI Worlds held in Sept, Lou placed first in both the 125 and 150 gram categories with casts of 747.9 ft & 788.6 ft respectively. Jerry cast 761.3 ft. in the 125 gram category.

I know they are in the Houston area and both of them have been here to HI for demonstrations before. Lou has an interest in antique tackle and buys an occasional old reel or two. I'm sure they'd be open to doing something that's tailored to the time we have. The only problem might be finding a big enough field! Will wait to see how members and the organizers feel.

[Reel Geezer]

Brian: That's a terrific idea. I would think our members would be interested in tackle capable of casts like that.

[Jim Madden]

Brian, I think I can speak for us landlocked lubbers in the Midwest. That would be quite a show! I'd like to try it myself. Jim

[Jim Schottenham]

Brian, sign me up for a front row seat. I think it's a great idea!
Jim