Two-handed/spey/hybrid Rods

[TroutBum4wt]

Does anyone have experience with two-handed/spey/hybrid rods?

I know there for big water and fish, but I'm wondering if they could be used for tailwaters, such as Taney, when the water is running high. Spey casting seems to fit the bill in such a situation.

[Brian Wise]

TroutBum4wt ,

Sounds like you may be looking for a Switch Rod. There are getting to be a ton of these rods around, 11-12'6" 5wts, 6wts, etc. They are a ton of fun and insanely practical--you can mend as much line as you can cast basically.

The good thing is they can easily be cast overhead or with spey casting styles.

Try one out!

Brian

[JobyKSU]

Ah, trout spey - why yes, yes I do have some experience.

About 1 year ago I started out on the same path you appear to be headed down. One thing I quickly found out was that the two-handed rod community is amazingly helpful.

Initially I was interested in a switch rod - a few phone calls later (in a couple of cases I ended up talking to to the designers of the rods themselves) they convinced me that switch rods are less-than-desirable unless you are already a competent caster: Their ok at both styles but good at neither. This advice was given by Bob Meiser - the rod designer that actually invented switch rods.

I was eventually led to a 12'6" 3/4/5 weight two-handed rod by Bob Meiser which isn't really advertised but exists none-the-less. I purchased the blanks because I wanted to build it myself, but he makes absolutely gorgeous rods that are generally accepted as some of the best performers in the business: Meiser Fly Rods Website This two-hander is soft enough that I can fish 6x tippet, but handles any sportfish up to 10 lbs - and that is based on some of the tail-walking steelhead in Washington.

The rod does amazingly well. I actually got it with the intention of throwing streamers through a couple of the longer holes at Beaver, and it does fantastically with that. Also, managing a loooooong drift (even under an indicator) is easier with the two-hander. One of the best reasons, however, is that with spey or skagit-style casting, you only need about 10-20 feet behind you to cast - up to 100 feet if needed.

Trout spey is becoming much more popular. There is now a nice, affordable 5wt from TFO, Meiser has down to the 3/4/5 weight, CND has a few selections, and Dec Hogan has a new series coming out that begins with a 4wt. I believe Burkheimer also has a few real quality trout speys. Now is actually a terrific time to get into two-handed rods for trout. I am definitely biased, but Meiser is, hands down, my recommendation.

If you are truly interested in a trout spey, I suggest you visit speypages.com and read up a little there (search for trout spey). Also, when you do have a little bit of information, place a phone call to Meiser or Poppy at the Red Shed. They will get you set on the right rod for you (even if it isn't one they don't make/sell). More importantly, they will help you get it matched with the appropriate line for what you will be doing.

Once you get started, you may find yourself using the two-hander more and more as you figure out it's advantages. The ability to place your line where you want it without any back cast is great for some of the combat conditions that we experience around here, as well as being able to high stick nymphs 13 feet out.

Bottom line - if you are truly interested, read on the internet for a little bit and then pick up the phone. If you are even considering one of Bob Meiser's rods then call him and ask him what he thinks - he's already somewhat familiar with the white river system and you definitely will not get the "hard sell" from him.

[TroutBum4wt]

Thanks for the information guys. I'm doing my research on the matter.

[TroutBum4wt]

The switch rod did GREAT today on Taney.

It took a little time to get down the single spey and circle casts, but I think we're heading in the right direction.

I managed to land two 13 or 14 inch rainbows with the new rig. The fish were really strong. One hit my fly like a mack truck.

I'm really sold on the spey/two-handed rod concept. I was casting (short and long) in places where I couldn't before with a single-handed rod.

Cheers.

[JobyKSU]

The switch rod did GREAT today on Taney.

It took a little time to get down the single spey and circle casts, but I think we're heading in the right direction.

I managed to land two 13 or 14 inch rainbows with the new rig. The fish were really strong. One hit my fly like a mack truck.

I'm really sold on the spey/two-handed rod concept. I was casting (short and long) in places where I couldn't before with a single-handed rod.

Cheers.

Get a good snap-T down and work on your underhand. I think you'll find that a few well-placed spey casts will really help with the crowding that can go on at Taney Only the brave or foolhardy would dare to encrouch on your elbow space when that line's flying

[Brian Wise]

youtube is your friend.

Youtube Spey Casts

Brian

[TroutBum4wt]

Thanks Brian.

I was wondering what a underhand cast looks like. Sould help with lakes and other such water.

There's some really good spey stuff on that youtube segment.