toolman

The curved bait hook is at the root of the problem and using smaller hook sizes, say #6/#8 or even smaller will help. Also, offsetting the hook point so that it is not parallel with the shank will also reduce the number of these injuries/mortalities. "I reserve the right to mock or be mocked-without prejuice..."...That's funny...

I use the folded loop method for the front end of floating lines, as Headscan has described. I use braided loops for the back end of shooting heads and on both ends of some of my custom cut sink tips. I'm going to start welding loops on all of my lines this year. Just getting the equipment neccessary to be able to weld custom loops on all fly lines, shooting heads, running lines and floating/sinking tips. Another expensive flyfishing indulgence? Of course... But it's so much fun!

I certainly understand what you are saying, but I did not buy these high end reels specifically for my Bow fishing. However, since I have them, why not use and enjoy them for all of my fishing. There are other benefits besides a smooth drag system.

Still spewing garbage eh Brent... Feel better?

Large lures with 3 large treble hooks attached, can sometimes severely damage small fish and increases in mortality have been noted in the past. In my opinion, it's about the damage/ increase in mortality to the fish, not the fishing methods, Fly vs Spin etc.. Same for large Wire wrapped SJW's tied on curved bait hooks. Lots of problems with the hooks penetrating up through the roof of the mouth, sometimes out through the eye socket, causing damage/high mortality rates in smaller fish. Regs need to be designed to protect the fish and our fishery. If the gear/method used is causing significant damage or significantly higher mortality rates, then we need to address the problem through education and regulations.

Personally, I never use the "drop test" to gauge a reels effectiveness or performance. If I dropped one of my $1,200 Loop Spey rods on the rocks, it would probably break as well. That said, the Loop Classic would likely perform better in the "drop test", than the Opti series. Performance wise, they are both my favorites.

I owned that exact set up, with those same lines and they performed very well, as you have experienced. I also use to own the DC 8130 with matching compact skagit head and AF Delta multi tip, which also worked equally well. These days I have been really enjoying Underhand casting with the faster European Spey rods and Scandinavian shooting heads.

I have been using Loop Opti Megaloop and Loop Classic reels with my trout Spey rods and I am able to use 4x-5x tippets without getting snapped off. The high end drag system really helps protect finer tippets. I have even used 4x tippets on my 8wt. Spey rods, which would be sort of equivalent to an 11wt. single hander These reels have been excellent, for all of my fishing needs. They look pretty cool too. http://www.looptackle.com/website1/1.0.1.0/411/1/index.php

Totally agree.

I've casted two of the Opti Spey rods and two of the Opti Single handers and they all were incredible sticks. I love my Opti 8124 and I'm considering picking up the 7116 as well. One of the best rod series I have ever casted and as nice as my two Loop Goran Andersen series Spey rods. I really like my Opti MegaLoop reel as well.

Try doing a search using the sites search function. There are lots of posts on this topic, with folks giving their recommendations. Edit: I tried the search function for guides and it did not come up with much, although there have been previous posts on the topic. So I guess that's of no assistance.

I wish I had remembered to bring my dry box with my Trico's today...I still got a couple of +20" Bows, High Sticking the worm along the bank... But I felt guilty afterwards... ... It was Trico's or go home where Bhurt and I were fishing. We stayed anyway and swung Skid Bitches, Streamers, Stoneflys on Tips, etc. but they would look at none of it...Still a nice day on the water...

Swinging a big juicy weighted rubber legged Stonefly. I had about a 100' of line out when he hit. Then I made him swim all the way back up too me and Doc for the pic... In some parts of Europe... that would be a Trophy Fish...

Yeah that was some kind of Champion fighting Whitie...In fact, you can see smoke coming off the reel in that first photo... Great pics SilverDoctor, thanks for posting them.

Tough day in the trenches again Taco? Come on... details...we need details...gps co-ordinates would work too. ps. Pictures?

Thanks to everyone who showed up for this weeks Friday Night Spey Party...As usual, it was a lot of fun casting a bunch of new rod/line set ups and talking Spey for a few hours. Specail thanks to FrenchCreek for bringing his collection of CND Spey rods for everyone to try. Sweet sticks Peter... In attendance this evening...(L-R) FrenchCreek.. Bhurt.. Wetduck.. Headscan.. Cheeler.. Max.. SilverDoctor.. Headscan launching the bomb, as Bhurt looks on and checks out the rod/line combo... SilverDoctor playing with a Loop Opti 8124 and Vision Ace 8/9 Scandi Head...a perfect match. Till next time...Keep both hands on the rod.

With proper instruction, it's not that difficult to learn a few standard spey casts and go fishing. But, like anything else, it takes a lot of instruction and years of practise to master all 3 casting styles... PNW Skagit Casting , Scandinavian Underhand Casting and Scotish Ghillie Style using Long belly lines. I think I'll line up a 15' 10wt. with a long belly line for tommorow night as well. I have a new Vision Spey Ace 75' head, that Gordon brought over from Scotland for me, that I've yet to try. ps. Good luck at Whitetail, Dave.

That's great Max...should be a good turn out. I'll bring my Loop Opti 8124 (my favorite lately) and a couple of others.

We'll be hitting the Bow this Friday evening once again, to play with the Spey toys and work on the casting skillz. Everyone is welcome to join us. We'll be on river left (east side), across from the Fish Creek Boat Launch, starting around 6:00pm. These informal Spey gatherings are a lot of fun and I hope to see the usual crowd, as well some of the new Spey casters too. Greg

So I'm rigged up...waders on...I've got two of my Loop Spey rods strung up and leaning along the side of my suv... I just need to close the back hatch...slam...Oh Crap... ... The first section of my 7116 Blueline is pinched in the top corner of the hatch door....:$*%&: ... I get it out and it seems ok ...It casts ok for the 10 minutes I use it... Next evening... third cast.... SNAP!... The 12" broken tip section of my favorite dry rod...slides down the line... and into the water...

Really nice water....Thanks!

Excellent report Clive. The SW Alberta Streamwatch program is certainly being run by the best. Exceptional dedication and commitment from all involved. What a huge success this project has been. Congratulations to everyone.

Great stories Don. I'm sure that old Brown was'nt going to be fooled after that inspection. She probably recognized you from a previous encounter....

Here's my take on it... Hook size divided by 4 = correct tippet size. Yes, there are many situations where this can vary a size up or down, depending on the fishing technique/presentation/conditions, but this is the general guideline that I use. Examples... #20 hook / 4 = 5x tippet #16 hook / 4 = 4x tippet #12 hook / 4 = 3x tippet # 8 hook / 4 = 2x tippet # 4 hook / 4 = 1x tippet It is important that the tippet size matches the fly size, as a tippet that is too heavy can overpower the fly and make it more difficult to maintain a drag free, natural drift. Using a tippet that is too light will not cast as well, as the mass of the fly will over power the tippet. Don't worry about your tippets visibility and focus on your flys presentation, as the trout certainly will. When water conditions are very clear and flows are slower, trout have a longer period of time to inspect your flys swim. If it looks good, the trout will take it, even if there is a 14' super fast sink tip, only a foot away from a #18 Waterboatman pattern. So, it's all about your presentation and not so much about tippet visibility, in my opinion. When using multiple fly rigs, it becomes even more important to maintain balance in the line/leader/tippet system, especailly if casting longer distances, on windy days etc. The tippet/fly size is best arranged in a descending order from largest fly, too the smallest fly as the point fly. (Again, there are exceptions for some methods) I often use very light, fine diameter Flurocarbon leader/tippets on my trout Spey rods, even as small as 5x. A reel with a high performance drag system for fast, smooth start ups will help, as well as knowing how far you can go before your tippet or knot breaks. It's a delicate game of give and take when you play with fine tippets, small flys and Bow river trout. Also, I would pay close attention to your knots. The finer the tippets become, the more important the knots become. Lastly, I always use the highest quality tippet material...because the next trout, could be the trout of your lifetime. Hope this is helpfull...good luck!

Hey Scott, bring your trout spey and we'll hook up on the 26th if your interested. Drop me a pm and we can plan the details.