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Spey FAQ

Switch Rod Casting Techniques Series

We made this video primarily to address many of the questions:  

  • What is a switch rod?
  • Why would I need a switch rod?
  • What is the optimum reel, line, and leader setup for a switch rod?

The video includes switch rod essentials, application, and instructional footage which may be applied in most fly fishing tactics using single-handed, or two-handed rod casting techniques.

Swinging Flies with a Switch Rod

Preview

Why Switch Rod?

Switch rods are gaining in popularity for their versatility and performance.  They are for the fly fisherman who wants to cast with one or two hands whether it’s nymphing for trout, launching a shooting head to the other bank, or even trying to avoid the willows behind you with a Snake Roll Spey cast.

If you want to expand your casting technique and you want the ultimate line control, mending, and presentation, Switch Rods do it all.

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Series Instructional Video Library List
Splash
Splash
Switch Rod Intro
Switch Rod Intro
Rod & Reels
Rod & Reels
Fly Lines
Fly Lines
Switch Rod Leaders
Switch Rod Leaders
Rod Grip
Rod Grip
Anchor Point & D-Loop
Anchor Point & D-Loop
Roll Cast
Roll Cast
Double Spey
Double Spey
Snap-t Cast Part 1
Snap-t Cast Part 1
Snap-t Cast Part 2
Snap-t Cast Part 2
Snap-t Cast Part 3
Snap-t Cast Part 3
Drifting w Indicators
Drifting w Indicators
Snake Roll Cast
Snake Roll Cast
Snake Roll Pnotes
Snake Roll Pnotes
Nymphing
Nymphing
Swinging Part 1
Swinging Part 1
Swinging the Fly Part 1
Swinging the Fly Part 1
Swinging the Fly Part 2
Swinging the Fly Part 2
Shoreline Surf
Shoreline Surf
Tributary Mouth Presentation
Tributary Mouth Presentation
Shoreline Surf & Estuary
Shoreline Surf & Estuary
Estuary
Estuary
Surf and Estuary Casting
Surf and Estuary Casting
Surf and Safety
Surf and Safety
Series Library

Series Runtime
95 Mins

Switch Rod Features

  • A rod that is light enough for single-handed and two-handed casting all day.
  • Additional length of a switch rod amplifies movement, allowing the caster to use less effort and energy in overhead casting.
  • Designed for distance casting.
  • Increased control during the presentation making mending simple.
  • Longer length allows for better hook setting by lifting more line of the water quicker.
  • By using two hands to cast, fatigue is decreased.
  • Good for deep wading conditions.
  • Perfect for Spey casting techniques which will eliminate false casting, keeping the fly in the water longer and eliminates the need for back-casting room.

Jeff is a full-time Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Single-Handed and Two-Handed Casting Instructor, one of the most sought after instructors on the West Coast! Jeff has released an online video series which introduces casting taught from a truly instructional perspective. You will observe the same curriculum as in his on-river private lessons.

Our streaming portal differs from YouTube, with inappropriate advertising and many conflicting fly instructional presentations, but provides you with an interactive format where you can review media that is consistent presented by a certified instructor and consultant with major rod manufacturers in the industry.

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Spey FAQ

  • 1.) What is Spey? Spey refers to a casting style in which the water’s surface tension is used to load the rod.
  • Where did Spey come from? The River Spey in Scotland is where Spey casting originated from in the late 1800’s. High, steep banks made single handed overhead casting impossible.
  • 3.) What is the dfference between single & two-handed Spey fly fishing? The primary difference between Spey casting and overhead casting is that Spey casting utilizes the water’s surface to load the rod rather than the weight of fly line in the air behind the caster.
  • 4. Why Spey? How to Use Online Reviews to Boost Your Business. . Spey casting not only allows for limited or no back casting room, it’s a much faster way to change directions when casting, generates less fatigue, more control during the presentation, allows for more presentation time while covering water faster and doesn’t require deep wading positions. Two handed rods are longer than single handed rods making Spey casting easier, especially at longer distances and deeper wading positions.
  • 5.) What are the differences between a Spey rod, switch rod, two-handed trout rod and Euro nymphing rod. Spey rods (generally longer than switch rods) are best used during “swinging” presentations. During this presentation the fish grabs the fly and hook themselves. Spey rods are not designed for removing slack in the fly line when setting the hook. Switch rods are used for swinging presentations, dead drifting presentations and overhead casting techniques. Two handed trout rods are lighter sized Spey rods generally 2 to 5 weights. Euro Nymphing rods are single handed fly rods that are used to present a sinking fly under direct contact to the angler’s rod without any slack.
  • 6.) What Rod Size for What Fish? Spey rods weights are matched to fish size. 2-5 weights are designed for trout, 6-7 weights are for steelhead fishing and 8 - 9 weights are for large steelhead and salmon.
  • 7.) What's the Most Important Cast Setup for a Spey Cast? Spey casting features two different casts including sustained anchors as in a Snap-t or Double Spey and touch and go casts like the Single Spey or Snake Roll. Sustained anchor casts are better when there’s absolutely no back casting room. Touch and go casts are used when there’s some room behind the caster.
  • 8.)What are the Key Line and Leader Setups for Spey? Spey lines are balanced to the rod and are measured by their physical grain weight and length. The most common designs have three sections including a running or shooting line, the head and a tip. A leader is then attached to the tip section. This allows for quick changing of various heads and tips. Skagit heads are designed to deliver larger, heavier flies. Scandi heads are used for medium to smaller flies.
  • 9.) What Are the Spey Fly Casting Casting Presentation? Spey fishing presentations are limited to swinging flies. A stripping presentation can also be used during the swing. Overhead casting presentations can be swinging, dead drifting and stripping.
  • 10.) What is Mending ,and How Important is it? Mending line is a technique that can alter the speed of the fly during the presentation by changing the angle and or location of the fly line on the water. Longer rods make the technique easier to execute.
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Switch Rod Casting Techniques Series

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