One of the things I personally have enjoyed almost more than anything else in fishing over the past few years has been learning to Spey cast. The different motions, the cool gear, and being a complete beginner once again were all pretty significant draws. And it might be elitist of me, but it’s pretty neat to do something that not everyone else knows how to do or does.
Spey casting and rods are generally associated with Steelhead. The steelhead crowd would like to keep it that way, but more and more people are finding them useful for so many other things. They are damn near perfect for throwing streamers for trout, and there is a growing movement in these parts to do so. The industry is catching on (see Winston’s MicroSpey rods, or HeadHunters free Spey clinics?), and I foresee that it will continue to grow in the coming years.
The flies are different, the techniques are different, the style is different… It’s a whole new world. Even walking down the riverbank with a Spey rod is different than with a single hander. Last time I was on the Missouri was one of friend Steve’s first days with his Spey, and it was interesting to watch things click into place with his casting. It just takes time is all.
The more I fish the Spey in Montana, the more I like it. You’ll be seeing a lot more two-hand goodness on this blog in the future.
