[Grampa Spey]

Well, here we go again.

In the new Kali Fly Fisher, October 2002, Rio is advertising on page 3 (actually the first page past the inside cover, the whole page) their Spey lines.

It looks like they may be dropping their Accelerator line as it is not mentioned. The Windcutter, Midspey, and Grand Spey are advertised as their 3 Spey lines.

There is nothing on their website at this time.

Does anyone know about this new line?

Dana, it appears that we need a section just on Spey Lines.

 

[Willie Gunn]

Look in the Tackle Section

Hi Grampa,
If you look in the tackle section under New 2 tone line from Rio or something similar there is a bit about the Grand Spey. Annoyingly I bought a Accelerator Multitip this season so I shouldn't be needing anything for a season or two.

Malcolm

 

[Grampa Spey]

Malcolm aka Willie Gunn

You must have a different catalog on the internet over there. We have no tackle section here on their web site.

I can't find anything on the Rio site re their new Grand Spey, here.

Like you I have a new Accelerator with the interchangeable tips, their 9/10 for my Sage 10151. However, I have used it several trips to learn how for our fall salmon run.

If you can copy the specific url for the Grand Spey, please copy it and post it on a reply.

Thanks
Dave

 

[Willie Gunn]

Sorry I meant here.
Spey Clave > Tackle > New two tone line from RIO.

Does this make sense now.

Malcolm

 

[Grampa Spey]

Willie Gunn re the new Rio Grand Spey

Thanks for the followup.

I found the discussion here as per your last reply!

 

[RLN]

fished a 10/11 grandspey one day this past weekend and the more I cast it , the nicer the line works. Started the weekend out with a 10/11 accelerator and changed to the grandspey. I do know if I will go back . The grandspey worked well even in windy conditions. I used a 9/10 on a 10151-4 sage.

 

[juro]

I recently obtained the 10/11 Grandspey and I was totally impressed. I found it easy to cast the whole taper without feeling like I was working out. The energy transfer through the taper was really remarkable especially over such a long line. This line "wants" to cast. I could occasionally shoot line behind the head, so I would imagine an expert caster would have no problem doing so consistently. Shortening up was no problem, nice tight loops. The color change was a great device for knowing where you are with the back taper, no need for markers. I am anxious to pick up some of the lighter grains for my summer and fall rods. I haven't yet spent as much time as I'd like with it (rivers too boney for 10/11 wt right now!) but what I see so far I really like.

.02

 

[flytyer]

Juro and RLN,

I have spent about 25 hours fishing with the 10/11 Grand Spey, I love the line! Like you found Juro, it casts well both short (about 50 feet) and long (well over 100 feet with shooting some running line. It was a very easy line to learn the casting dynamics of and throws wonderful single and double speys. Also, it probably is not a good choice for rods shorter than 15 feet because of the length of the belly.

This line is so nice and has such dynamic turn-over, that I have been tempted to use it on smaller rivers like the upper Sky eventhough I know that a 10/11 is overkill on a river that is only 70 tp 90 feet across.

Be forwarned though that is requires a very large capacity reel to hold all of it and 100 or more yards of 30 pound dacron.

Simon, thanks for this line.

You and the Way/Choate team have done with this line and their XLT what Faulkus spoke about in the 80's about the need for line manufacturers to produce speciality lines specifically for spey casting. Jim Vincent lead the way with his Accelerator and Windcutter, then other line manufacuters joined in. Then you, Simon, added the Mid Spey, followed by the lines Dec helped design. Now you with your Grand Spey, and Way/Choate (SA) with the XLT have raised the bar once more. We are fortunate indeed too be the beneficariies of such largess.

 

[Speybro]

Thanks for the kind words on the GrandSpey. It is a relief when a line you design works! Mind you, it took 13 prototypes before I was happy with the line - the one at the Spey Clave in May was only prototype number 3 - for those that tried it!

For those that want to know when it will be available, the floating versions are now manufactured and will be in shops as soon as the dealers order them. The interchangeable tip version will be a couple more weeks. The wait should be worthwhile, though, as you should see our new loops!!!

Simon G.

 

[Speybro]

FlyTyer

By the way, I meant to add on my last email that Jim designed the MidSpey. I had nothing to do with the design of that, just tried it and fell in love with it!

Credit, where credit's due!

 

[flytyer]

Simon,

Thanks for letting us know that Jim was the designer of the MidSpey. It is my favorite line for rods shorter than 15 feet. Give Jim my thanks for it and for lending an ear when I've caught him at a fishing show. He is a true gentleman, as are you.

In my opinion, Jim led the way with modern spey line development and design. And as such all of us who cast the 2-handers owe him a debt of gratitude. (Yes, I know Jim feels he is just providing well-designed lines for those who like to fly fish as much as he does.)

Anyway, Thanks to both you and Jim for the innovative lines that his company has produced for the fly fishing fraternity.

 

[SpeyFitter]

Juro/Fly Tyer, sent you guys both PM's, but I guess not everyone checks their PM's all the time, as I don't really and am guilty of, I prefer to email.

Of those who have tried the 10/11 Grand Spey, which rods did it work well with? Which rods did it overload if you tried any that might?

 

[juro]

The very best way to answer this question is to point you to the advice of the master himself...

I will post the 2003 rod/line recommendations shortly - from Simon himself!

 

[pmflyfisher]

Is this by specific manufacturer rod models etc ?

Very needed for us spey newbies.

Thanks

Hal

 

[sean]

Hal surprised you have not seen this:

http://www.rioproducts.com/pages/2002_pages/speylinespecs.html


Looking forward to seeing the 2003 ones....

-sean

 

[pmflyfisher]

Sean,

Thanks, yes I saw those a while back but how do I determine which one is right for my rod the St Croix 13" 7/8 weight ? Thats what I am looking for. Think I need the dredger multi tip set up for our fishing out here.

Will wait for Juro to post the 2003 specs.

Does this have to be rocket science this spey stuff ?

Hal

 

[pmflyfisher]

Yes thats what I am afraid of over lining it.

How did you know I am designing some new colored wire bodied spey type flies ? Found some great new colored wire to apply in great steelhead colors.

PM me for more information

BTW, stopped at the local fly shop this afternoon, reports are the all rivers are still low and to clear, runs are behind schedule except for the wild runs up north LP.

Hal

 

[juro]

will be up soon, day job is killing me today

 

[sean]

Not understanding Hal. Scroll to the bottom and it gives you all the reccomended RIO lines for your rod.

As for what line to choose (Accelerator,Midspey,Windcutter) that is up to your casting style. They all will work on your rod in the right wt. The difference between them is the length of the belly and if you prefer a longer or shorter bellied line.

I am just starting out but for lines I am gravitating towards the length of the Midspey. Seems about right for me for short casts and longer ones when needed.



-sean

 

[juro]

Here it is... it will be up on the expertise pages soon...

http://flyfishingforum.com/expertise/simon_gawesworth/Page.htm