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Not sure if there is still room but Aaron Caldwell is putting on his Spey clinics on the Bow in August. It is money well spent that will accelerate your progress. He explains the gear, casting and how to swing for success his company is Feather Forge Fly Co. Check his website for clinic availability

I fish the bow with a spey or switch 90% of the time. I believe you can't compare to the aggressive strike of a fly on the swing. I also love the delicate roll out of a snake roll or single spey. The other 10% of the time I am nymphing and searching for snouts.

The further you get out, the more currents you have your line in. Mending becomes impossible (or just an excruciating pain in the ass). When nymphing, I don't usually feel the need to cast much further than 40 feet in most scenarios. Hell, I'd bet 80 percent is 30 or less. Measure it...I think most guys add 20 to the estimate of their casts.

For the line, take a look at the Rio Switch Chucker. It's like a skagit head only it has an integrated running line so you can mend it. Just throw on a sink tip of your choice when you want to swing streamers. The thing to keep in mind is that you might get extra distance out of your cast, but when that indicator moves will you have time to pick up all that line that's on the water and set the hook before the fish spits your fly? For the rod it's such a personal choice that I would take a lesson first then show up to one of the spey-o-rama days to try different ones and decide from there. Everyone will suggest a rod that works for them, but it might not work for you.

Nymphing with a two hander sucks-even with a switch. Don't fool yourself Into thinking a switch will ever be fished SH. I did, and I haven't single handed mine since the week I bought it.