At Alaska West and BC West, we spend a lot of time chasing anadromous fish with two-handed rods.
We see this situation all the time:
- Angler arrives in camp with new spey rod.
- Angler sets it up with the line that his or her buddy/mentor/favorite author/shop guy/rep/mother-in-law said would work well.
- Angler fishes it for a while and struggles mightily.
- We worry that angler may break rod/dislocate shoulder/fall down in river if this keeps up.
- We suggest new spey line (Hot Tip: often quite a bit heavier) and angler, in desperation, agrees to try.
- Angler becomes casting superstar and fishing is fun again.
What’s the point? Well, the point is not at all that we know more about matching lines to spey rods than anybody else out there. It’s that when you get a new spey rod, you should try at least a few different lines on it and fish the one that you like best.
If you’re fishing a single-handed 5 weight rod these days, you can buy a 5 weight line for it and be pretty confident that it’s going to cast and fish well. In the world of spey, reality is that casting styles vary, sinktips vary, flies vary and conditions vary to the point that Expert Angler A may hate the line that Expert Angler B fishes on any given rod in any given situation.
We would strongly recommend that, prior to spending a bunch of time and money going on a destination fishing trip, you try a few different lines on your new spey rod. Get a recommendation from the people that you respect, and then try lines that are heavier and lighter than what you were told. Way heavier and way lighter – like 50 or 75 grains heavier or lighter! You’ll never know if you don’t try.
Matching your spey rod with a line that you really like will make your casting better and your fishing a whole lot more fun. It’s supposed to be fun, isn’t it?
More on Gear for Spey Fishing
Healthy tip for those getting ready to go on a two-handed-extravaganza. Find a shop where “angler” has the opportunity to test multiple grain weights of lines from a variety of different manufacturers. This does three things:
1. Gives angler confidence that the shop guy actually knows what he’s talking about.
2. Gives angler the opportunity to feel different lines through their rod and select what feels best for he or she.
3. Usually equates to free lesson from shop guy.
Great Post! This is so true and like Gary said about finding a shop that will let you cast a few different lines.
Was just reading this for the first time. Read AND heed the advice! I probably have at least 10 – 12 lines that are not of much use. Almost all turned out to be too light. Rio now produces a kit that contains lines of all weights – great for finding the right line for your rod. Haven’t checked lately but they also had a .pdf document that had recommendations for many of the rods (new) available. They were also able to suggest reasonable starting points for my older rods. Take it from me, a little research and a day with their new “kit” can save you thousands of dollars.
Wanted to say thanks. Just got a new echo 7 weight TR. First time out my loops and distance just wasn’t there. I thought it was because the action was slower than the rod I was used to. The rod recommends a 540 grain yesterday I went out and brought a 575 grain with me and my loops were tight and I was hitting the other band with ease. I dig your web sight and the advise you guys give. Thanks again.
That’s awesome Brian – we’re glad to help. Have fun with it!