"briansfly" wrote in message
news:FWZdh.622$qh.124@trnddc06...
Tom,

It's obvious you're interested in fly casting techniques and improving
your skills. Just curious as to why you don't think you'll ever buy a spey
rod. FWIW, I doubted i'd ever be interested in spey rods too. With Sage
producing 11' "switch" rods in the lighter weights, it has me rethinking
my position..... I guess once a gearwhore always a gearwhore. ;-)

http://www.sageflyfish.com/default.asp?p=79

brians


Brians,
Sage makes beautiful spey rods, we got to see them in action in San Mateo,
hosting the Sportsman show early this year. Don't get me wrong, I have
nothing against spey rods and in awe when I see a master performing spey
techniques. Last year I hooked and landed a good size steelhead with a
borrowed spey rod, and decided "this isn't for me!" Although I had the
steelie in control, I've felt very awkward probably due to the long length.
I'd much rather land one with a single handed rod.

Steve Rajeff (champion distance caster) designed a 11'6" 8wt. two handed rod
for G-loomis a few years ago. It's very lightweight and can be cast with
one hand, but it still didn't feel as good as a single handed rod, just my
personal preference. Orvis also makes a 107-7 10' 4pc 7wt with an extended
3" butt for $350.oo. I tend to like the fly-rods 9' and under.

Yes I do love casting techniques, but only the ones I could apply in a real
fishing application. My friend however can cast circles around me as
casting comes easy for him. I have to really have to work at it.
fwiw,
-tom