Single Handed Syllabus

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APGAI IRELAND TEST SYLLABUS – SINGLE 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:

Rod_____________________________Max length 9 ft

Line_____________________________Max weight 7#

Leader___________________________Min length 8 ft (with bright yarn.)

Head and eye protection (eg cap and glasses)

The candidate should be able to explain and demonstrate the mechanics of each cast and their uses.
They must also be able to explain and demonstrate the faults associated with each cast and be able to explain and demonstrate the correction of these faults.

The candidate should have a good understanding of the tackle being used. Line profiles must be clearly understood and their uses explained.

During the performance tests the following will apply:-

The test may be conducted on grass or water.

Loop size to be no wider than 30 inches between top and bottom leg.

Spey cast change of direction, not less than 45 degrees.

Side casts to be preformed at or below 45 degrees from the horizontal.

All roll casts must unroll above the water/grass.

Three attempts will be given when attempting each cast.

A piece of bright wool will be attached to the leader.

Casting distances are from the caster’s front foot to the fly.

Note:
Casts specified OF means no shooting line or hauling is allowed.

Casts specified TO a distance means you can shoot line TO that distance.

Safe practice when teaching and guiding must be fully understood and explained.

Candidates must be properly attired (see workshop manual).
CASTING

OVERHEAD CAST: (must be performed in the vertical plane)

Demonstrate a minimum of six overhead casts (right and left hand) OF 45 feet.

From the seated position demonstrate an overhead cast OF 45 feet.

Explain and demonstrate, from the seated position, a roll cast pick up OF 45 feet.

Loops to be tight and parallel with no tailing loops on front or back.

Leader must straighten.

Demonstrate an overhead cast OF 45 feet taking wind conditions into account, side wind (left and right), tail and head wind.

False cast continuously at a distance OF 45 feet. Cast tight/open loops on command.

Explain and demonstrate a cast OF 45 feet shooting line TO 55 feet on command.

The leader must straighten.

A cast OF 45 feet, explain and demonstrate a tailing loop on the forward/back cast on command.

Explain and demonstrate the main causes of tailing loops and how to correct them.

PRESENTATION CAST:

Explain and demonstrate a cast OF 45 feet to a target (must be within 15 inches of target).

Leader must straighten.
Good loop formation.
Good presentation.

SIDE CAST OF 45 FEET:

Explain and demonstrate a side cast to the right side.

Explain and demonstrate a side cast to the left side.

Explain and demonstrate a side cast to the right side shooting TO 55 feet.

Explain and demonstrate a side cast to the left side shooting TO 55 feet.

ROLL CAST:

Explain and demonstrate a basic static roll cast, over right shoulder OF 45 feet.
Pay particular attention to loop shape.
Leader must straighten.

Explain and demonstrate a basic static roll cast, over left shoulder, OF 45 feet.
Pay particular attention to loop shape.
Leader must straighten.

Explain and demonstrate wide and narrow loop roll casts.

Explain and demonstrate a jump roll OF 45 feet shooting TO 55 feet (may use a haul).

MEND CASTS OF 45 FEET;

Explain and demonstrate an aerial mend around a target at 20 feet and 30 feet (right and left of target).
Leader must straighten on completion of cast.

Reach cast to the right to a target at a distance OF 45 feet.

Reach cast to the left to a target at a distance OF 45 feet.

The candidate should be able to slip line on reach casts.
Leader must straighten.

SLACK LINE CASTS OF 45 FEET:

Explain and demonstrate a Wiggle Cast … loose/tight.
(Wide wiggles are 30 inches plus and tight wiggles are less than 30 inches)
Leader must straighten.

Explain and demonstrate Parachute/Pile cast.

DOUBLE HAUL:

Explain and demonstrate continuous double haul casting showing good timing and technique – Closed stance.
Explain and demonstrate continuous double haul casting showing good timing and technique – Open stance.
Cast OF 55 feet.

Single haul … back cast/forward cast.
Cast OF 55 feet.

Distance cast … using Double haul technique cast TO a minimum distance of 80 feet.
Leader must straighten.

SPEY CASTS OF 45 FEET:

Explain and demonstrate a single Spey on the left bank.

Explain and demonstrate a single Spey on the right bank.

Explain and demonstrate a Double Spey on the left bank.

Explain and demonstrate a Double Spey on the right bank.

Explain and demonstrate a Snake Roll OF 45 feet on both left and right sides.

FAULT RECOGNITION, CAUSE AND CORRECTION:

During the practical casting session the candidate will be asked to identify and demonstrate faults and should be able to explain their cause and appropriate correction.

KNOTS

The candidate should be able to tie the following knots and explain their use:

Double blood
Half blood/Clinch knot
Tucked half blood/Improved Clinch knot
Double grinner
Single grinner
Perfection loop
Surgeons knot, Surgeons loop
Turle knot
Nail knot
Needle knot
Jansik special

PLAYING, LANDING AND RELEASING FISH

The candidate should be able to explain and demonstrate the strike, lift, playing and correct landing and safe releasing of fish.

ENTOMOLOGY

Name the five main groups of insects and explain their life cycles.

Name a suitable artificial fly, nymph, pupa or spinner to imitate these stages.

THEORY

Explain the different tackle (rod, reel and line) for each of the disciplines below:

Dry fly-fishing

Wet fly-fishing

Nymph fishing

Bank fishing

Boat fishing

Spinning and bait fishing

Fly-fishing for various species eg trout, pike, saltwater etc.

FISHING LAW & ETIQUETTE

The candidate should be able to explain the rules and regulations as they relate to fishing.

Proper etiquette in relation toriver/lake fishing.

SAFETY

Explain Safe Practices when teaching and guiding (rivers and lakes)

Be aware of Weil’s disease, tetanus etc.