camodrifter
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dual red striper
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Reged: 09/21/06
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Loc: Moscow, Idaho
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lookin for some info on what weight and leanght would be good for a first time spey caster. I would plan on using the set up on Idaho's Clearwater river. I have fished extensivly with a one handed rod but would like to get into the spey thing. help would be much appriciated! 
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set em and net em
Team UI
Clearwater Crew
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Mojo
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Instigator
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Loc: Bootsville, Idaho
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Camodrifter,
Go talk to Poppy (REDSHED on the board) at the Red Shed fly shop in Peck. He is the MAN when it comes to Spey stuff! He knows everythig you need to get rolling.
Cabela's in Boise had some Cabela's Traditions Spey rods (apparently made by St. Croix) in their bargain cave for about 90 bucks. I bought a 8/9 and put a Tioga #12 regular arbor (more backing) reel on it (bought on ebay for something like 125.00) Then I had Poppy line it up for me. He put the right line for the rod on it. You do what I did, and you'll be spey casting for around 325.00.
Or better yet you can go see him, and he'll get you going with a package deal for about 400-450, and you might get a spey lesson out of the deal. Really, if I had to do it all over again, I'd just buy the package from Poppy.
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Tight Lines,
Mojo
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Mojo
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I suggest a 13-14 foot 9 weight to start by the way...
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Tight Lines,
Mojo
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Black_Ghost
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Thick Tail
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Agree talk to Poppy at Red Shed, Clearwater is his home river. 13-14 ft 9 wgt sounds right, I would go with a 14 footer myself
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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Thick Tail
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One more vote for Poppy; but I'd also suggest you start with an 8wt rather than a 9wt. But Poppy can rig you up with either so you can 'try before you buy.'
Fred
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Fred A. Evans
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Verne
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chum
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I would go with a lighter rig a 13' 7 or 8 wt. In my experience everyone mostly recommmends the "30-06" of spey rods 14' 9 wt., but after you get started you never use it again, it is too heavy for most use. Look at all the heavy rods for sale, and few buyers.
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Mojo
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Verne,
Camodrifter is going to fish the Clearwater. It is big water with BIG fish. He may also fish the Salmon, also big water with lots of wind. I'm not an expert, but I do know the 7 or 8 times I fished the Clearwater last year, I wished I was fishing a 9 or 10 weight. My suggestion is for Camodrifter to go cast a few at the Red Shed and buy what he's comfortable with.
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Tight Lines,
Mojo
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Verne
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chum
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The only reason I see for using a heavy spey rod is for casting large weighted/bulky flies. Even then you can use a lighter rod with skagit line if your not allergic to stripping in a lot of line every cast.
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Mojo
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Good point. I guess it boils down to personal preference. Nice thing about lighter rods is they are easier on you when you are fishng all day. I need to learn more about skagit lines...
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Tight Lines,
Mojo
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fredaevans
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Thick Tail
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Quote:
Mojo said:
Good point. I guess it boils down to personal preference. Nice thing about lighter rods is they are easier on you when you are fishng all day. I need to learn more about skagit lines...
Roger that! But (personal preference here only) I find the longer 'Scandi Heads' far easier to use. This is especially true if you're not a reasonably accomplished caster.
Fred
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Fred A. Evans
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Mojo
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I like my delta-spey. It lays out nicely for me, but it took a bit to get used to. I kept reverting to single-hand habits. Good thing Jeff Jarrett (Knot_Tyer) took some time to show me what to do. After an hour on the river with him, then a few hours casting practice, it all fell into place.
Camodrifter I really suggest you spend some time with someone that knows what he or she is doing, and let them teach you.
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Tight Lines,
Mojo
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Verne
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chum
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I agree, nothing beats getting started out right by someone that knows what they are doing like poppy at Redshed. Be careful, everyone you meet on the river with a spey rod will lead you to believe they are experts.
Personal preference is the real deal, I know plenty of people that like the big rods, I just wouldn't recommend one for a beginner. A delta spey is ideal to begin with and continue with.
This is all my own opinion and may or may not mean anything. The main idea is to have fun and catch some fish.
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CastawayChris
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Got Beer?
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If u would like to talk spey and different options, u can also call up Mike Thorson at Batson Enterprises Rainshadow/Forecast and talk to the Man himself! Mike has endless spey and single handed knowledge and 30years of it and is incredible with a fly rod! Also check out the line of Forecast Spey Blanks at www.batsonenterprises.com or click the link in the advertisement at the top of this page! There are guys like myself and DP Custom on this board that would gladly build ya a custom spey rod! Probably get into one of those around the same price range!
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TEAM GLO BUG WHORIN
Rattlesnake Prostaff
Vision Hooks n Tackle
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REDSHED
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steelie
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Loc: Peck, Idaho USA
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Yes I think if you can only have one two hand setup it should be the 14'-9wt. I believe it to be the most versatile size. If one's primary river is the Clearwater in Idaho this is the perfect size.
As to the line, any head length that turns your crank will work. A short head spey line from your favorite line company will work as good as anything. If you can get the color change to the rod tip you are casting far enough. A multi tip will give the angler more versatility but on the Clearwater a floater will work well until the water gets below 38 degrees.
And while no one has ask, and again for the Clearwater a leader as long as the rod with a 10# tippet works well. Also 100yds of 30# backing is usually more then enough.
I do agree take some test drives. Any shop that has your best interest at heart will have some kind of test drive arrangements.
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fredaevans
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Thick Tail
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Quote:
Verne said:
Be careful, everyone you meet on the river with a spey rod will lead you to believe they are experts.
Man 'O Man! Is that God's simple truth!!!!!!!!! 
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Fred A. Evans
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REDSHED
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steelie
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Loc: Peck, Idaho USA
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Quote by Verne:"Be careful, everyone you meet on the river with a spey rod will lead you to believe they are experts."
Well everyone that's had a spey rod for more then 5 minutes will certainly have opinions. While sometimes that can be a little confusing to a beginner, the thing we should all remember is we are all different. Some are tall, some short, some strong, some weak, some like it fast, some like it slow, some have a burning disire to have every naunce perfect, and some have a more casual approach. At some time or another just about everyone's opinions will have some validity. The thing the new two hand user has to figure out is WHAT WILL WORK FOR THEM.
It doesn't make a damn if Billy Bob can cast across the river blindfolded with XYZ rod/line it may not work for you.
In order for the new caster to find the right outfit he needs to do some research in the archives, read between the lines, really pay attention to what is being said, and test drive as much tackle as he/she can before dropping the coin.
One additional note. When a person is test driving tackle they should keep detailed notes as to rod make, model, length and line make, model and head weight. This seems elementary but many times customers tell me I cast Uncle Bob's XYZ rod with a windthrasher line and it was awesome. I want the same setup. When I ask them how long the rod was and the line weight they have no idea.
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camodrifter
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dual red striper
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Reged: 09/21/06
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Loc: Moscow, Idaho
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hey guys thanks for the great information. RedShed I might just stop on in to your shop one of these days and get some dialog goin'. nice to finally find a site with some local anglers that know what the hell they are talking about. thanks again guys!
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set em and net em
Team UI
Clearwater Crew
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