Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Skagit Spey Casting


Here is a nice video showing Skagit style Spey casting. Skagit Spey is one of the three predominant style in Spey casting. The other two being traditional mid-long belly Spey and Scandinavian Spey. Skagit and Scandinavian (Scandi) Spey casting are also sometimes referred to as shooting Spey because of the  use of short shooting head (20ft - 35ft) and thin running line to achieve distance. Because of the shorter head, the D-loop of these two styles are by design smaller than traditional Spey and therefor require less back cast room to execute.

While traditional Spey and Scandi Spey predominantly make use of touch-n-go or kiss-n-go anchoring, Skagit Spey make use of sustain anchor almost exclusively. As the name implies, touch-n-go anchor is set as the leader/fly momentarily touches the water. As for sustain anchor, sink-tip/leader/fly is allowed to sit on or sink into the water column long enough to provide a good grip for the anchor.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Competition Spey Casting



Click this link to the video >> http://vimeo.com/40955484

Watch the masters at work and be inspired. This video shows some of the very best Spey casters in the world pitting their skill in Spey-O-Rama 2012. Watch how Gerard Downey, James Chalmers and Ruairi Costello from team Carron cast to hit 177ft. Take note of their highly energized D-loop, wide casting arc and pointy V-loops penetrating the distance.

Gerard Downey preparing for the forward cast.
Note 1) both arms raised with top arm fully extended. 
Note 2) Rod tilted far back beyond 45 degree for a wide casting arc


Gerard Downey launching the forward cast.
Note 1) Top arm remain fully extended as the rod is chopped forward
Note 2) Bottom arm powers the rod by pulling towards the stomach
Note 3) Firm stop at 45 degree to allow rod to unload