Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: jeepster on March 10, 2011, 12:31:05 AM

Title: whats the ideal size spey rod to start on??
Post by: jeepster on March 10, 2011, 12:31:05 AM: when i first started flyfishing some 10 years ago, i was told to get a 6wt 9' and that seems to be the industry standard size for those who want to learn. well, now that ive decided to expand my fly-casting skills and abilities, im considering getting myself a double hand/spey rod.

whats the best rod to learn how to spey on? i found a 15' 10wt redington with tube for 150$ (normally 300$)....kinda too good of a deal to pass up in my mind........

what do you guys say?
Title: Re: whats the ideal size spey rod to start on??
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on March 10, 2011, 05:32:21 AM: Decent deal for sure but Id look into a "switch" style rod. Shorter but can be used both ways. single or 2 handed. A little more versatile on medium to smaller rivers.
Title: Re: whats the ideal size spey rod to start on??
Post by: 7mmfan on March 10, 2011, 10:28:23 AM: I've casted several different spey rods in the last few years and my only advice is to try and cast some before you buy one. Different people have different casting styles and different rods will fit them better than others. Theres a shop in Carnation called River Run Anglers, www.speyshop.com (http://www.speyshop.com), the owner is Gary Sandstrom. He has TONS of spey rods to try and different lines to try on them. He can give you a basic run down on what you need. Usually every saturday they have a day on the river where you can test drive as many spey rods as you can and get some basic instruction as well. Definitely worth your while!

As far the 15' 10wt goes, its a great rod, it'll do anything you want it to do, but its a BIG rod and it will wear you out fishing it all day. I've found the 12'6"-13'6" faster action rods are more forgiving and much easier to fish with for long periods of time.

Also, the other thing to consider is the line your going to use on it. Every rod is different and casts best with certain lines. Also, you need to match the line to the river your going to be fishing. If your fishing big water where you need heavy tips, a Skagit line is good. For lighter tips I prefer a Scandinavian. Small water, a compact Scandi or Skagit is good. (Scandi lines have longer bellies and require more line to make your cast, where as Skagit lines have a short belly and aggressive taper allowing you to cast with less line out and power heavier tips). PM me if you have any questions.
Title: Re: whats the ideal size spey rod to start on??
Post by: jeepster on March 10, 2011, 01:56:35 PM: well, i think ive found a good beginner rod. cabelas has a 13' 8wt spey rod for 150$.

i could go with a switch rod... but i always carry a 2nd rod, so the way i see it... i can get a dedicated spey rod to accompany my dedicated singlehand rod.... or i can get a switch rod thats just a hybrid between the two...

im going to be fishing off of the beaches 80+% of the time so, im just after a rod that doesnt require a back cast that wont get snagged on the logs and stuff behind me....
Title: Re: whats the ideal size spey rod to start on??
Post by: jeepster on March 11, 2011, 02:23:14 AM: yup just bought the cabelas brand 13 foot 8wt spey rod... ill let you guys know what it is all about in a week or so :drool:
Title: Re: whats the ideal size spey rod to start on??
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 11, 2011, 05:11:54 AM: Well I hope you catch something in Anacortes!!
Title: Re: whats the ideal size spey rod to start on??
Post by: jeepster on March 12, 2011, 12:55:18 AM: the way i see it, i already have an 8wt fly rod, and now a spey rod.... if i can figure out spey casting well...

screw buzzbombin for pinks.... hello flies with a skagit line :D

there is sooo much current in this area that most of the beaches have tides similar to rivers...........
Title: Re: whats the ideal size spey rod to start on??
Post by: ribka on March 12, 2011, 07:53:58 AM: I have a 16 ft spey and used to do quite a bit of surf and jetty fishing for stripers on the east coast.

I picked up a 12 7 wt switch rod and I really like it for the smaller rivers. Can cover a lot of water and if nymphing ( gasp) can get great drag free drifts