Just trying to get started in Spey casting. To that end I have picked up a used 14' St Croix 2 hander. What line and reel combination would you recommend? I would like to stay with a good floating line initially (9/10/11wt?) to give my self every opportunity to learn how to cast but perhaps a multi tip line makes better economical sense?? I know the sky is the limit when it comes to reels but my pockets are not. I have heard good things about Tioga being a good entry level reel for the money. Any comments greatly appreciated. I will be practising on Alberta water until such time that it makes sense to try some real water in BC. Thanks.
Spey Reel
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14' St Croix, line and reel combo
Wtforward, I really liked the 9/10/11 Windcutter on my 14' St Croix. I like the 9/10 Delta Spey a tiny bit better than the WC but not much. As for tips the poly sinking leaders work very well IMHO.
I also think you will find the #12 Tioga to be a great spey reel. Tough as nails and a no BS warranty.
Wtforward, I really liked the 9/10/11 Windcutter on my 14' St Croix. I like the 9/10 Delta Spey a tiny bit better than the WC but not much. As for tips the poly sinking leaders work very well IMHO.
I also think you will find the #12 Tioga to be a great spey reel. Tough as nails and a no BS warranty.
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11,025 Posts
First, I'm blank in the brain on what line(s)
this rod is rated for and that would make quite a difference in reel size. Bigger the line, bigger the reel that it will take to hold same, with backing. A wt forward line will take a "smaller" reel, some of the new lines such as the SA XLT's and the RIO GrandSpey are very large (read that 'fat') lines and take a heck of a reel spool to load them all on. One trick, if you're buying locally, is to have the shop guy put on the backing on the spool, then just reel on the line tip first. You'll know asap if one will accept the other.
Another way (and simple) is once you've made the reel/line choice is to recheck the question with the Board folks. They'll have the info on whether "A" will fit onto "B." But, again, think BIG on spool size; the manufactures recommendations are almost always over stated when you start working with Spey lines. Also, most lines (and the recommendation on what will go where) are based upon a regular length (90') fly line (usually a wt forward). Spey lines run from 120 to 140 foot in length!!
The Ti. reels are a good piece of equipment and just about bullit proof so that's a good choice .... as long as you get one that will hold all the goodies. My experience is always get a reel that's rated well over the line you expect to load it with.
Several relatively inexpensive reels (what the heck, it's just a 'winch' to hold all the other stuff) so you don't have to kill your pocket book.
fae
this rod is rated for and that would make quite a difference in reel size. Bigger the line, bigger the reel that it will take to hold same, with backing. A wt forward line will take a "smaller" reel, some of the new lines such as the SA XLT's and the RIO GrandSpey are very large (read that 'fat') lines and take a heck of a reel spool to load them all on. One trick, if you're buying locally, is to have the shop guy put on the backing on the spool, then just reel on the line tip first. You'll know asap if one will accept the other.
Another way (and simple) is once you've made the reel/line choice is to recheck the question with the Board folks. They'll have the info on whether "A" will fit onto "B." But, again, think BIG on spool size; the manufactures recommendations are almost always over stated when you start working with Spey lines. Also, most lines (and the recommendation on what will go where) are based upon a regular length (90') fly line (usually a wt forward). Spey lines run from 120 to 140 foot in length!!
The Ti. reels are a good piece of equipment and just about bullit proof so that's a good choice .... as long as you get one that will hold all the goodies. My experience is always get a reel that's rated well over the line you expect to load it with.
Several relatively inexpensive reels (what the heck, it's just a 'winch' to hold all the other stuff) so you don't have to kill your pocket book.
fae
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