I cud use some help. What total ft fly line to put on a reel?

[Whitewolf]

Hello,

I am wanting to line up some empty reels with fly line. For my inland trout that is not a big problem. But I have aquired a Cabelas 13' 8wt Spey rod and an Albright 13' 8/9 spey rod.

I have forgetted what I have read about fly lines needed on a reel. I would like to reel up lines for these rods. I have only fished for trout..but prefer to cover several species with the one rod. Namely in order I might get to fish for them. I know some fish are known to run a long way. I don't know or remember what is recommended for total fly line on the reel. 300' ?

Maybe 100' of backing, 100' of running line, and 100' of fly line? Would that be enough for:
Carp
Pike
Stripers
Steelhead
Salmon
Ocean Surf

????

I would certainily appreciate any comments. I sorta hate to do it now and then learn I did them all wrong.

tks in advance for any help offered up.

Jim

[ScottP]

I don't know anything about spey casting (looks cool, though) but I'm curious why you would need 100' of running line if you're casting a full spey line as well? I thought the running line was for use with various shooting heads which tend to be a lot shorter than a full spey line. If you're using a full spey, I'd think you could just use 200' (or whatever the capacity of the reel) of straight backing. Please excuse my ignorance if I'm wrong.

Regards,
Scott

[Whitewolf]

I dunno Scott. I know nothing.....and it sure shows. Reckon I need LOTS of help. I have a 15' spey rod and it sure was fun casting it ...one time. Met a fellow on a lake and he let me use his reel and line on my rod to try. It was really cool with that line up 15' in the air. But he is about 2 hours away from me. Nobody here in my little town doing spey or two handed. I wanna. I have read several posts whereby some single hand fly fishermen have tried two handed....and swear they will never go back to single hand rods anymore. They love it I guess. Have also read that it is less tiring and easier on all the body joints to two hand cast as opposed to one. I am at the age where I want to save my shoulders and elbows and wrists. So I wanna give it a go.

Your comment just adds to my question. If using a full spey line how much running line if any is needed?

Maybe somebody out there will help us.

[anglerdave]

Pike won't spool you. If the carp is big enough it will. I don't know anything about spey casting either, but if you have a fly line, why would you need a running line? It is my understanding that you only use a running line if you are using a shooting head system. And then again some shooting heads come with their own running line. I guess if it were me, I would google up spey casting and tackle used and see what they recommend for a reel. Most reels will tell you how much backing you'll need for the size line you will be using. Also I would go to some of the fly line websites and look at what they have to offer in a spey line. Rio comes to mind.

Dave

[ScottP]

Jim,

Check out these forums:

http://www.speypages.com/speyclave/index.php
http://www.kiene.com/forums/
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/board/forum.php (they have a pretty active spey group)
http://www.danblanton.com/bulletin.php

I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for.

Regards,
Scott

[Mato Kuwapi]

Try here with your questions on Spey: http://speypages.com/speyclave/index.php

Spey lines are different than regular fly lines for regular fly rods. Some come with interchangable "heads" of various weights, lengths and float / sink ratio, but for the most part a spey line has a much heavier "head" section and much longer running line section. Setting up a spey rod with fly line to running line to backing probably isn't going provide you with what you are looking for. Creating sink tip heads for a running line can work if you understand what your rods can throw. Fly line for regular fly rods are weighted differently than Spey lines. Spey lines are designed specifically for spey rods. Here are some links about spey lines. There is way more to know and understand about matching lines for Spey rods. It's not as straight forward as it is with fly rods and just because guide Joe Smith says a line is perfect for a particular spey rod doesn't mean that it is perfect for the next guy casting the same spey rod. The amount of line, backing etc has to do with the reel it's going on. If you have a shop in the area that can help you with loading it...that's your best option if you are unsure.

http://www.letsflyfish.com/speyresult.htm
http://redshedflyshop.com/simonlines.html.pdf