I received a Bloke XL50 spey rod, #8/9, 4-piece 13’6" long, that I will bring to the Fish-In if there is someone to show me how to cast it. I have a 8wt fly line on a STH MR POP 3 reel, but don’t have an actual spey line. Is this line sufficient to learn with before spending the money on an actual spey line? Here’s some detail on the rod http://www.bloke-rods.co.uk/salmon.html
If I could get a free lesson I will bring it, otherwise I’ll just leave it at home. God knows I’m bringing too many rods to the Fish-In already.
Joe;
I’m sure you will find someone to help. I’d like to be there when you do just for the experiance. There is a spot on the lawn at Gate’s Lodge where you can throw at least 90 feet.
A typical 8/9 two-hander is going to need 550 to 700 grains to perform “Spey” or change-of-direction casts. A standard #8 line won’t even begin to load the rod.
If someone is available to instruct you, they may have a proper line for your rod.
Exactly what Bugsy said. A standard 8wt. line won’t come close to loading that rod. If you can, try a few different spey (or heavy DT lines) on the rod to see what loads it best. That reel may be too light for it also. If I was going, i’d bring a couple lines for you to try, unfortunately i’m stuck here. Urgghhh.
You really need a Spey Line to properly cast your new spey rod. I would suggest a Rio Windcutter single tip spey line. Many view this line as easier for beginners to use then some other lines. It comes in a single tip version for about $80. http://www.montanaflygoods.com/view-RIOLWCSPEY.html
You need a big reel to hold the spey line as they are longer and much fatter.
Spey casting needs to done on the water to obtain the “anchor” or “stick” in the cast. It really cannot be lawn cast.
Think about getting the line and take the spey rod with you to the Fish In. I would think the chances of meeting a MI steelheader there that would spend some time on the water with you would be pretty good.
In addition, I suggest you obtain the DVD - “Spey To Z” produced by 3M Scientific Angler. This DVD does and excellent job in demonstrating various spey cast styles and techniques.
$80 FOR A SPEY LINE??? A REEL BIGGER THAN MY STH3??? This all smacks of spending too much money on a rod that I may or may not ever fish with (I hold no fascination with spey fishing, and I live outside of Cleveland, Oh). Not this cheap Slovenian. This rod was gifted to me, so methinks it’s time for a little e-bay action. Think I can get a few buck for this red stick? Maybe gas money to the Fish-In? This is a stick that’s staying home.
Joe, I will bring my spey up as well. Have never fished it yet, but we can practice casting. I have tried lawn casting and come to the conclusion that it is impossible to lawn cast a spey rod. You need water to load the rod properly.
