[Cascade]

I need some help please !
I spend about an hour or so each day practicing (my spey casting), when I cant get fishing.
I use a 15`Bruce and Walker (Norway Speycaster) rod, rated 10-11. I have been using the Airflo Delta Spey line rated 9-10. At this stage I can`t get any more than about 120` of a cast, and want some advice as to what I need to change, to get more distance.
I am hoping to try an Airflo line rated 10-11 tomorrow, and I suppose that should help, but beyond that, or a longer rod, I don`t know what else to do.
All advise would be most welcome.
Sincere thanks in anticipation.
Peter.

 

[t_richerzhagen]

120 feet - wow

Cascade - If you are getting 120' of relatively straight line out to the fly, you are doing great. I don't know of many places where more than that is required for fishing.

 

[highlander2]

Cascade

I think Ted is right, if your casting around 120' and casting a straight line then thats pretty good. You may try one of the longer heads with a thinner running line if you really want to crank it, but if you want to cast for distance consistantly then practice is the only thing that will get you there.

Brian

 

[Cascade]

Ted/Brian, thank you both for your kind replies.
I understand what you are saying, as when I am fishing there are not many occasions when you need an extended cast to cover the water.
However, since I have started to practice daily (Spey, Snap-t, Snake Roll, and Zoro), distance (as well as technique and presentation) has become an objective.
I am not a tackle expert by any means, and just practice with the same rod and line as I use to fish.
I was just wondering if there was a way to increase distance by using different tackle, i.e. longer rod, different lines ?
Alternatively, should I expect to be able to cast, say 150` in time to come, using just the same tackle as I use at present ?
Are there restrictions to the tackle, or just restrictions to ability ?
I need a goal, and I don`t know the answers.
Peter.

 

[Gardener]

I'm no expert

But I spent an hour watching some REAL experts at the Game Fair yesterday afternoon. If you're really into the distance game, get yourself a line with a really long belly. The finalists in the Musto comp. at the Game Fair were all using lines (Carron, XLT and Partridge) with 90-100' heads. I think that even the Delta Spey Traditional, which is Airflo's longest belly, has only(!) 84'. Although you do hear stories of prodigious casts from the Scandinavian exponents who favour short heads, long belly lines do consistently win competitions. In a real fishing situation I also think you would find them more pleasant, as you have so much less running line to control. A longer rod will also help your distance greatly - again, all the Musto finalists were using rods near the 18' upper limit allowed in the competition rules.

I agree with the others that 120' with a 15' rod is good going. It's interesting to think that a few years ago that would probably have won the Game Fair speycasting competition. Now 150' doesn't even get you into the final!

 

[Cascade]

Thank you for the feedback !

Gardener,
thanks for your reply, and information. I had hoped to visit the Game Fair yesterday, but family commitments prevented me doing so.
I understand the winner, Scott Mc Kenzie, set a new record in the final with a cast of 177`, a cast of enormous proportions by any standard. I am sure heartiest congratulations are in order.
I am certainly willing to upgrade to a longer rod, and a longer bellied line, but not being an expert, I am hoping to get some specific advise here as to what I should be trying, or aiming towards.
I just feel that the gear I have has limited potential, and would like to be equiped with an outfit that has the capacity to perform, as I improve.
Tried the Airflo Delta Spey 10-11 line today on my 15` rod, and I will be sticking with the 9-10, casts much better for me.
All advise gratefully received.
Peter.

 

[juro]

Longer thinner grainier line (head), longer stroke (therefore longer rod), longer acceleration (therefore longer stroke), high/hard stop, body tilt (stroke) = longer cast, up to the point of diminishing returns, influenced by physical size and strength and completely dependent upon good technique.

If you can I would find someone who is able to cast to your desired distance (although 120ft sounds great to me! :tongue: ). Ask him/her to try your setup and if they are able to reach your desired distance maybe it's not necessary to buy more equipment just yet.

That being said, I can cast much further with the Thompson Specialist (16'7" 10/11/12) and a line with a 100ft head portion (e.g. speydriver) than I can with a 12ft 5/6wt with a short head line for obvious reasons and equipment definitely makes a difference.

 

[Cascade]

Juro,
thank you for the sound advise, greatly appreciated, and taken on board.
Is it fair to say, that what I need to do is to perhaps try out various equipment until I find something that works for me?
I had been hoping that someone could recommend an outfit that was regarded as being near to the top in performance, that I could get. Then at least I`d know that it was purely down to my own ability, and that there was no tackle restrictions.
As gardener posted earlier, maybe an 18` rod, and a good long bellied line?
Any line suggestions?
Sorry for all the questions, but up to recently I have just been a passionate angler, now I got the Spey bug !
Peter.

 

[t_richerzhagen]

For Fishing

I would not want to go much beyong the CND Thompson Specialist (16' 7"). That with an XLT and good technique will get you your 150' and it is still fishable. I am 6' 2" and about 220#, but I wouldn't want much more rod and line than that. It is true that you can build into it.

 

[Cascade]

Thanks Ted, much appreciated !
I am heading off today to search out something suitable.
I am considering the B&W 18`, and I will try the XLT that you suggest.
Incidently, I`ve just noticed a post by Willie Gunn (Musto Final) that reports Scott Mc Kenzie casting a massive 59 yards with this particular outfit, so I guess tackle restrictions can never be blamed again.
Thanks for all the help.
Peter.

 

[Cascade]

Reporting back !

Well, took 2 days off work, and went in search of some new kit.
Finally settled on the B&W 17`11" Norway Speycaster rod, and the recommended XLT line ( thanks Ted). I think the belly lenght is 105`of the total 140` line lenght. It takes quite some picking up, but it really flies when everything comes together.
This man is content, and having fun !
Cascade.