How to Spey Cast
Spey Casting - the why and the how
Spey casting is a form of fly fishing that involves using a two-handed rod to cast a fly line. This technique is named after the River Spey in Scotland, where it was first developed ages ago...but that is probably not why you clicked on this link in the first place. If you want some very in-depth history on Spey fishing you will find it here in our blog "Intro to Spey Fishing"
Why do you need to know Spey casting? It's ideal when you've got large, fast-flowing rivers, where traditional fly casting techniques are just not going to work. Spey casting allows fisho's to cast farther and present flies to fish that are holding in places you'd otherwise have no chance of getting to.
Although the spey cast looks pretty complex, it can be learned with practice, so... welcome to the Manic How To Spey Cast Guide presented by Chris Dore.
We created a two part instructional video series last year to give you an understanding of the basics around spey / skagit gear and techniques while keeping it as simple as possible.
The goal is that you'll have a clear idea of what you need to start two handed fly fishing, how to put it all together, how to execute the casts, and finally the best tactics for getting out there and catching fish, which is what it is all about.
Chris Dore is an exceptionally skilled two handed fisherman and a great teacher to boot. Once you've read this, and watched the two clips, you will have all you need to know to get the ball rolling without making things confusing.
In the first clip we go over the basics of why you want to fish a two hander and the gear required to get started.
Keep up your 'how to spey cast' journey and dive into part two. But first, here are some the things Chris spoke about and where can find on our website:
Airflo Skagit Scout 390gr Head
Airflo G3 12lb Fluorocarbon Leader - 8pd 2X shown, available from 0X (12pd) to 7X (3pd)
Manic Fly Collection Flies - head to the streamer section.
In part two we dive into casting and on water tactics.
So why learn to Spey Cast?
- Longer casts: Spey casting allows you to cast long distances, which is essential for fishing large, open rivers.
- Improved accuracy: The Spey cast is a very accurate casting technique, which is important for targeting specific fish.
- Less fatigue: Spey casting is a more efficient casting technique than traditional fly casting, which can help to reduce fatigue on long fishing days.
- More fun: Spey casting is a challenging and rewarding technique that can add a new dimension to your fly fishing experience.
If you are looking for a way to improve your fly fishing skills and catch more fish, Spey casting is a great option. With a little practice, you will be able to master this versatile technique and enjoy the many benefits that it has to offer.