First day out with the spey rod

[Fly Boy]

This last Sunday was my first day actually fishing with the spey rod. The idea was to get some practice in more than anything. After an hour of casting with no fly I tied one on. I definitely paid more attention to what I was doing with a sharp point now connected to 40 feet of untamed scandi line. I chose a spot void of others anglers so that I wouldn't get in anyone's way. It didn't look like the fishiest spot, but there was room for me to cast.
A couple hours in, after finally getting into a groove, I had a little tug and a 7" bow shook himself off. I was surprised how well I could feel such a small fish take the fly with all that line out at the end of a 13' rod.
About another 30 minutes in and the line is getting out more consistently, but I'm zoning out a bit watching the rippling water and thinking about grabbing one of my single handers and catching a few 7" bows on purpose, which are rising everywhere. Bang! I get a huge tug right at the end of a swing. The line is tucked under a finger and nearly pulls the rod out of my hand. This wasn't like a trout strike that feels like tap tap tap. This was one bang! I thought, "What was that? Ooo, fish!" and I pull up... nothing. That's not what I was taught to do, but that's what instinct told me to do and so he was gone.
Next time, lighter hold of the line and let it take a bit out and set the hook by pulling towards the bank, right?
Next time. Now, when will that be. The biggest lesson I learned Sunday, was to always expect a strike. When the line is out, fish it.

[fredaevans]

Well said Fellow, well said. I (just a personal thing) don't just 'practice' as .. well I guess ... you're here, how about a double 'focus.' End of line/leader is going to be out there, sooooooo make some good use of all that exercise?
:>) fae

[Fly Boy]

Exactly. Until spey casting becomes second nature, I think I'll start with nothing pointy on the business end for a few casts. I wacked myself with the leader once and was glad it was just leader. But, when the fly is in the water I expect the possibility of a hook-up and will try not to be so surprised by the next strike.

[SpeySpaz]

aw, get out there and bleed a little bit!
Just don't forget the eye protection and definitely go barbless...makes it easier to get the fly out of your face,

[Fly Boy]

That's hardcore.
To show people you're really metal (and mental) leave the fly there and keep fishing.

[Ryan Nathe]

Wear glasses and fish barbless. Two winters ago I was dicking around trying to snake roll some T-17 and a weighted fly. Got myself in the ear in the thick part of the cartilage and was glad it was barbless. The hook backed right out and apart from some blood I was none the worse for it, except my ego was severely bruised.

[fredaevans]

Bye the bye, if you do whack yourself, save for a stiff wind really tossing things around, that 'whack in the back' is caused by you bringing your rod (from the formation of the D loop to forward stop) TOO much in the vertical. Form follows function, or if you will, the fly is going to follow the rod tip. Until the rod passes your ear it should be 'tipped out' about 5-15 degrees to the side. Give that range as those are about the 'extremes' of too vertical to too far 'tipped out.'

fae

[Hal Eckert]

FAE knows his stuff, has taught me a lot about spey casting just from reading his posts for ten years now.

HE