Can you go wrong with Cabelas Spey rod?

[lesfishing]

I have couple questions to you Spay casting masters.

I would love to get spey rod for thsi fall/ winter fishing.
Can you go wrong with $200 cabelas brand spey rod? Or do you recomend other rod?

I will be fshing Sky/Snoqulomie & Skagit rivers like.

I was lookinng in 8-9 weight 12-13' rod , would that be good choice?
Also, I have two large arbor reels:

Conservationalist #3 large arbor & Redinngton AL for 7/8 line
Would those reels hold planty line I need to fish for Salmon & Steelhead ?

Land 2 nice pinks on the Sky thsi past Friday, it was great outing.

Best Regards,
Les

[Sloan Craven]

TOugh to say about the Cabela's rod. Definitely not tested. No one out there is touting them. No one can give you line suggestions. Crummy return policy. Other Cabela's rods are generally thought of as 'beginner' rods, not bad but something someone has if they're starting out or to fly fish when their river is closed to gear. So, I wouldn't recommend it, unless you think spey fishing might just be a passing fad and want to minimize investment.


I assume you are looking for a more decent priced rod, which is good for starting out, but you want to get something you can learn properly on and enjoy casting. There are several budget minded options out there.

A 9 would be a good winter rod. 8 weight might be good if you think you might do summer summer/early fall work. You might want more specific advice for the rivers you are fishing though.
For an 8+ weight rod you are likely looking at 13' at least if you are going for a traditional action spey.

You might need a bigger reel depending on the line you get. You could probably get away with what you have for a little while with less backing. But down the rod, for the budget minded, Okuma makes a decent little reel with a lot of capacity for not a lot of coin.

I assume you are looking for something a little friendlier to your wallet. There are a few options out there that are tried and true for not alot of cash.

Echo classic 8136 is a great rod for about $270. I realy like the Echo classic speys and plan on getting one when the opportunity arises. Their performance is amazing for their price.

Deer Creek TF 8/9 136 for $340 is partially designed by Mike Kinney, THe S-river master.

CND 13’ 8/9 Expert is about $370, thought that's prolly pushing it if you were originally looking at 2 bills.

If you know someone that builds, you can get a Forecast spey kit 13' 8/9 wt for about $150. Throw in another $50 to whoever builds it for you. Bingo-Bango, you got a proven rod for 2 bills. Forecast speys are not touted, but everyone really likes them for the price.

If money is not a question, then your going to get a LOT of suggestions.

[Steelie Mike]

Listen to what Sloan said and then contact RedShed. Poppy can fix you up with a setup that will not break the bank and you will have the assistance from one of the experts in the field.

[John Hicks]

I'm thinking Poppy can fix you up for about $400 dollars and that would be rod reel and line. I'm totally sure on the price but it wont be much more than that.

[FLGator]

Les,
I too recommend you get a hold of Mike at the Red Shed and have him set you up with a balanced outfit that will allow you to learn and grow into the sport. Certainly, you may end up spending a little more, but you'll end up ahead in the long run.

Take care,
Chris

[Kevin Giusti]

I second what all have said above. Talk to Mike at the Red Shed. Like FL gator said its important to start with a well balanced rod/reel/line combo and Mike can hook you up with one. Oh yeah take a lesson or two, lessons will make your new outfit work for you even quicker. Good luck. Kevin

[Christian Brewer]

Les,

Have you ever spey casted before? I would definitely get a casting lesson or two before making a decision on any spey rod. That way you have a clue with what you might be wanting in a rod. Then I would highly suggest casting any rod before making your purchase...that $200 dollar spey rod might nail it for you...but then again it might not and then your out $200.

You could always go to the Saturday morning's at Carnation or Sunday morning's at Ben Howard Spey Clinics and try casting some of those rods that Sloan was suggesting along with getting some instruction on how to properly to do so. Or there are couple of Spey Claves coming up here a few of weeks...one in Clearwater with Poppy at the end of September (and I think one in Carnation at the end of October) where you could test drive almost any rod that you wanted.

Good Luck,
:beer2:
Christian

[lesfishing]

Guys,

Thanks all for great tips on finding rod & reel.

I have fly fish for trout for past 20 years & last 5 years for Salmon & Steelhead.

Two years ago I hit Stilly every Monday for 3 weeks and came out with 5 Steelheads, I was hooked, but let it go for one season due to other winter stuff.

I want to get spay rod becouse I found more practical & looks like would be easier on your hands ( two hands on the rod) more line out ( more fish water covered ) and easier line control.

I fishe with 9' 8 weight rod and hands are tired after 3 hr's of fishing hard.

I fish 3 & 5 weight rods all year , so transfer to big spey rod will be somthing new to learn.
I live in N Bend and know well the " Church Shop" where the owner do clinics on the Sky.

It might sounds funny, but I play around and try to cust using both hands on my single hander rod and I could send line in very nice style, right of the water. I do lot of roll casting & that makes things easy to pick up lot of line of the water.
Thanks again for all the tips , I will consider all the options.

Would love to find out where this person is located?

Time to hit the Sky for some pinks.
best,
Les Korcala

[FLGator]

The Red Shed Fly Shop is located in Peck, ID.
Here's the web address: redshedflyshop.com

[obiwankanobi]

Les,

I have had only one report of a Cabela's brand spey rod. I was ff ing on the Clearwater and a guy had two of them and he told me that his split at the ferrels somewhat often. He justified it as "he would rather buy cheap and replace than buy a $850 rod." It provides some thought, but I would rather point you in the direction as everyone has done here and contact Poppy with the given information.

[James Mello]

Guys,

Thanks all for great tips on finding rod & reel.

I have fly fish for trout for past 20 years & last 5 years for Salmon & Steelhead.

Two years ago I hit Stilly every Monday for 3 weeks and came out with 5 Steelheads, I was hooked, but let it go for one season due to other winter stuff.

I want to get spay rod becouse I found more practical & looks like would be easier on your hands ( two hands on the rod) more line out ( more fish water covered ) and easier line control.

I fishe with 9' 8 weight rod and hands are tired after 3 hr's of fishing hard.

I fish 3 & 5 weight rods all year , so transfer to big spey rod will be somthing new to learn.
I live in N Bend and know well the " Church Shop" where the owner do clinics on the Sky.

It might sounds funny, but I play around and try to cust using both hands on my single hander rod and I could send line in very nice style, right of the water. I do lot of roll casting & that makes things easy to pick up lot of line of the water.
Thanks again for all the tips , I will consider all the options.

Would love to find out where this person is located?

Time to hit the Sky for some pinks.
best,
Les Korcala

The church shop is Aaron Reimers in Carnation. He's an excellent caster (WFF 2 Handed Certified) and is *very* accomodating when it comes to customers. Since he's so close giving him a little shout out wouldn't be out of order :)

Another option is to hit up AATF. A bit more of a drive, but they have Mike Kinney on staff.

The *biggest* thing I can suggest is to *GET LESSONS FIRST*! A $1000 rod with a dime swing won't do you a bit of good. Spend the coin on lessons (groups are good, but individual private is best) and the money you invest will go further than any rod you buy.

As for Cabelas, I've heard wildly different opinions on their rods (good and bad). Because of this it tells me that it's more a function of the persons preference than the quality of the rod. But regardless, I'd avoid any pure online purchases at all.

First, more than single handed rods, 2 handed rods require a bit of time on the water to find out what you like. That's why good shops like Red Shed, Aarons Shop, and AATF will usually let you trial a rod for a bit. They know that you getting the right kind of rod is in their best interest. Furthermore, they can help you select a line *perfect* for your casting style and rod. Like long bellys? Short heads? Skagits? Scando? If you're new to the game, those names can be overwhelming. Mail order companies usually can't (or won't) send out a dozen lines for you to try. These excellent shops will send out multiple lines AND educate them on various techniques and fishing uses. All of the shops above have let me personally use 2 or more lines with trials, no questions asked.

Finally, these guys also tend to do some consignment/used rods. Often times they'll have good deals on "experienced" equipment that people with significant disposable income don't need anymore. Getting a good in with these guys will help you find and locate these excellent deals.

In short? (And purely MY OPINION)

1) Spend $100 on lessons
2) Spend $100 on a good line
3) Find the right kind of rod that fits your budget, skill level, and enthusiasum


-- Cheers
-- James

[Nooksack Mac]

Around ten years ago, I built a 15-foot 10/11 spey rod on a Cabela's blank (made, I believe, by St. Croix). It's quite a capable big rod, but lacking in any finesse - like French haute quisine prepared by robots. I keep it as a spare/loaner.

[yuhina]

Couple years ago, I received a Cabelas Fish Eagle 13' 8/9wt as Christmas gift. It was a Light and Fun rod to use... compare to my another CND 13' 8/9. But... I splitted the ferrule due to my stupidity that I forgot to tape the ferrule before fishing...
I rewrap the ferrule and it looks OK ...still fishable. I think it would last longer, if I pay more attention to this cheap rod. I do believe that rod get break more often because of the careless user... than manufacturer's defect.

Like others have said... visit a shop and try them out... and treat the rod properly
Good luck for your shopping.

[FT]

I agree completely with James regarding Aaron's shop in Carnation, which is called River Run Anglers. Aaron's every Saturday morning on the river clinics are free of charge and he always takes a large assortment of rods and lines to the river with him for folks to use. Aaron's clinics are held at Tolt River Park right at the confluence of the Tolt and Snoqualmie, so it is really close to you in North Bend. As James mentioned, Aaron is a 2-hand certified casting instructor and he is always more than happy to help out newcomers to spey casting learn to do it properly with equipment that best suits their needs.

All About The Fly's, which is located in Monroe has free spey clinics held every Sunday at Ben Howard fishing access on the Sky. Ron, the owner, is a great guy as well. Mike Kinney is there as well helping out.

The service both of these shops are providing to newcomers to the spey world in invaluable and going to several of their free clinics will prove to be of immeasurable help, and keep you from going down a wrong road for yourself when it comes to spey casting and 2-hand equipment.

[ak_powder_monkey]

www.templeforkflyrods.com

thats all I'm gonna say...

[fredaevans]

www.templeforkflyrods.com

thats all I'm gonna say...

Would have to agree; save for one particular rod, I was quite taken by all their offerings at the last Sandy River Spey 'Clave.:beer2:

[Steelie Mike]

Dec Hogan wrote a article regarding spey rods under $300.oo in the Tackle and Travel Annual for 2007 Fish&Fly Magazine. You might want to check it out.

[Sloan Craven]

Say, does anyone have the actual results from that article?

[fredaevans]

Say, does anyone have the actual results from that article?

Good question, looking forward to the 'answer.'

Fred

[Jerry Daschofsky]

Will say if it's an older Cabela's spey rod you have your eye on (wasn't sure if you were actually buying new or used), I'd say you'd be fine. I had one like mentioned above (one made by St Croix for Cabela's I do believe). Was a 14' 9 wt 3 piece. Loved that rod. Handled well, and really cast a line. Was made in the USA, at least said so on the blank. Say it this way, put them side to side with a St Croix and was identicle except the name on it. Now new ones???? Hmmmm, do believe they are made in China (or maybe Korea). I'd go with the advice to see Aaron at the spey clinics and give them more of a go. Plus, he can direct you into different rods (he let me handle quite a few at his shop, then on the river). Great way to find out if you're truly interested in spey fishing.

[fredaevans]

I'd go with the advice to see Aaron at the spey clinics and give them more of a go. Plus, he can direct you into different rods (he let me handle quite a few at his shop, then on the river). Great way to find out if you're truly interested in spey fishing.

Aaron let YOU actually TOUCH one of his rods???:rofl: Gad Zooks, he must be well insured ... :)

[FT]

Fred,

Aaron has been taking between 20 and 30 rods to the river every Saturday morning for folks to try and for him to give them some spey casting lessons on for the last 4 years. It is one of the greatest deals going for those living in Puget Sound who are considering getting into spey casting. Lessons from a 2-hand certified instructor for free and plenty of rods of all price ranges (yep, he even takes his expensive ones to the river) for folks to try.

[Ian Broadie]

I have the Forecast 13' 8/9 and it built with in your price range but if you do get it there is one quirk about this rod to note, it's a "Scando" rod and the majority of the "flex" is at the tip of the rod. This is great for overhead casting but I've found that overloading, IE:8/9=9/10 lines, this rod is the best way to get it to flex closer to the butt and power out heavy winter flies and sink tips.

I also have the TFO Deer Creek 13' 7/8 and it about as good as you can get for the price, I'll be getting the 13'6" 8/9 soon for winter fishing. The Deer Creeks easily balance with a great many different lines for different casting preferences and schools of thought. So I guess I would go with the TFO for a rod that is not in the fantastically intimidating price range that a lot of spey rods venture into.

[Jerry Daschofsky]

FT, you got Fred all wrong. He was having some fun with me. Was just being a smartalec (Fred that is). We both know Aaron.

I do recall a time I was sitting in a nice motorhome with a gent drinking some fine scotch, while trying to take some meiser spey rods from him. Just couldn't get him drunk enough to sneak them out. LOL. Fred actually let me test cast a couple of those rods. Wish one would've went missing into my truck. ;) Reminds me, I know JD was drinking with us, wasn't Aaron in there with us too?

[Sloan Craven]

HI-Jack!!!!!!
Anyone know what the difference is between the "single-hand" spey "and the "double-hand" spey? THose are Cabela's two LST spey lines. Apart from the obvious, one is shorter than the other and the handles are different. I ask, because I know someone trying to line a single hand spey and I really don't know what to say other than 'get a short head'.

[Ian Broadie]

The single handed spey line is probably close kin to a heavy double taper single handed line. Using SA lines as an example I have wf8wt GPX and the 8wt steelhead taper lines. When I am using my single handed steelhead rod the "steelhead" taper is much easier than the GPX line to make a "spey" cast with due to the fact that the taper on the line is much longer and I can have more line out to load the rod.

I guess my rambling point is any double tapered or extended taper single hand line can be a "single handed" spey line. :ray1: ....and really any single handed line can be a single handed spey line it's just that some will be better than others at it due to issues with loading the rod when making a spey cast.

So blah, blah, blah (I'll shut up now) short taper=short single handed spey cast and longer taper=longer single handed spey cast.

[herl]

Sloan- I think those descritions for the cabelas rods just indicate that the smaller one is light enough to cast with one or two hands (aka: a switch rod), but the bigger ones are strictly for two handed casting.

[lesfishing]

Thanks again for all the advises!

So far I have an Old Cortland Bass rod for 8/9 weight 9 ' and thei rod went trough hell.
I had so many Chum salmon on it and 7-8 steelheads and large mouth bass i originally bought for bass fsihing.

Anyway I am still amazed that it served me very well on some 20lbs + fish.
But time is for change.
Thanks all again for all of your input.
Best,
Les

[FT]

Jerry,

Fred probably has nearly as many 2-handers as Aaron. But I have a strong suspician he would miss a Meiser pretty quickly regardless how much single malt he had imbibed.

[Jerry Daschofsky]

I'd say Fred has quite a few more LOL. But, I was purely hoping he'd drink enough. I still had a good chance to drool over them for awhile though.

[lesfishing]

Guys ,

Thanks again for ton of advise on getting right spey rod.

I just picked up Thomas & Thomas 12' for 8 wt 3 section spey rod.

It was great to tried out today at Aaron's place.

I was using Rio New line ASF ? Started with roll casts and it was all coming alive.

Now I have to call Lealand to to take me fishing ( I have done some trout fishing with him)

I own T&T LPS 3 & 5 wt dry fly trout rods and they are my favor trout rods.

US team use the spey rods on international competitions and they do like them, I think thay are still sponsored by T&T

I have to say this rod is super light the balance is right about 4" from the top of the cork.
Casting was true joy, not much effort , everything came alive.

My plan is to practice in the back yard ( I know some of you don't like the idea of using line on the grass) well I have spare reel with older line. Anyway , I have 120 ' of long grass field where I can do some roll casting in my backyard.

Was wonder, if anyone hear abot Large Arbor 3 reel made by White River Co. model is "Practisioner"
I have one of thsoe reels before the Co. was sued by Bauer for coping their product.

Thay might be out of buisness by now. I have this reell and would love to fit on it new Rio line with running etc.. would all thsi fit on this reel? I use it on my 9' 8 wt rod and love the reel.

Thanks,
Les