Which hand up?

[phearless]

Do you always keep the same hand on top when casting, or do you switch it up?

I switch it up as needed.
A good friend of mine who is an incredible caster had me doing most of the useful casts from either side of the river with either hand up after 3 days of Fishing.

Now if i had just kept at it.:doh:

I haven't developed that kinetic memory required to not think about casting yet. Every once in a while I forget what I am doing and my casting gets better.
Then I think about it and screw it all up again.
I must practice more.

[newsteelyman]

I use both hands, switching as required, such as wind direction etc. I found that although I usually cast right handed, I often do better with my left hand up, I think partly because when using my right hand up, I have problems because of muscle memory from years of single hand casting and because with my left hand up, my dominant hand is on the bottom and does most of the work- the way it should be and not my top hand trying to do all the work.
just my .02 worth.
Brian

[SalaR]

Learning to use both hands is definitely beneficial...and a must..however, the "cackhanded" cast is likely the most verastile cast in that it does correct some of the "bad memory" issues new casters have from their Single handed muscle memories. If you watch a cackhanded cast you will see that the ability to drop the rod past the "ideal" position is very limited because of the awkward position your arm will; have to achieve. Here on the West Coast we have a greater need for Faster casts such as the Snap Z ,Snap T ,Circle C ,and the various compensator casts like a Perry Poke....some of these casts are managed much more effectively cackhanded. Especially the reverse Double Spey or Snake Roll are fun and easily understood using the cackhand...
Preferrence of course
C

[phearless]

Thanks for reminding me C.
Cack Handed or Off Shoulder casts are extremely useful.
It is amazing what you can get on them when you get it right.
Not much physical power, but powerful casts.