ogilvie

This is a very healthy thread indeed...the idea that Spey Casting involves more elbow and arm work is only a perception,fact of the matter is that there is little arm extension, useing both arms is very simple , the law of physics is definitely on the longer rods side, and there is a great versatility available to the average caster,either useing a Single,Switch or true Two Handed Rod! The other law of physics that applies here is that the "older we become ,the smarter we become" does apply to many except you younger flyfishers who have seen much earlier than most ,the possibilities associated with Spey Casting what ever form. In North America,15 or even 10 years ago,the greatest percentage of new Spey casters were nearing middle age and up wards because of physical issues or distance needs. We have been slow to the gun,our cousins in many parts of Europe have been weaned on Spey. ! A good example of the functionality of a Spey cast with a Two Handed rod occurs ,for me, if I'm drifting down a fairly large River ,such as the Bow, in my Kick Boat. With the simplest movement I can cast and fish effectively to either side of the river should I choose....while sitting on my ass! What that means is ,that if I see a rise I can easily pick up 70' of line and change direction by 90 degrees (or more)and have a shot at the target....immediately. A spey cast effectively used off a drift boat or other raised watercraft ,useing single handed rods can be nearly equally effective. As Brian said, Two Handed rods are as light or lighter than some Single handers...The Hardy Angel,or Swift, Loop's Grey series of rods, Beulahs ,Snowbee Tamar and Torridge,and the list goes on. But it is not always about how light the rods is...it is more about your fit. Pick up your favorite single hander,as usual with One hand,feel it...then distribute the weight between both your hands and it almost becomes invisible to the memory circuits...the same applies to many new Spey Casters when they pick up a newish Two Handed rod .." this is really light" are the words I hear most often...Two Handers are very versatile fishing tools meant to enhance our abilities and experiences on the waterways of the world... See you all in April

from the sounds of the slang there are a few other Herring Chokers here... I hated waiting for the Miramichi to thaw and become fishable so much that it is the One thing in my life I now completely changed...Vancouver Island is ...well...it just is! Can you imagine 160 CM of Snow in 36 hours...Only the Nor Easters off the Atlantic produce these stupid numbers... But I have to say that this is the most snowy season I have experienced on the Island in 15 years!! and there is still snow on the remote Westpart of the Island!

The best moving water personal boat I have ever used is the Kick Boat...super manageable,with oars,flippers if you want or walk and wade> Will have several here during the Spey Week-end in early April C...

Ask Colin or MAx if they have used the Snowbee Two Colour line this week...that will tell you C

Actually, overlining helps the performance of the caster and not the rod! Feeling the load is a learned effect and often times not experienced well by many casters. A simple adjustment in casting stroke and rod position will clear that up in a hurray. You can over load the rod by several sizes and get some kind of desireable result. In example, a 3wt rod is calculated to perform efficiently with a 3 wt. line that at 30' weighs 6.8 Grams or 105 grains approx.;yet,that same line ,in this case a Snowbee WF Two Colour floating line, at 42.5 '(the colour change) weighs 10 grams or 154+ grains. So,if you learn to efficiently cast the recommended line overlining isn't necessary. The DT lines are equally designed but have much longer bellies and more grain weight the more you command.. Have fun C

I do not have the TE ,only cast the proto type several times at shows. Was in Alnwick Jan 2007 ,too early to fish any. Fast action rods seem to be completely mis-understood by most casters and I might add rod designers! There has to be a balance between wall thickness,composite and mandrel taper to achieve a desired quality casting tool. Several years ago,now discontinued,Lamiglas designed a few very fast action rods that were truely fast action;but dogs to cast and fish. Snowbee's XS-Pro is also very fast ,as a market grabber too few can handle these rods. The XS-Pro is even tri-modulous to compensate for such dynamic speed and feel, by compensateing the action. Tight lines and have a great season C

Nice set-up... The advantage of a WF line is it's ease of loading...a DT line loads less identifiably but mends better at greater distances..and if you are a Scot you can turn your line around after the front end is worn out!! Interestingly,Snowbee has developed a special line called the Delicate Presentation line that is used for Small stream fishing throughout much of Europe ,the front taper is fairly normal but the back taper is enlongated,the purpose is to provide better line control and deliver your flies more gently . I have often described this line as "no matter how bad a caster you might be..this One delivers!) Only available in weights from 2-6. C

OF all the rods I have used over the years I have to say Snowbee has met the challenge in every aspect...hopefully within the next few weeks we will have a dealer in the Calgary area to work with ...this is a good thing!! I was out today nymphing for Steelhead on the Little Qualicum River well up near the falls. Typically this river gets a Feb. run of fish,must have been early in this case. This is a very sweet river that has been closed for the past 9 years previous to 2007...after fishing it one can understand just how this river was once a great Steelhead River! Not even a Trout today...the point I will make is that I used the Beulah Elixir 5/6 Switch line on an 8/9 Switch rod(all I had with me)...very impressive indeed. Although the belly of the Line is too short to really call it a nymphing line,this water was quite fast and the 10' 6" rod performed impeccably! I don't think we have really understood how effective and versatile the Elixir line concept really is. C

The bad weather in Calgary over the past few weeks has slowed things down a bit but there is a lot of interest coming out of the wood work. we would have loved to have had you there to try"jocks stool" however,we may do a distance casting competition and offer that as a prize ...what do you think? There will be lots of Ladies there so perhaps we may have to adjust the thing!!!??? Any ideas!? C

The Carbon Fibre material used in the Angel is likely the most advanced (mitsubishi)...however,and I own 4 angel rods, these rods are truely designed for advanced casters or those aspireing to become that. The Redington rod is only labeled as Fast Action aimed at a much large market of the casting public, there is no comparison with the the Angel,like a Lada to a Lexus! Now the Hardy Mach 2 Lines and indeed very nice, the head is much longer than their predecesor the Mach 1 Trout. A 60' head is bang on for teh Angel,and a bit much for the Redington ...the Mach 1 would suit the REd' rod much better. The Loop OptiStream line is another good match that produces great loops and efficient distance.. And it's not always about Distance

I'm sure what ever choice you make will be correct...to answer your question about Snowbee Warranties...simple...Most rods are in Stock ,$35 Fee ,typically less that 2 weeks or faster.In 2007 there were 2 Snowbee rod warranty issues;only. we are the Canadian Distributor for Snowbee UK....we have an over the counter warranty policy.. I can tell you that the extensive warranty issues I have had with Hardy/Greys over the past 4 years has been pathetic at best and outrageous at normal. I have suggested to them that perhaps they could stop treating us as Colonials and get a life!

Interestingly enough,I actually fished the Loop 11' 4wt. Grey series rod yesterday as a converted Small Switch/Spey... useing the 5/6 Elixir line...it was a blast casting such a small weight rod...and the line match was bang on for its needs. However,not really a nymphing rod as we know it. Snowbee has been competeing at the world stage for many years and has the nymphing needs dialed in like no other. The Greys Streamflex rod is also another nice rod, I had several in the past 2 years. In 2008 SNowbee is bringing out 2 new series of Nymphing rods in a very light fast action and One less fast. Currently the have the ZR2 series that has hit the Ontario Market with a rage.

Consider the coating on the lines before you make your purchase...the Delta (Air Flo ) coatings don't like the cold weather at all...the Windcutter is better for the COLLLDDDD C

Nice pattern...try painting on the eyes....

Yeah,thats what happened...like that story! Also,thanks Sirocco,the pic...how did you do that? C

A picture tells a thousand words and stories... and sets up a memory system that wakes up ever so often...to the discomfort of our loved ones sometimes...yet we must prevail the guilt and venture on..To have a Steelhead look at you with eyes resolved to death only to be released to fight another day is truely remarkable

If I can ever find out how to post pictures on this site ....Yesterday was actually one of those days that only comes along a few times in a lifetime. The story in a few paragraphs did it little justice but had to be said...I am going to send Sirocco the picture of the Water falls...maybe he can find his way to post the pIc' C

Since we returned from the Calgary Show we have been busy renovating the little store and getting business done. Yes,I have been out fishing(steelhead) several times and blanked . But we had a bit of rain that spiked a few of the Rivers that I occasion...so yesterday Morning by 6 am I was out of here and on my way to my special place...had to drop off the Kick Boat and fishing stuff near the trail...drive about 4 miles to the destination and walk back to the trail(hitched a ride 1/2 way),this is a very remote region and I was very lucky to hitch this ride! About a 1 km walk into the trail I picked up the gear, carry everything through the woods and down a very steep slope to a plateau that reveals an incredible waterfalls and barrier to all fish. It was lightly snowing and a bit windy,perfect Steelhead weather. It takes about 10 minutes to inflate the Kickboat and I'm off,working the warer below the falls. The spray is a bit much at times so hood was on . Normally all I ever seem to land in this area is Cutthroat Trout in the 15-18" range. Landed One and had a few touches...too much spray so off I go again....As a rule I don't get into any Steelhead for about another Mile or so and this day held true. Once to my Honey Spot I guided myself into position with great care,the water was a bit off colour so my odds were better. A number of years ago I landed 7 fish in this river useing a certain colour..and to this point I hadn't landed or even hooked into a Steelhead with any colour this day. So,I tied on this colour intruder, tied at home the night before. Second swing "Voila, a tug and a great battle from a Steelhead of about 4 lbs...Small for this River. "There has to be a larger fish in this run" mumbleing to myself. I was useing the Tamar,12'6" Small Spey Rod,,,great little tool..matched with an Elixir line tipped with a 14' fast sink poly tip. A quick cast upstream about 1:oclock and letting out plenty of line for a long Swing...the cast was only short about 60', the main current was taking the belly too fast so I began to straighten out the line but it pulled back....a Steelhead about 15lbs and Dime Bright let off a run that took me into the backing before I could grab the reel and adjust the drag...after a magnificant battle and great displeasure at being disturbed ,the fish came to me much too easily,I was thinking Hollywood and this fish was thinking F...U...He came into a quiet area with water about a foot deep...he took One Look at this alien and bolted ,leaving me with a camera in hand,1/2 smoked soaking wet cigar stuck in my lips and a grin on my face.Great to be alive... teh next 2 miles was perfect conditions but Notta. Another often overlooked slot produced another fish about the same size but this time ,on the Same Fly,he came not so close and in faster water decided to haed back to the Ocean with the fly and leader attached... Smiled all the way home,even though I had to sit in a SNow Storm and wait for a bus that had slid off the road and restricted traffic totally from both directions. What the heck was a bus doing out here anyway?? loaded with a girls class of future biologists visiting some remote Marine Biology Station in the Middle of Nowhere. The bus finally managed to be slid into a moveable position and for me, now a 60 km trip home in a blizzard,warm as toast,happy as a clam.

Funny...Jock said it was yours?

Maybe we can have Rick do it again,..... The people in Southern Ontario put together a great CD of the Spey Gathering on the Grand River in November of 2007. Many people went out of their way to get this thing done and I have to say it was a well feed and happy bunch. There were 47 participants that left with something they didn't arrive with...new friends,a bit of a belly and a broader understanding of Fly Fishers. If Gordon can't make it we should see if we can't have his stool on hand or at least an enlarged poster of it,to respect his being away!! C

Tying intruders is almost as addictive as Steelhead fly fishing...Less is more indeed,,,,however,the use of Rhea feather is nice but not necessary. Ostrich,Peacock,Heron and even some of the synthetics co-produce awesome intruder patterns. One of my favorite Flashabou materials for this is the Glow in the Dark Flashabou,(Pink,Green,Pearl,and Blue)the strands are very natural looking and are durable as heck. Peacock Herl is another strand that lays extremely well ,natural to boot. Useing synthetic materials is an advantage when tying intruders ,such as Ice Chenille,Tri-Lobal and other wrapping fibres, simply because they can add size very well to the fly but don't absorb much water like natural materials do...thus making the fly much easier to cast and work. We have done a lot of underwater filming of different Intruder patterns in motion and if lucky can finish this winter before late April. The hooks used for the trailers add a significant factor to the fly in being not only a rudder but can add "Weight in the water" to the fly. Nice tie Brent

All Scots use that when they want to cool down..supportive therapy...you know...But when it's very cold or wet the forward portion of that is useless. C

Well Sirocco, I'm hopeing Colin would agree with this, apparently you are a newbie skilled fly tyer. I am willing to send you a new Snowbee XSD 780 cassett reel system in exchange for flies tied by you for this area. We can send you the patterns and the materials needed...and forgive me if I am stepping on anybodys toes.. Courtney

Somewhat ,and that would be a lot of fun!

Useing different casts to bring the heavy line to the surface is whats needed to perform other casts that require an anchor of some sort. Normally a Roll cast,Snap T or Snap Z does the deed very well. Once you get used to watching the fly land you more often than not get into a position to manipulate the direction of the final stroke...180 degrees forward of your loop formation. The key to successful casting is not to panic but understand what you are doing and feeling the moment. Your description of your style is correct(headscan),in doing a combination cast such as that, you are truely useing that tool(rod) to it's potential. Like a pole Vault athlete,applying the his weight to torque the pole(rod),loading it efficiently and off he goes. Once you begin to get the timing and undersatnding of what you are doing, simple strokes like the Torque Twist enter into the picture very often ,making the casts develope more efficiently and your physical output lessen. C