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Post by barryspencer on Jan 3, 2008 19:57:04 GMT -5
By next season I want to get into swinging flies with a 2 hander. I will be fishing the Grand in OH which is similar to your Catt from what I have been told. Question being I'm not sure where to start. First off rod choice. I will be building my own but dont know what blank to get. I am thinking of a Rainshadow because I like the way my 5 and 8 wt act. Reel I am covered with a Tioga 12. Line is my next. All these different styles I dont know which one is best for me. I think either skaggit or a short bellied spey would be the ticket. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks
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Post by Chris Wilson on Jan 3, 2008 22:05:24 GMT -5
My first stop would be to get some hands on instruction. Honestly, I'd have saved a lot of money up front if I'd have spent time with someone who had come before. When you have a shop (such as our host here) where you can call and ask questions I'd take advantage of it. But ultimately you want to spend time on the water with someone with some skills like Nick or one of the casters OOFS brings in for clinics.
There are some good DVD's which are a good start too. I think "The Art of Speycasting" is really good. Remember, once you see the movements you can practice the casts with your single handed rod. It'll make the transition easier if you start with what you're used to. You'll at least see the various techniques and judge what may be best for you.
That all said, consider buying a built rod first. You'll spend more up front for sure, but you'll have a model to build from and can get on the water right away. Don't dive in to the really, really deep end with the fast, fast water at first. Just getting your hands on one and understanding the fundamentals of casting is going to be enough to keep you busy for the first few months. There's an acquaintance of mine here in DC that wanted to start by building his own and finally dropped the money on a new rod and is happier for it (take it for what it's worth).
I'm not a big Skagit fan for the reason that I think it bypasses some fundamentals and will always limit you to the "line on the water casts". Short head/Scandinavian will let you try out Skagit casts and still be able to overhead (bass on the lake) and single Spey so you can feel those casts out. Hang the whole head out the tip and get belt deep in the river and you'll feel what mid-long belly lines feel like. If you start Skagit, you're buried with that technique from day one and may never get the feel of a good single or what loading the rod really feels like. If you fall in love with the "line on the water" casts with the short head then go Skagit (peace be with you) and at least you'll know.
-Chris
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Post by Chris C Crane on Jan 4, 2008 11:01:20 GMT -5
I am six months into two-handers and there is no turning back now.
I few things I have learned as a beginner. Warning- I am a bit of a gear -head and I am never quite satisfied with my set-up(s)...
1. Rods -I like fast action rods when fishing with a single hander, but while learning to spey cast so far I have preferred a medium to mediam fast rod that allows me to feel the full flex or load. I think this has forced me to be patient and slow down. Having said that, as I get more proficient at spey casting,...I see a fast action spey rod in my future. Unless you know what type you prefer I would avoid the time and effort of building one only to find out your style suits another rod.
2. Reels- the Teton Tioga 12 should work with either gel-spun backing or reduce amount of dacron. What I have found is spey lines are really thick and you con't go too big on reels. I have a new one arriving any day that is 4.75 inches in diameter. Sealed drags kick ass.
3. Lines...wow Million dollar question. So far a Mid-spey is my favorite. I am however trying to fing a shooting head set-up for some planned tight quarter fishing in Michigan next month. It's a new year so watch for upcoming spey claves in your area where you can experiment with different lines.
4. BookS(s) Dec Hogan, Passion of Steelheading, Simon Gawesworths, Spey Casting 2nd edition DVD's Rio Modern spey casting or spey to Z
My advice...I know and have met some spey fisherman who spend more time worrying about how they look while casting and all of the above finite details than actually fishing. Just fish!! I caught all of my Steelhead this fall on a two-hander in less then ideal low water conditions. Sometimes forcing a swing with less then 100 cfs. My casts looked bad a times and my swings were not effortless. BUT I caught fish and had fun.
Welcome.. once you become spey'd you can't go back
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Post by barryspencer on Jan 5, 2008 7:37:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. As far as building one I dont see this being an issue. I have done many builds spinnig, casting, fly and even did a switch rod that I am using now. Whats the big deal with doing a 2 hander? I can have it done in less than a week. I'll look into the Scan.
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Post by Chris Wilson on Jan 6, 2008 23:03:17 GMT -5
Hey, you asked for advice, you got it. The rod decision, build or buy is up to you, but be sure to tryout a few and get some instruction. That'll keep you on the straight and narrow.
Welcome to the game and good luck.
-Chris
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