The Okanogan River is still closed, warm and low, but that didn't stop Gary, Scott and myself from going and getting some practice in with our long rods.
Scott has a new Orvis Helios 2 Switch Rod #7 that he has not hadn't the chance to try out.
He did real good with it for just learning how from watching videos, and tiring to get over the single hand motions. Use the left hand as your power and keep your right hand tucked to your body. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, you'll get the hang of it.
Gary has his dinosaur 14' 9 weight that is as heavy as a ancient oak tree, still tapping the furrels together, but he love it. His first Spey baby. throwing heavy 610gr. shooting heads.
I on the other hand I brought three rods to dial in, Yes I am a gear guy and love it.
The newest is a Echo Dec H 8136-4 the heaviest of of my Speys set up with 550gr short Skagit shooting head just to shoot my MOW tips. and chase larger Salmon, Chums (big dogs) or Chinooks.
Then I have my Good old Redington RS4 7133-4 this was one of either my 3rd or 4th Spey I read the reviews found a shop that had one, I put my reel on it went out, tried it, fell in love with it after dialing it in for me with 425gr short Skagit or 410gr Scandi for summer run Steelhead to me this is a GREAT rod. I have landed more Steelhead on this rod then any other and an uncountable number of Steelie on both the Methow and the Okanogan rivers. It's light mildly fast to recover and I can throw lotsa line all day and not be worn out.
Then I have an RL Winston Boron III 133-4 so lite so fast so accurate it's insane i just need to learn to slow down more to get it to preform right. it has taken me to a different level of Spey. Slower, EZer, more relaxed this is my rod of choice just to skate flies long Scandi line with long leaders. To see and feel of the take is awesome the control is unbelievable. even with 90-150 feet of line out the sensitivity is unmatched. It never came out of the tube yesterday Pretty much have it dialed the way I want it.
Working as a guide, and then in the Fly Shop for the two years I had the opportunity to try many different Spey rods, Beulah, Loop, Echo, Bob Meiser, Gary Anderson, Scott and a few other. there are so many great Spey rods out there at so many different price points. it make it hard at time to find the right one.
My suggestion if you want to get into the Spey or Switch game. Either find a Good Shop that rents rods or has a loaner program, or a friend that has his rod dialed in for himself. Then watch him cast for a hour or so try to figure out his movements and mimic them. Still the best way is hire a Guide or Certified Casting Instructor. They usually have lots of different lines of different weights to dial you in.
Then go to a shop play with different rods see what feel rite for you, look in the mid priced range Not the cheapest, you'll out grow it soon, and not the most expensive it will take way to long to dial it in and most of don't have the patience. Also get a good reel spend some money on a reel that feels right on the rod it has to have line capacity at least 150-225yds. of running or shooting ( I like Mirage, It's bright red strong and comes out of the water without a bunch of drag, it's on all my Spey reels I have 250yards line, Remember that Spey shooting heads are fat in diameter and take up space.
My all time favorite Spey rod was stolen out of my truck on the Methow, Sage One 7136-4 I just hope that the Crackhead DOed and the person that bought it from him knowing that the Crackhead stole it and sold so cheep fell and broke it and his/her wrist on the to the water.
My thoughts for closing:
Fish often, Be patience, Take a kid or friend, Enjoy your surroundings, Life is full of adventure outside.
Now I think I'm headed to Green Lake
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