Alright you spey bums...fill me in here???

[pwoens]

So im kicking back lastnight and contemplating which 8wt rod to go with and it hits me....why dont I try a spey rod. I mean, you can cast way farther, im getting older(just kiddin fellas), and mostly you can cover a ton more water than a normal fly rod. Am I correct in these assumptions?

How do all you spey nazis like the spey rods versus normal rods?? Is casting really easier like they say it is. How does wind affect a spey...the same as a normal rod??

I know I will have a few more questions but it was just an idea that popped in my head and I figured I would ask the experts.

Thanks,

~Patrick ><>

[Old Man]

I'm suprised that you haven't had any answers to your questions yet. But being that I'm an old man,just where are you going to use this expensive rod at. Most of the rivers on the dry side are small and you can reach all areas with a single hander. Except maybe the Grande Ronde. But how often do you go there.

I think that I'm beginning to see that you are rod whore and want to get as many as you can before your wife shuts you down.

Have you used that 4wt yet,and how's the float tube working out. Questions,questions,questions.

Jim: The time worn out old man:beer1 ;)

[KerryS]

Spey is a religion.

I like my spey rods just fine versus single hand rods.

Casting is different with a spey maybe not easier. There are certain aspects of spey that might be considered easier. You might be able to mend and such a tad easier because of the longer rod. The longer rod and the Skagit style spey cast make throwing sink tips easier. Less casting motion allows you to keep your fly in the water more of the time. Less area needed behind to cast allows you to fish more water. You can generate some serious line speed with a 2 hander which should translate to longer casts. Spey casting is more fun.

[Stephen Rice]

Wish I was a rod whore ! :P I bet the Yak would be good spey casting or the Cispus. I was going to ask that question what are Good rivers that a spey rod calls for most of the rivers I know of aren't really wide enough for a spey. any suggestions?:7
Steve

[circlespey]

Once you learn it, there is no doubt that the effort required to cast good distances repeatedly is far less with a spey rod. And, the wind actually helps with several types of casts, as long as you match the wind direction to the cast.

There are enough questions like this on this forum that, given the slow fishing, perhaps we should do another informal spey gathering for interested parties somewhere.

Circlespey

[Old Man]

I want to say something about that statement about that you said about keeping you fly in the water longer and covering more fish. But I don't want to start a arguement. I fish with a gent that uses Spey rods all the time,no matter what the water size. And me with my single hander I seem to have my fly in the water longer than he does. I think that it is how you approach the water is how you fish your flies. His approach is down and across and mine is across and down. I hope this makes some sense because as I'm typing this I'm thinking about other things.

Jim

[KerryS]

I'm sure we could break this down even further then simply single hander vs. 2 hander. Individual styles and different techniques will definitely contribute to any final analysis.

[bhudda]

schmokin'reel!!!!


Circlespey, that sounds like a great thing to pull off, i for one would be very interested, Pat , that means a trip too the west side eh buddy! wanna catch some sea-run shoes:+ hey were you thinking the 5wt or 8wt spey? i think im interested in the 5wt sage:dunno any input on the 5wt sage fellas would be swell:smokin bhudda

[pwoens]

For myself the only time I think I would use a Spey would be for the winter steelies....so probably a 7 or 8wt would be my guess. Just to cover more water on the bigger rivers like the Ronde or the Clearwater mainly.

EDIT: but yes I would make the drive to participate in a clave...and get some fishing in with some of you wacked out west siders :P
~Patrick ><>

[Rxfisher]

I won't get into the spey vs single hand debate it's an individual preference. I have several of both and prefer to fish a spey almost exclusively for steelhead, for trout I fish a single handed rod. As for waters in Eastern Wash / N Idaho that would fish well with a spey rod, the Snake and Clearwater are some big rivers that would be prime for swinging flies with the big stick. The Ronde fishes beautifully with a spey rod and floating line, I'll be there in Oct. nuf said, Steve

[Bart]

Patrick,

Good topic. Hmmm, Spey, beach....Cool

Bart

[pwoens]

No debates hopefully....Im just looking for the axact use described.....I will never give up my single handed rods cause im a rod whore by nature. ;)

See ya on the Ronde!!

~Patrick ><>

[KerryS]

Hey Rx,

When in Oct. are you going to be on the Ronde?

Email me. You owe me one anyway.

KLS

[Old Man]

Mattzoid has the 5wt Sage and he seems to like it. But I can't seem to wake him up to this web site or any other since he started his divorce thing. "Hey Matt you out there".

I think that the last Spey Clinic that was held over on the wet side was in March up at Big Eddy on the Skykomish. Which I didn't attend.

Jim

[Rxfisher]

Kerry;
I owe you more than one... You showed me some fine Skagit river SRC fishing, and prime steelhead water on the Sauk, etc etc. How can I repay??? See Ya, sent you an e-mail.

[Jerry Daschofsky]

Old man, yeah, it's his style of fishing. Since he's casting down and across, he's already lost a good part of the drift. What most mean by "having fly in water longer" is that you can mend much easier, and have more rod to help do this, paying out line easier. I assume that's what is meant. I know I could get more line in the water quicker, and work it longer with a spey then I could my one handers.

Now, onto rods. I no longer have speys, in fact, only have one one hander left. Not by choice, but thanks to this injury I had have sold off most of my rods. But I had a 9140 Sage for my winterrun fishing. This was a cannon that I mostly used for tip fishing. Rarely ever a floating line. (9wt 14' for those who aren't up on Sage rods). Had an older Cabela's 7wt 13' I used for summerruns. Never had a problem with it, and only used for dry line fishing. I know the more I used the speys, the less I used one handers. BUT, I ONLY fish salmon/steelhead. I don't fish trout. I do agree with Kerry (I think it was him) that said it's a different style of fishing. Those who are used to a one hander will have to change their casting style. I know I almost tossed out my first spey rod. Couldn't get it to cast more then 20'. Arm was getting tired of casting (I was really tossing that baby hard, so a 14' rod will wear you out fast casting this way) so I switched to my "weak" arm. Fealt ackward, and REALLY slowed down my cast. Guess what? Tossed out a 70' cast first time out. Had to relearn that I had to slow down and let the rod do ALL the work. I'm not the most proficient, and am FAR from the best, but I can do a spey cast. Once I'm back on my feet, have a few rods back, will actually for once get lessons on spey casting.

[circlespey]

The last big "clave" around here was the Kaufmann's one in March near High Bridge, I think. I don't think we want to replicate that, but I think that a smallish gathering of WFF spey casters and interested parties would be a fun time. I would be happy to donate a day of and a few spey rods to the cause, if there are others who want to join in. How about next weekend on the Sky? I will be on bachelor patrol for the last time for a while (weddings tend to complicate fishing availability).

Sinktip, what do you think? Anyone else game?

Circlespey

[Bart]

Any gathering of this group, for whatever reason, is going to be fun.

The first one I attended was last year at the Ben Howard Launch on the Sky for Spey casting. It's an art form with applications to one-handers.

I'll bring the donuts, someone bring the coffee and one of you that knows what you're doing call the time and place - I'm in.

Bart

[sinktip]

I just dropped 8 trees on my place today and am leaving on a trip on Monday. If I can get back and get all the wood bucked up, I might be up for a couple hours casting next weekend.

[Old Man]

Well if it's next weekend and not this one I'm game. And I'll even help you with EATING the donuts. If you see a old fat man out there wandering about it's probably me.

Jim

[speyneznbhm]

are you checking the water temps an dfish counts b4 you leave as hot as thios year has been this year could be late? been there like 10 years in a row alwys seems to be a different week or ven month is best even been snowed on and still caught fish as to the spey thing for me its 2 hands for big water or streams with no room to backcast if I lived on the east side I'd want 1 doublehander for the large Idaho rivers, snake salmon and clearwater for the clearwater manly so you don't have to wade too much seems to me the bottom of that river is made up of bowling balls covered in snot
john

[Nooksack Mac]

Pwoens, spey rods, by their nature, require heavier lines than typical single-hand rods. They too come in a variety of rated line sizes, but it starts and runs higher than one-handers. The lightest lined spey I know of is the new Sage 5-weight, and that's as specialized as a 1-weight one-handed midge rod. You typically see spey rods of 6-9-weight used for "summer" conditions, and 10-12 used for big river, monster fish, "winter" fishing.

If the gathering being discussed here comes together, you should try to attend. You'll learn more in a few hours than you could here, by far. A beginning spey caster needs instruction as much as a novice skier or golfer.

[SPEYBUM]

Did some one say Speyclave?????????????
If I can help just let me know.
I will get a few of the rods off the Tryrack just let me know where and when.

speybum
www.speyshop.com
:smokin

[Matt Burke]

I would love to be a part of another Spey Gizmo. We should set it up more like a rodeo, with events. Me and Oldman Jim could face off with a couple of timers behind us and settle this, "whose fly is in the water the longest" crap once and for all. And it would include the time it takes Jim to tie on new flies when his backcasts go below 9 O'clock (remember Jim, I love ya like brother). We could do competitions of distance, style, number of casts in ones arsenal etc. Or we could just have fun.

I will bring the Sage 12' #5(5120) and 15' #10(10150 older model but a real cannon), Loop Yellow Line 14' #9(9140-4A) and 12' #8(8124), Dec Hogan's Flylogic 13' #7(1307) and a St. Croix 14' #10 in case any y'all are thinking of going the cheap route.(If I were to add one rod it would be the Scott ARC 9 wt.)

For line I will bring midspey, windcutter, airflo, and shooting head sytems from airflo and rio. I would love to take the time to let everyone try my stuff if it will help them from making purchases they would regret later.

So what do you say fella's, when we gonna do this rodeo at Ben Howard?

Matt

"Everyday that you wake up and decide not to go fishing...is one less day you'll go fishing." Forrest Maxwell

[circlespey]

I'd vote for Sunday next week given a choice. Late morning, so that the energetic types can fish early, and the devout among us can darken the door of a chapel before coming over? 10:30? I could also make it Saturday if people prefer that.

On the Sky, Ben Howard is a fine choice because of location and sheer size although most newbies will find the going better on the other side of the river, assuming most of you are right handed. Usually I try to get beginner RH casters on river right. But, if the wind is up it won't really matter.

Pwoens (sp), you started this whole thing. Do you have a preference for days? Can you make it next weekend?

Speybum, I was going to email someone over there to see if you wanted to participate so I am glad you saw this. I would love to cast one of your Loop rods.

Circlespey

[SPEYBUM]

Sunday would be out for me on such short notice.
Saturday is a different story I just close up shop and go.
If the weather is nice expect lot of tubers.
:smokin

[circlespey]

Well, then let's plan for next Saturday instead because you would definitely be able to help some of these folks.

Circlespey

[SpeyRodBeBop]

Are foreigners from north of the forty-nine welcome? I'd sure like to attend and learn something about the Sky and spey at the same time.
Al.


For when sleeping I dream of big fish and strong fights.Tacitus

[pwoens]

This sounds like an awesome idea!!!!

I need clarification on dates cause my mind is meager and I im not sure im following which weekend is being referrenced. If it is the weekend of the 16th and 17th of August, I will not be able to attend. I am being graced by the presence of the almighty and all knowing, Sparse Grey Hackle, once again. I have to hold his hand and take him into some pristine Idaho waters. ;) (in which, any else interested is welcome to join us as the waters are long and full of big fish).

~Patrick ><>

[SPEYBUM]

It looks like Saturday August 16, 2003 Ben Howard starting around 10:00 AM
I have been working on getting things organize and will try to get some Instructors to help those who would like it.
May get a Dry-Fly Steelhead presentation and a casting demo or two.

Pwoens I know you started this and will not be able to make it but there will be another on Sept. 20th time and place to be announced.

Ps Everyone is welcome the more the merrier.
speybum
www.speyshop.com
:smokin

[BOBLAWLESS]

I saw a spey rod on ebay for less than $200. It's a St. Croix, 14ft, 9wt. I like the 9wt. since this will only be used for the big waters we have on the O.P. Give me some good vibes and it's a done deal. But, if caution is suggested, then I'm still looking. I put a lot of trust in you guys!
Bob, the Speyless one.
;( ;(

[Scott Behn]

Your not the only speyless one Bob...

Harleydeen, one of the speyless ones:bawling

[Matt Burke]

Oh man you guys, I have the family reunion this weekend. Not going to make it to Ben Howard if I'm at confluence state park this weekend.

Bob,
I have that St. Croix you can try and a few others. We should hook up later and let you play with them. I wouldn't buy another St Croix, but go to the Spey Clave if you can and try some of those others. If I were to do it again I'd buy a Sage 9140 on ebay instead of the St. Croix. Try to target about half retail, but there is always some bozo bidding 400 or better for them. Sometimes though, there will be a sleeper come through that never gets above 300 or so. Personally I think a brand new yellow line Loop 8124 for 380 would be the ticket for a beginner. But it is not a beginner rod.

Matt

"Everyday that you wake up and decide not to go fishing...is one less day you'll go fishing." Forrest Maxwell

[Winndknot]

Where you headed to in Idaho?

Dave Tucker
http://www.dreamsonthefly.com

[circlespey]

OK, just as a final reminder. We will see some collection of you lot at Ben Howard on the Sky at 10 am on Saturday. Here's hoping some of you will show up and do some casting. Otherwise, Speybum and I are going fishing.

Circlespey

[SPEYBUM]

Ok Who is in for tommorow at Ben Howard.
speybum
www.speyshop.com

[Jerry Daschofsky]

I'm hoping to come Aaron. Got my kids sprung on me (my ex wife is bringing them home a week early). So, depends on them. Not sure they want to sit and watch their Dad WATCH a speyclave. LOL. But I'm hoping to show up.

[Bart]

Oh Shoot oh dear

An office move, phase of the moon, and availability of movers has messed this up for me. Jim, your donuts will be in Bothell. Hope all have a good time.

Bart

[Jerry Daschofsky]

I did a search for Ben Howard, and got the road. I assume it's there in Monroe (I don't usually fish up that way so not familiar). If someone reads this in the AM, please verify. Will double check before I leave. Gonna show up for sure now.

Thanks.

PS, I'm coming from Tacoma.

[worldanglr]

For those of you who haven't been to a spey clave, I highly recommend going! It's an excellent chance to learn how to cast a spey rod for free! I've been to two of Aaron's spey claves so far, and they've been excellent. I learned how to spey cast at one back in December... Wish I could go to this one, but I have a meeting with some pink salmon on the beach. have a blast!

worldanglr
http://www.worldanglr.com/
http://www.patagonia-expedition.org/

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."

- Henry David Thoreau