fredaevans
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Jim, this may sound a bit 'strange' but some rods work for some, some don't work at all. I suspect you may have a rod that's not 'tuned for you.' No sh..
This, out of context, may sound a bit strange but it's 'life.'
Have two grandsons (teenagers), neither has ever held a fishing rod in their hands until a year ago.Have taken them steelhead fishing before, but with spinning rods. This year I desided to into them to the world of spey casting.
First trip, took 5 or 6 different rods (summer water flows) and ran them through each of the rods. Two were complete casting desasters, 1 was so-so, one not bad, one was a killer. With the first three rods, one boy could cast same a bit, the other was a cub bear playing with himself. Rod three ... sigh, but at least line was going out. Rod four, one was casting pretty darned well, the other frustrated as all hell. Rod 5 ZING!!! Both happy campers (again, in context, this was the first time either had a fly rod, let alone a spey rod in their hands).
It's the rod, not necess. the caster .. until he learns how to cast. (Bad news is you'll find this the same with spey lines).
Have Aaron pull out a few of his rods and give them a try. I suspect (and be sure to use the Meiser 7-8-9 as it's the Spey Rod Of the Gods!) you'll find the rod/line that zings for you.
No Poop!
fae
Edit for Hal: No you may not use this rod, even if Bob will send you a 'loaner' which he frequently does. If you cast this rod, you'd loose at least 500 'quest posts.' Can't have an Atty who actually knows what the heck he's talking about. Would sink the 'profession.'
Edited by fredaevans (12/20/03 07:33 PM)
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fredaevans
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Jim, it looks like my post on this just died in ethernet hell. Shoot me your phone number, as I actually think I know what the hecks the problem (wrong rod!)
fae
Wow! That was off the wall! "It's back," as in the post.
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Steelheader69
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Yup, I agree. I know I used a couple different spey rods in the 9/10wt range. I know the Sage 9140-3 worked the best for me of them all (better then the 4 piece version of it). Funny thing, was the cheapest one I bought (I bought them used).
Jim, you want me to start a whole new thread? Or you keep starting at page 1 and forwarding??? Simply hit the last page and scroll to bottom. But, could start another, just hate to close a thread that's rolling.
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oldman
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No,it's just that this thread is too long and it seems to take forever to get on and then when you post it sometimes gets on or it goes to la la land. As for trying out rods I have done that thing. My rod that was almost a gift is a St.Croix 14' 9/10. And the line is a 9/10/11 Wind Cutter. All I had to buy was the reel and it is a Okuma 10/11. Biggest feel I have ever used. I've tried CnD's 13'8/9 And I do a little better. I've also tried the Heratige 14'er, The CnD Expert 13'er 8/9. And I tried a Bob Meiser 12' 5/6 which really casts very nice..
As for the St. Croix,it is like casting a log And my arm and shoulder get tired very quickly. But I seem to get better with a lighter rod. And as Aaron said that we'll learn on my rod so that way I'll be able to cast anything.
Well I tried it with my rod so thats why I'm letting it rest for a while. I'm gonna wait until the first of the year and then try to make up my mind as to if I want to carry thru with it.If I do It will be with a different rod. One which is lighter.
No it just seems that my buddy(Mattzoid) want's me to do this and Aaron does too and between the two of them,well I just don't know amy more. So back to the one hander. Sure hope I know how to use it as I'm going out in the AM with a few guys from another site.
Jim
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fredaevans
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Not a silly question as you can do almost every spey cast with a single hand rod (and a good thing to know how to do when you have minimal back-cast room); you might want to make up a "grass leader" and practice them with your single hander.
Once you get the feel this way, you may find transfering them to a 'long rod' a bit easier to accomplish.
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Fred A. Evans
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oldman
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Well I went out today and played around with the double haul. And no I didn't forget how to cast a one hander. I kept trying to do it with two hands. But I won out and did it with one hand. See I'm not so dumb after all. As for casting on grass I don't like it.
Jim
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Black_Ghost
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Jim, hang in there with the spey rod its worth it when you get over the initial casting learning curve. Fred converted me two years ago, too bad hes to far away to help me with my casting. So I did what I always do, I learned it on my own, the old fashioned way. Read some books, and web sites, etc...
Its not rocket science like some fly fishers tend to make it.
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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Black_Ghost
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Yo Fred Evans I see Mr. P. Krista will be giving spey casting lessons with the Fly Fishing University show circuit.
Is he a member of Dana's Spey Clave ?
I see a custom 21' 3 " spey rod is now available from him for a paltry $ 1K. If I ever used one that long here I am sure I would get arrested by the DNR since they have already asked me about my 13 footer, remarking how long it is. Must think I am up to something illegal you see there are not many spey casters in GLs country, a few but not many compared gear and single hander fly rods.
Bet those small trout and panfish show in the pictures on the site are quite an encounter on that 21 footer and if you are wearing a traditional kilt it may be the quintessinal spey fly fishing experience. LOL
Phillip Krista Spey Fishing
Fly Fishing University
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
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fredaevans
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Actually, the fellows name is a total blank to me. Will hit you 'link' above and take a peek.
fae
Sheesh!! THAT clown. Folks on the spey board roasted his toast when he first put up his web page. A particular fav. was the size of that tiny fish in his hands while holding a 'spey rod.'"The totals for the day were 20 fish for 156 inches for Philip and 24 fish for 187 inches for me." Spare Me!! Just for the fun of it, do the 'division' and see the 'average size' of these honking big fish. 
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Fred A. Evans
Edited by fredaevans (12/27/03 06:40 AM)
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Black_Ghost
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Well he must be the real deal, I am sure he will soon have his own spey clave internet site for the elite eastern clientele he appears to be targeting. You know like the DC political crowd that want to impress everyone back on the hill about what they did over the weekend. Oh I learned to spey fly cast with a 21 foot spey rod what did you do?
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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Mattzoid
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That Krista dude's site looks like a joke. The only photo of a decent fish was in the bears mouth. Go figure, he's in Maryland for crying out loud. It stinks of poser wanna be.
Matt
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Steelheader69
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I was just thinking back. I remember a 10 fish day I had with my spey rod. Was about 350" for 10. Hmmmmm. LOL I had almost as much in 10 as they did in 24. Was salmon though, and not really big (caught a couple big kings that boosted the average). I noticed that some go by inches on the east coast. Why's that? Seriously??? Is it because of the smaller size??? I'd simply said "We caught 20 and 24 respectively" and left it at that. The inches just add a "hmmm, small" aspect.
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BobK
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I dunno, Jerry - usually we go by weight - the state puts out a "typical length vs. weight" chart (I think it's called "Weigh Your Fish With a Ruler"0 for all of the major species - and it actually is usually plus/minus 5% or thereabouts. For steelies, for example, a 30-inch fish would weigh about 9 lbs.14oz., but a brown of the same length would be 10 lbs. 12 oz. (The browns are more "football" shaped). If someone has to keep adding "inches", they are in bad shape!
Incidentally, I don't remember the web site for it, but can look it up, and will post it if anyone is interested.
I, for one, don't believe in bragging, or keeping score. I just build up some good memories, have fun, and occasionally, if a buddy comes along, I might get a picture. (Usually it is just of him fishing, or maybe he takes one of me, or possibly the scenery.)
Too many guys work too hard at the game, and keep score. I see too many guys dragging a stringer with a limit of fish - usually over rocks, and dragging in the sand/mud, then snapping flicks to prove they are "macho" individuals. Big deal! They are "smarter" than a critter with a pea-sized brain, I guess, and really "proved something". These are the same guys who exaggerate sizes, etc. and probably snagged or lifted most of the fish, anyway.
BobK
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Black_Ghost
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I never keep score or do a detail measurement or weigh them, maybe a quick picture if the fish can be handled without injuring it, then back in the water ASAP. I know how long my spey rod is from the butt end and may do a quick visual measurement of the fish's length.
If you don't beleive what I catch and release so be it.
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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fredaevans
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I take home for dinner. Hatchery fish not with standing, keep darned few. The 'business' about wild vs. etc., is a dead issue to me. A steelhead is a steelhead; unless you need the food ... let him/her go.
On average, doubt I 'punch' 6 fish a year, even if I hooked close to 100.
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Fred A. Evans
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Black_Ghost
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Outstanding Mr. Evans !
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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Steelheader69
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Well, I can say I keep more then 6. But we eat alot of fish. Rarely go more then two weeks without salmon patties, grilled salmon, etc. But mostly salmon. I do keep a few steelhead. Just depends on how I'm doing with fish. Love fresh steelhead broiled with onions, butter, and a few other spices. Hmmmmmmm, may have to break out some salmon steaks. LOL.
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BobK
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As a TRUTHFUL Great Lakes Steelheader/Brown/Salmon fisherman, (aparently one of a VERY small minority), I have to admit that all of mine are returned primarily because they are full of "questionable" chemicals. Most conservation or Public Health agencies put out "Advisories"
showing each species, how many servings you may eat and at what frequency, and why, and for our lake-run fish, they simply say "Eat None", and give the simple reasons - Dieldrin and PCBs.
So, since I don't care to glow in the dark, or poison others, I just don't keep 'em. (Actually, I haven't kept ANY fish from even safe fisheries in probably 40 years except as food for some folks on hard financial times - growing up poor as a kid, they were a prime source of protein for us back then). Now, there are others that are in the same boat as I was back then - let 'em have all they need, in fact, I'll even give 'em a full limit of big Finger Lakes lake trout on occasion (VERY pure water - no health advisories) if they want 'em - and I do, and have done this. These are proud folks that won't accept a "handout" of any sort, but it's OK with them to share your "good fishing luck", and they don't take offense.
BobK
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Black_Ghost
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Well I don't know how my spey fishing thread went in this direction.
For the record I have been in the GLs since 1979. There have been warnings on eating the fish since I have been here. I did eat salmon and steelhead up until 1984 and then stopped. I have not heard of any health impacts of yet of those who do eat the fish and there are many of those for sure. The commercial sport fishery on the GLs is dependent on the edibility of the fish as most of those fisherman take and eat fish. I know they would not be able to stay in business if it was catch and release due to the edibility of the fish.
Now back to my spey fishing thread.
Hey Fred and Malcolm whats new from the spey line, rod, reel vendors that maybe should take a look at ?
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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lowcountry
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I fish a T&T 11' 7wt., handmade Rainshadow 12' 8wt., and a GL3 14' 8/9 wt. Right now I'm in Salt Lake so I fish the Salmon. It's still a wide river up here. I may be moving to Medford this fall for work:-)))
Steve
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BobK
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Hal, there is the "Fred Evans Special" from Bob Meiser... and Fred DEPENDS on that rod, day in, day out. Even carries it in his trunk, "just in case" he gets waylaid on the way to the store, etc.
BobK 
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Black_Ghost
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What happened to the 18 foot Daiwa, is it Ebay history now ?
LOL
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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Black_Ghost
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Any new spey casters members here since the January the last post in this thread ?
BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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H2H
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Yea you can add me to the spey rod team?
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Brian
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Black_Ghost
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BG
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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Fishingjunky15
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Maybe someday, I can't afford it right now.
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They say that the man that gets a Ph.D. is the smart one. But I think that the man that learns how to get paid to fish is the smarter one.
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fredaevans
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Hal, there is the "Fred Evans Special" from Bob Meiser... and Fred DEPENDS on that rod, day in, day out. Even carries it in his trunk, "just in case" he gets waylaid on the way to the store, etc.
Over at Meiser's house this afternoon (had to 'lend him back' my 'FES' for the Sandy 'Clave. (Had to laugh, he brought several of his rods .. old and new designs ... and the fes was the one he was consistantly asked to test ... he forgot to bring it so used mine.)
Anyway, over at Meiser's this afternoon and he has a new one he's considering calling it the FESX, 'x' for extream. Also 13'6" and up a couple of line sizes for heavier fish. A COMPLETE SWEETHEART ROD! Can't wait to get my hands on this one and 'field test' same on the spring kings.
Bob's doing something now that I think is a very heads up way of looking at spey rod/line matchs. What you see on a line box vs. what's marked on a spey rod have ZERO corrilary.  None, nadda, zip, etc.
BUT, a given spey rod will best cast with a fairly tight group of head grain weights. So Bob's not putting on his new rods 'it's a 6 or 7 or what ever.' He's putting on 550-700 grains. So how do you match the line? Easy as pie as almost every line weight is known in grains (head sections, etc.) Know what range a rod works best with and then match same up with the manufacturer's numbers.
Only ONE BIG BUT here: spey rods will load very differently if you're 'grass casting' vs. actual (moving) water loading.
Anyway, someone asked about the 18 foot Bruce and Walker: blanks been polished, spooled and loaded with a short 330 grain head (also have a 440)for spring king fishing. These buggers are now just starting to show in 'some numbers' in the upper river. Usually trying to fly fish for them is a waste of time until the 'count' gets above 10,000 fish in the top 30 miles of river. Up to that point they're spread from hell to breakfast (save for the 'hatchery hole') so tough to target.
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Fred A. Evans
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fredaevans
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Quote:
Fishingjunky15 said:
Maybe someday, I can't afford it right now.
Also wanted to post to this one. Several manufacturers have spey rods out now in the $200-$250 range that are DARNED good equipment. How good? As good as many rods costing 3 times the price.
Don't know what area you live in, but what you want to do is get yourself to a 'Clave/gathering/etc., where rod manufacturers will have their new toys up for testing.
There are several in the PNW, the Sandy River 'Clave (last weekend) being the 'grand daddie' of them all. Close to 700 people there over the two days. Interesting this is this is the fourth one ... and in all that time (to memory) only one reel has ever turned up missing/not returned. And given hundreds of people have free access to all this equipment that a heck of a good thing. Memory serves, the Kaufman Spey Days has a similar record.
One reel did turn up missing from last weekend; Simon put a post on the wwwflyetc web site and had his reel back in less than three days (someone had inadvertently put it down on a wrong table after use) 
But I'm well off the topic here: At the 'Claves, Spey Days, etc., you'll not only have the opportunity to test any rod/ree/line combo you could think of .... but best of all you'll get all the free lessons you could ever dream of. And by lessons, I mean from the best spey casters in the world. Just walk up and ask ... and they'll spend as much time with you as you want. (No, I'm not kidding!)
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Fred A. Evans
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fredaevans
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Quote:
lowcountry said:
I fish a T&T 11' 7wt., handmade Rainshadow 12' 8wt., and a GL3 14' 8/9 wt. Right now I'm in Salt Lake so I fish the Salmon. It's still a wide river up here. I may be moving to Medford this fall for work:-)))
Steve, just saw your post. I live in Ashland, just south of Medford. If you need anything keep me posted.
Fred
Steve
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Fred A. Evans
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Steelheader69
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Yup, Bob is a true master when it comes to his spey rods. I WILL have one. Maybe even an FES. 
I agree with Fred. Alot of good rods now fairly cheap (compared to standard priced speys). I know at the Sky Clave, Simon grabbed a Reddington off the test rack and was throwing the full line with ease. He even said that there really isn't many "bad" spey rods being produced today (as opposed to a few years ago).
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