View Full Version : Call Me Nuts I want a spey rod!!!!
Ryan Pultz
05-26-2005, 12:21 AM
Ok so I was watching a guy on the clack a few weeks back with his spey rod and was mesmerized by it. I have spent the last few weeks reading about it and well before next winter I want to have one so please some talk me out of it! What are the advantages and disadvantages to a spey rod I know they cast a lot farther then my one hander. I do love me one hander’s but something about the spey rods has gotten under my skin should I cut it out and keep using my one hander’s or should I just give in and buy one? Thanks in advance for any input. rp
Buy one.
Theres been a lot of threads in the past on this but I love talking up Spey rods so here it goes.
I fish the D quite a bit, particularly for Steelhead in the Fall and for Steelhead fishing, I haven't used one of the numerous 7 and 8 wght 9 footers I have since I've gotten the Spey (I still use them on the smaller coastal rivers and for bonefish). The Spey casts very far, as everyone knows, and is great for the swing. And when you have trees or shrubs behind you, it's much easier to cast than a traditional rod. And as an additional bonus, I've become a much better fisher/caster with my trout rods as I incorporate many of the rolls I've learned with my Spey, on a more minor scale, into my day to day trout fishing.
I hope that does it....go get one.
Tight Lines
Not only should you NOT buy one, but you shouldn't even cast one. Look the other way when you see somebody on the river with one. Don't talk about it, don't look at speyrods at the flyshop, don't surf around the net drooling. A high percentage of folks that get into spey fishing leave their nice single handers to collect dust in the closet forever. They're not cheap either, the rods, reels, and lines. And perhaps the worst part is, you absolutely cannot own just one. Regarding using your one-handers to do speycasts, that is an option for some young fisherman, but for older bones like mine there is too much grip needed with one hand and I don't do it for that reason. I'm one of the rare folks that uses my spey outfit in limited places like the Umpqua and my single hander everywhere else, but even then I "need" another spey outfit. :sick:
TURN AWAY!!
Kevin
clacksteel
05-26-2005, 07:12 AM
I got to try the spey rod a couple week ago. It was very easy for me to learn the basic casts. Even it you aren't very good at it it can still cast farther than a one-handed rod.
HazMatt
05-26-2005, 07:56 AM
Do it. Do it.
I went on a guided trip last October on the D and learned there - and got completely hooked on it - and I didn't even catch a fish. In fact, I still haven't, but I went out and purchased a set up and love it. It is amazing to see some of the accomplished spey casters flopping around a line at gatherings. Klem who is a member on this board, just passed his test as a two handed casting instructor and is president (I think) of the North Santiam Spey Casters club. They meet in Salem on a monthly basis and is a great place to go to try out rigs. Also, the fly shop in Welches has a very good selection of rods and will help with the many choices. Mark Buchmann (sp?) at this shop is well known in the spey circle as one of the better folks around. I went through a fly shop in Maupin, where a husband and wife team own the shop and are arguably some of the best in the US. It is totally addictive, and as it was said before, you can't just own one. I have an 8/9 weight and am considering getting another one later this year in a 6 weight for trout. There is a ton of info out there and can be very intimidating and complicated, but just ask around here. When I was looking, I posted here, and got a ton of great info! The lines are the most confusing to me - everything goes by grains for lines (500 grains, etc). Anyway, casting is a blast! I have my set up in my truck and get out during lunch and practice on our front lawn at our plant!
Good luck and have fun!!
HM
Hi Ryan.
I've really gotten into spey fishing in the last few years, especially for Deschutes summer steelhead. I agree with the things the other folks here have said. The longer cast are useful but the biggest advantage I think is that you can make long casts spey fishing even when you're right against a brushy bank--you don't need the room for back casting like you usually do with a single handed rod. And the casting itself is so much fun you even want to do it with no prospect of catching fish.
But be warned: like the other guys said, the acquisition of spey gear can be addictive! I have seven rods and many reels.
Before you actually buy anything you might check some of the local shops to get advise on gear. Kaufmanns in Tigard and the Flyshop in Welches probably have the biggest selection of rods and are knowledgeable. Typically, different rods are used for summer/winter, floating/sinking lines, different sized fish. And under the general heading of spey casting, there are several different styles of casting which use rods with different actions.
If you PM me I'll send my phone # and we can chat some more.
I'd also let you know up front that I'm interested in selling some of the surplus gear I have, but I'd encourage you to shop around and educate youself before plunking down money anywhere.
Enjoy.
WARNING!
If you give in to the urge to get that Spey rod and then actually cast with it, you're lost. The rhythm of the cast is just too addicting. You'll soon find yourself fishing Spey way too much, just to get in your fix. (No, bluegills are not more effectively fished Spey! :crazy:)
You know how much you enjoy standard casting now. Prepare to be just a little bit dissatisfied in the future.
You're nuts. :grin:
HazMatt
05-26-2005, 01:55 PM
Aaahhh - the rythm of the cast...
I am not meaning to high jack this thread, but after spey casting through the winter, when I went out with my single hand last weekend - my casts were soo much better!! The timing of spey casting is so important that it definitely helps with your single hand casting.
Another tip that I am still learning - Slooooowwwwww dooowwwwn. And ALWAYS wear eye protection when spey casting...
Matt
Ryan Pultz
05-26-2005, 03:28 PM
Thanks all for the info. Yeah it will be a little bit before I buy a set up but I was fishing up river from this guy on the clack and he was right up on the bank and could cast twice as far as I could in a hole that I love to drift fish and could only imagine fishing it with a fly. And the cast it is so beautiful it seemed effortless for him to get the fly out such a long ways. Thanks again for all the info and setting in concrete my desire to spey cast. Hey if any of you would be willing to take me out some Sunday afternoon this summer and let me give it a try I would be most humbled and happy Rp :crazy:
mandinga
05-26-2005, 04:19 PM
you're nuts :cheers:
Ryan Pultz
05-26-2005, 04:20 PM
you're nuts :cheers:
Thanks for the vote of confidence. Rp
mandinga
05-26-2005, 04:22 PM
:laugh:
LunkerFish
05-26-2005, 05:32 PM
One thing worth mentioning, in regards to the two hand rod, is how it is exponentially easier to mend line on longer casts. I have also found that I achieve a slower and longer swing with the fly. I'm still new at it, but I love the advantages it offers in certain conditions.
Now if I can just get Andyk to give me those spey flies he's tying...
Passon then obsession and finally addication is the path of a spey rodder. A number of things that make a spey rod beneficial beside the safety factor (the fly is in front of you when propertly casted). (1), Some one memtioned greater mending abilities which directly means you have control of your swinging fly. Also, (2)the fly is in the water longer during the fishing time-No overhead and false casting but rather right back out to the fish. (3)Two hands now do the work of one hand so in real terms you can fish longer with less fatigue and stress. (4) obstacles become less of a problem because there is a cast that will fit ANY situation. (5) ALL spey casts can be done with your single handed rod which will open up an entire new arena for your "Tinker Bell" Rods. [Side Bar: I haven't overhead casted in a number of years since I learned the effectivness of Spey Type Casts. i.e.,Fishing from a boat the overhead cast sometimes conflicts with your boat partner(s); now you have an effective means to cast. End Side Bar] (6) Spey Rodding WILL improve your single-handed casting. You will become aware of the timing and tempo within your casting cycle, analysis your casting stroke and interpret the loop shape(s) you cast.
Klem
FFF Certified Single- and Two-handed Instructor
Steve L.
05-27-2005, 07:24 PM
Passion then obsession and finally addication is the path of a spey rodder.
And this is different than one handers how ? :jester:
Ryan Pultz
05-27-2005, 07:56 PM
Passion then obsession and finally addication is the path of a spey rodder.
And this is different than one handers how ? :jester:
I agree my one hander's are now an obsession. rp
AndyK
05-27-2005, 08:17 PM
Cure for Spey Rod desires:
Open car door, put hand in door, slam door. Repeat as necessary :jester:! With only one functioning hand, you’ve got to use a one hander!
Ryan Pultz
05-27-2005, 08:57 PM
Cure for Spey Rod desires:
Open car door, put hand in door, slam door. Repeat as necessary :jester:! With only one functioning hand, you’ve got to use a one hander!
:laugh: :laugh: Thanks! rp
rob allen
05-27-2005, 11:14 PM
Unless you fish very tiny rivers a spey rod will be an advantage 100% of the time even on very tiny rivers like the salmonberry you'll find that manufacturers have made shorter spey rods that will be an advantage over a single hander on any size steelhead stream.
Disadvantages of spey rods.. there is only one.
The time it takes to learn to cast one.
Disadvantages of spey rods.. there is only one.
The time it takes to learn to cast one.
[/quote]
There is one more disadvantage for spey rodders. Transportation is a little more difficult in a vehicle, boat and through the brushy bank sides. You must plan ahead. Klem
Passion then obsession and finally addication is the path of a spey rodder.
And this is different than one handers how ? :jester:
I agree my one hander's are now an obsession. rp
Based on my circle of single-handers to double-hander fly fishers and myself, the fly fishing experience with a single handers only went from passion to obesession. The introduction of the double-handed rod took the same path but added addiction. i.e.:How many single-handed clave are there in this world? Compare that to how many spey clave are there? At spey claves people drive for hundred of miles to watch presentation on casting, stand around and talk casting, techniques, equipment. Every once in a while you will hear someone mention the word Fishing: This is ADDICTION and I rest my point.
The difference is the level of committment to casting skills: Single-handers, not all, but a majority, tend not to develop better casting skills. The spey rod guys are always talking about techniques, equipment, style etc..
Two-handed rod guys and gals are just a small step beyond obesession to addiction in my small world of teaching fly casting. Klem
Steve L.
05-28-2005, 11:01 AM
Passion then obsession and finally addication is the path of a spey rodder.
And this is different than one handers how ? :jester:
I agree my one hander's are now an obsession. rp
Based on my circle of single-handers to double-hander fly fishers and myself, the fly fishing experience with a single handers only went from passion to obesession. The introduction of the double-handed rod took the same path but added addiction. i.e.:How many single-handed clave are there in this world? Compare that to how many spey clave are there? At spey claves people drive for hundred of miles to watch presentation on casting, stand around and talk casting, techniques, equipment. Every once in a while you will hear someone mention the word Fishing: This is ADDICTION and I rest my point.
The difference is the level of committment to casting skills: Single-handers, not all, but a majority, tend not to develop better casting skills. The spey rod guys are always talking about techniques, equipment, style etc..
Two-handed rod guys and gals are just a small step beyond obesession to addiction in my small world of teaching fly casting. Klem
Man I hope John Gierach doesn't read this, it'd break his heart :smirk:
I would suggest that you try a few rods first before making a decision but my suggestion would be the TFO speys or the Redington models. They are both very reasonably priced and a good place to start.
Good luck
SilverFly
05-28-2005, 08:48 PM
I've had similar thoughts, but the investment of time and $$$ looks like a serious commitment (I fear commitment).
I can see where the rod length would be killer for mending and line control in complex currents.
Before making the investment I would ask a few questions:
1) What is the punishment for nymphing or (god forbid) indicator fishing with a Spey rod?
2) Is a new Tweed wardrobe required? (wool makes me itch).
3) Does the consumption of expensive single-malt Scotch have a beneficial effect on Spey casting? (since it seems to be an integral part of the sport).
4) Does cigar smoke scent flies? (I've noticed a high-hookup ratio among cigar smoking fishermen).
OK, just having some fun since I have a case of rod envy :wink:. Seriously, It looks like a lot of fun and an effective way to cover a lot of water.
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Ryan Pultz
05-28-2005, 08:52 PM
Silverfly that’s funny. I can deal with the cigar and scotch but wool makes me itch. Rp
Steve L.
05-28-2005, 10:34 PM
3) Does the consumption of expensive single-malt Scotch have a beneficial effect on Spey casting? (since it seems to be an integral part of the sport).
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Actually, it was a fine single malt scotch that lead me to fly fishing one handers in the first place and now life would seem oh so pedestrian without either :laugh: :laugh:
Actually, it was a fine single malt scotch that lead me to fly fishing one handers in the first place and now life would seem oh so pedestrian without either
Too true :applause:
What's your favorite scotch?
Steve L.
05-29-2005, 02:51 AM
Let's see....how can I answer withouth completely hijacking the thread :whazzup:
:smile:
my all time favorite is balvenie portwood 21 year old. If I could afford this all the time I could probably afford a spey rod in the quality class of my Winston 7 wt. More often then not when buying scotch I'll get Balvenie Doublewood which is comparable, scotch to fly rods, to my Powell 5 wt. Although it's probably fair to say the balvenie scotch's are warm, mellow and wonderfully complex, whereas both my one handers are relatively fast and straightforward.:jester:
What is your scotch of choice ?
Well I wish I could afford Laphroaig 15 or Macallan but have to settle for Speyburn or Angus Dundee :shrug:
SilverFly
05-29-2005, 05:02 AM
Balvenie...Laphroaig 15....Macallan...
Good Lord what have I started?! Now they're speaking in Spey tongues!
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Steve L.
05-29-2005, 09:11 AM
Balvenie...Laphroaig 15....Macallan...
Good Lord what have I started?! Now they're speaking in Spey tongues!
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The river Spey has given birth to many fine things. :grin:
So to sort of get this back on track. Once you've taken up spey casting did you start tying spey flies ? I've got a couple books on them and they are beautiful, the history is long and worth reading.I've yet to master them though.
AndyK
05-29-2005, 09:43 AM
Now I see my problem:
I like one handed rods and homebrew ales (English style pub ales at that!).
Steve L.
05-29-2005, 11:19 AM
AndyK, no problem really. Same Isle, different beverage, ah, variety
float2ber
05-29-2005, 11:38 AM
Did someone say single malt?? I'll have a Laphroaig or Lagavulin.
Where is a good place to watch, learn, etc. spey casting/fishing? I obviously missed the spey clave at the Sandy.
Where is a good place to watch, learn, etc. spey casting/fishing? I obviously missed the spey clave at the Sandy.
The North Santiam Spey Casters monthly meeting will be in Salem at Cascade Gateway Park on Walter Writh South Pond Sunday June 12th at 2:00 to 4:00. The feature of the June's Meeting is Loomis Spey Day. You can cast any number of Loomis spey rods. For further info email me at dgklemin@msn.com