pkk

it seems to me that is really irrelevant whether a skagit style is a true spey cast or not (lets not bang our heads on that one). i am somewhat confused in your description; speed of delivery. and the speed of the cast that is forgiving ( are you referring to the skagit style)? in an earlier post you also mention full sinking lines, anyone use those?

beg to differ islandguy. cackhanded doesnt mask or adapt to bad habits. i beleive because of the restricted movement in the cackhand there is less room for error and you are somewhat forced into the right position.its a nice compact stroke. yes longer rods,longer bellies therefore a longer stroke, which is great if you are in a distance casting competition but rarely needed for actual fishing. I prefer a much more compact casting style (rarely catch steelhead beyond that 70')

cackhanded, same same as Brian said.

headscan, yes a shorter belly helps with tight quarters as does a shorter rod. Yet a shorter stiffer rod is much tougher to cast. your timing has to be much better ( less room for error). a 13' with a short belly would be best for a newbie.

where is spey beach?