Desperately trying to break into the spey world, but money is a little tight for another $500 rod.
With that in mind, I am building a Forecast 13' 8/9#. As I said, I choose this blank out of financial necessity and also from the input you guys have generously offered here.
For the time being, it will be my only spey rod and will have to pull double-duty for both winter steelhead on the likes of the Sandy and N. Umpqua and summer outings on the Deschutes.
However, my primary goal is to learn to spey cast!
I am currently faced with the overwhelming choices involving lines and reels.
I am leaning towards what seems like the generic choice of line: 7/8/9 RIO Windcutter VersiTip, but my limited spey knowledge is really just the opinion of the local flyshop. And, I am afraid that is not all that great.
I also need a reel, but am having trouble buying one that costs way more than the rod (even though that is pretty easy to do these days.)
Any suggestions on a reel and line would be greatly appreciated, and/or any suggestions on good spey instructors in the Pacific NW.
Thanks a lot!
With that in mind, I am building a Forecast 13' 8/9#. As I said, I choose this blank out of financial necessity and also from the input you guys have generously offered here.
For the time being, it will be my only spey rod and will have to pull double-duty for both winter steelhead on the likes of the Sandy and N. Umpqua and summer outings on the Deschutes.
However, my primary goal is to learn to spey cast!
I am currently faced with the overwhelming choices involving lines and reels.
I am leaning towards what seems like the generic choice of line: 7/8/9 RIO Windcutter VersiTip, but my limited spey knowledge is really just the opinion of the local flyshop. And, I am afraid that is not all that great.
I also need a reel, but am having trouble buying one that costs way more than the rod (even though that is pretty easy to do these days.)
Any suggestions on a reel and line would be greatly appreciated, and/or any suggestions on good spey instructors in the Pacific NW.
Thanks a lot!