Double Handed Syllabus
APGAI IRELAND TEST SYLLABUS – DOUBLE HANDED ROD
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Tests will be carried out in accordance with the schedule of casts and techniques listed below.
You are being examined on your ability as a Professional Game Angling Instructor and should therefore bring to the examination any equipment or teaching aids that you would normally use to demonstrate and/or instruct others.
The exam process is searching and demanding in order to uphold the high standards and integrity of APGAI-Ireland. Members must first pass a test on a subject if they wish to teach. These documents are designed to assist candidates who are preparing for the examination and is based on the experience of those who have have successfully prepared for and taken the exam.
EQUIPMENT
Double Handed Fly Rod with a maximum length of 15 feet
Line to be used within the range of A.F.T.M. 8-11
One floating Spey or double taper line
One sinking spey or double taper line (sink rate 2)
Shooting Head (Floating or Sinking)
Leader, not less than 10ft or more than 15ft>
White or yellow wool to be used as fly
Double handed spinning/bait rod (10-11ft) with fixed spool reel
Double handed spinning/bait rod (10-11ft) with multiplier reel
Both spinning/bait rods to have appropriate line and weight
INFORMATION
Each cast may be attempted four times of which two attempts must be satisfactory.
Tight Loops are considered to be 3ft. approximately.
Candidate should bring chest waders, foul weather clothing etc. to the examination.
DISTANCES required will be measured to the wool from the reel.
Some casts will be required to be executed with a specific length of line out, and some casts will be made shooting line to the specified distance.
NOTE: This is described as casting WITH a certain length of line or casting TO (or beyond) the specified distance.
Every cast will be required to be performed satisfactorily twice.
Except where otherwise stated ALL casts must be performed from BOTH sides with appropriate hand uppermost on rod. (i.e.: left hand uppermost on left side and right hand uppermost on right side).
A potential A.P.G.A.I.-Ireland instructor should be able to execute all of the casts with ease and proficiency, and must be able to explain any aspect of the cast clearly.
Prior to practical casting the potential A.P.G.A.I.-Ireland instructor will be asked a number of questions, such as, explain:
Rod actions
Grip
Left hand up casting
Reversed casting
Line rating system
American Spey Line standard head lengths
Bank orientation for casting single & double spey & snake roll
Safety measures
CASTING EXAMINATION
During the practical examination, the candidate may be asked – prior to, or during any cast – any of the above questions, and also other questions such as, explain:
Stroke length
Arc
Loop shape
Anchor
Creep
Upper body rotation
Weight shift
Causes of tailing loops
And any other questions which the examiners deem relevant.
The examiners may use their discretion at all times, and may make a 10% reduction in distances required in allowance for adverse winds during testing, or for candidates with reduced arm/hand strength (i.e. women, elderly).
Show and explain an initial method of getting line out.
CASTING
ROLL CAST:
Perform and explain a roll cast with 80ft of line
OVERHEAD CAST:
Perform 3-4 false casts with 80ft of line, maintaining narrow (tight) loops forward and back.
Perform 3-4 false casts with 80ft of line with an open loop forward and back.
Explain and demonstrate the difference in casting open and tight loops.
Demonstrate a tailing loop on command. Explain how to correct a tailing loop.
Make a change of direction cast (30 degrees or greater) with 80ft of line.
Perform overhead cast to 100ft or more (shooting line allowed)
JUMP ROLL/SWITCH CAST/FORWARD SPEY:
Perform a cast to 100ft.
Perform a cast with 80ft of line make initial lift, sweep and place the anchor
A. In front of you.
B. Level with you.
C. Behind you.
Explain and demonstrate an incorrect sweep dumping dead line on the water.
Explain and demonstrate a piling anchor.
SINGLE SPEY:
Execute a 45 degree change of direction cast with 80ft of line.
Execute a 90 degree change of direction cast with 80ft of line.
Shoot line to 100ft with a change of direction of 45 degrees.
Perform and explain a cast with incorrect timing for the final delivery (both too soon and too late).
With 80ft. of line show the ability to place the anchor further upstream and further out from the angler than normal.
Explain and demonstrate the difference between “D” and “V” Loops.
DOUBLE SPEY:
Execute a cast with a 45 degree change of direction with 80ft of line.
Execute a cast with a 90 degree change of direction with 80ft of line.
Execute a cast with a 45 degree change of direction shooting line to 100ft.
Explain and demonstrate where and why the anchor point should land, and the end of the first line placement of a Double Spey.
Explain and show the causes of a (A) Bloody L and (B) reversed Bloody L.
Explain and demonstrate the difference when casting with – (A) very little space, and (B) a lot of space – behind the caster.
SNAKE ROLL:
Execute a 45 degree change of direction single loop snake roll cast with 80ft of line.
Execute a 45 degree change of direction single loop snake roll cast to 100ft. (shooting line allowed).
SNAP T/C CAST:
(The candidate may choose which cast he wishes to execute).
Execute a snap T/C with a 45 degree change of direction with 80ft of line.
Execute a Snap T/C with a 90 degree change of direction with 80ft of line.
Execute a 45 degree change of direction Snap T/C to 100ft shooting line allowed.
SUNK LINE CASTING:
Execute a roll cast 80ft of line.
Overhead cast to 100ft. after initial roll cast (candidate preferred side).
Single Spey after initial roll cast 45 degree change of direction to 100ft (candidates preferred side).
Double Spey after initial roll cast 45 degree change of direction to 100ft (candidates preferred side).
SHOOTING HEAD OVERHEAD CAST:
Perform an overhead cast with a shooting head to 100ft. (candidates preferred hand up).
Show and explain trajectory of final delivery.
Explain overhang.
UNDERHAND CAST:
Using preferred side demonstrate an underhand cast to 90ft.
SKAGIT CASTING:
Explain “Skagit Casting”.
BAIT CASTING/SPINNING:
Candidate’s may choose to perform right or left handed).
Explain and perform overhead casts, side casts, & pendulum casts.
Explain uses of fixed spool and multiplier reels.
Explain different rod actions, fittings, reel seats etc.
KNOTS
The candidate should be able to tie the following knots and explain their uses:
Blood
Half Blood
Tucked Half Blood
Single Grinner
Double Grinner
Perfection Loop
Surgeons Loop
Surgeons Knot
Turle Knot
Double Turle Knot
Nail Knot
Needle Knot
Riffling Hitch
Trilene Knot
Bowline
THEORETICAL
The candidate will be examined on the following subjects:
Casting
Fishing
Etiquette (incl. Dress) & Fishing Laws
Fault Diagnosis and Correction
Teaching Methods
Water Safety (Bank, Boat, wading etc) and recognition of common angling dangers including Weil’s Disease and Tetanus.
