Efficient Spey Casting: Part 17 - How to Cast a V-Loop instead of a D-Loop

Adding the ability to cast a V-Loop instead of a D-Loop adds just that bit more to the efficiency of our casting. It doesn't matter if we're going for distance or just trying to reduce fatigue, a V-Loop will do the job.

[@Scoopster]

Good advice Charles for the set up. I find that part of the art to form a V loop. Is how you move your upper hand to translate the to the rod tip and line shape. If you make a C you get an open loop (so-called circling up) if you make a horizontal V you’ll get a V loop. The top hand guides the rod tip and the line follows the shape.

[@thatcherbeaty9884]

Good explanation of the difference between D and V loops. Your desktop model clearly shows the slack in a rounded D-loop that the forward stroke must remove before the rod can be fully loaded. As you explained so well, the nearly straight line of the top leg of the V-loop loads the rod right away so the forward stroke fully energizes the line rather than wasting part of it on removing slack. This series has greatly improved my understanding of the art and science of spey casting. You are a great teacher. Keep up your good work!

[@philipdonoghue7211]

I agree completely, as a Salmon angler who uses Salmon Spey lines as well as Shooting heads , the V loop is easier achieved with the Spey lines and longer shooting heads. Loads the rod deeply and can achieve better distances undoubtedly. Great teaching skills, i’m really enjoying your presentations, they’re excellent.

[@hansdk6246]

Another great piece of information - thanks Peter. 👍👏

[@christiancherry1377]

Another great video, Peter! This is a big reason I dislike the super short heads that are so popular. It's virtually impossible to get a V-loop unless you use a rod under 11 feet. As you know, there are now some microspey rods from Guideline and OPST under 11 ft and they're a blast for small fish and quarters.

[@terryc9685]

Thanks for addressing my question about V loop. Very little out there on it. I’ll practice it soon.

[@laxberndt]

Hello Peter. Great video again. I always use V-bow in the throw. But I don't raise the rod much in the forward cast, low back cast and low forward cast I think generates high line speed. clearly more power is fed to get the line free in a low back cast.

[@johnlantz7278]

I was struggling with consistent casts until I started a more level sweeping motion to get the most load then a late lift solved all that suddenly it all made sense to me happy new year to everyone it’s snowing here it’s time to get a line wet 🎉

[@stephenrosenfeld833]

Hi Peter. I'll have to try this next spring, but at my level of competency, it's a refinement for down the road. What I'd really like to get your advice on is how to optimize your cast while minimizing the backcast space behind, i.e. when tight to the bank or bushes. I understand that placing the anchor out in front will reduce the casting efficiency, but distance isn't everything. A decent cast would suffice in most of my situations. Thanks!

[@hooked4lifeca]

Casting an angle that runs the D-Loop closer to parallel to the bank, really minimizes the backcast room. The Single Spey is the best cast for a no backcast room cast as we can keep the entire thing out in front of us and still get a half decent cast off.

[@jchevrier]

Great video! What is the rod length in this case at 5:49 when you compare 2 lines?

[@hooked4lifeca]

I used the same rod throughout the video, my NRX+ 11' 8 wt.

[@nebojsapetrovic2747]

V-loop is casting mistake. Nothing else.