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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
I appreciate the replies. Perhaps though my question was mis-understood. My question is “how much line do I need to have on a reel when hooked into a striper, salmon, or steelhead or carp?” I am tryhing to set up rigs to fish for each of those species. I am thinking an 8wt spey should cover them all. Perhaps I am wrong. I am trying to set up a rod and reel to fish for carp. But, hope to someday fish for stripers. And then…a trip to the Bay Area and the PNW. As I get my gear out…I ponder what rig for each species. And then I think that the 8/9 spey would do it all? But I don’t know how much line is needed on a reel for each species. I just know some of them make long runs. It doesn’t seem to me that I need to buy and equip a separate rod for each of those species…as they all require more than my inland trout rigs do.
I was not asking how much line I “can” get on a reel, nor which line to use on a rod. The question again is…if I want to fish for those species I “might” get to fish for someday…how much line do I need on a reel?
I know there are many striper fishermen on here…and Bay Area and Pacific Northwest people as well. I hope to fish for stripers someday, and the PNW. I am thinking one rod would suit all purposes. I have rods. I would like to know how much line is necessary on a reel to fish for these species adequately.
I appreciate the info provided. But did not find my answer. For example click on the Dan Blanton link provided. Not one of those titles of threads indicates it will provide the answer to my question. Scroll and scroll and scroll…Now look at how much research it would take to search all the info provided and all the links.
Surely someone on here fishes for steelhead and can simply say 300’ of line is enough, or for carp…etc.
perhaps 300’ for stripers requires more?
how many feet for salmon?
steelhead?
Do I need a separate rig for each species or can I do it all with the 13’ two handed 8/9 weight spey rod from Albright?
Or the 13’ 8wt spey I purchased from the FAOL’er in Canada…
If necessary…I have a 15’ two handed 10/11 rod as well. I just wanna know how much line is necessary for each species I wanna fish for. Surely someone out there is willing to post what rig he uses in the PNW for steelhead and salmon…
Just a simple answer from someone who fishes for them…that is all I ask…