So much has changed in Spey casting during the past five or six years that it seemed like a good time to get some notables together to discuss the double-handed fly rod in British Columbia.

My criteria for selecting the participants were that they needed to be highly accomplished and knowledgeable Spey casters as well as highly skilled anglers. I had hoped to gather these anglers together in one room for a few hours of Spey talk and beer, but logistics made that impossible.

The following interview is an aggregate of conversations that took place via telephone, email, on the riverbank and in trailers or wall tents near BC’s steelhead waters. So, while the truth is that technology and travel served as our setting, we’ll imagine a rainy evening at the Alpenhorn in Smithers where the seven of us are gathered around the fireplace, munching hot wings and swilling brew. The dress code is fleece and denim, with unruly locks contained by ball caps emblazoned with fly shop and website logos. The rivers are out with the first of the big fall rains, so fly tying and light reading have replaced wading and casting. And, as often happens when a group of fly casting steelheaders gather, the talk soon turns to Spey casting and the two-handed fly rod.

Joining me are Poul Bech, vice-president of the Steelhead Society of BC as well as a highly respected steelheader and conservationist; Tyler Kushnir, a guide, tackle industry rep and one of Canada’s foremost Spey casters; Scott Baker-McGarva, president of the Steelhead Society of BC and one of BC’s best-known steelheaders; Ian Muirhead, a Vancouver Island guide and certified casting instructor; Brian Niska, a master certified casting instructor, guide and fly shop owner as well as one of Canada’s leading authorities on short-head casting methods; and Matt Suzuki, a classic longline Spey caster from Japan now living in BC and working in the tackle industry.

Gentlemen, thanks for joining me. What are the most significant changes you’ve noticed in Spey casting in the past five years?

TYLER: A significant increase in the level of interest in Spey casting and double-handed rods here in BC. Until very recently, the revival of Spey rods had been centered south of the border. There has been a small hard-core group of Spey guys here for years, but the real interest in BC didn’t begin until recently.
SCOTT: Lighter and slightly shorter rod weights utilizing heavier heads, which allow for easier casting and fly presentation, as well as improved line manufacturing to suit a variety of rods for specific applications.
IAN: The tremendous growth in the popularity of Spey casting and development of casting styles, as well as the diversity of tackle. Also, the increase in instructional media available.

Why do you fish with a double-handed fly rod?
MATT: I can cover large water quicker with Spey rods than with a single-handed rod, with no false casting involved. Plus, Spey casting is simply fun!
SCOTT: Fly speed, control, ease of casting, less effort and limited back cast areas.
IAN: To be honest, besides the functionality of the rod itself (Spey rods offer great line control), it just comes down to pure pleasure. I really enjoy fishing with Spey rods.

Why did you start fishing with a double-handed rod?
MATT: I started overhead casting with double-handed rods and casting shooting heads like Scandinavian shooting head style, which was standard in Japan until about 10 years ago. I got into Spey casting after.
TYLER: Frankly, I was bored with float fishing. I found myself having more fun taking friends fishing and watching them catch steelhead than doing it myself. I began to pass on much of my favoured springtime steelheading to go sturgeon fishing — it was new and exciting. Then I went to a Steelhead Society Banquet and Auction, and bid on and won a Sage 9140-3 blank. I built it up and was hooked. It took a while to master as there were no lessons or videos, or much of anything to help a newbie back then. But, once I caught a few fish, the challenge of getting more and learning to cast took over, and has kept my attention ever since.
BRIAN: Honestly, I thought it looked cool and I was eager to experience the learning curve again. Man, did I suck at first. I remember walking into the Graveyard on the Thompson and beating myself silly to hurl out 30 feet of line. I thought, “This is ridiculous. I can cast my three weight further!” I was hooked (literally) and improved quickly. This was also just over 10 years ago and the equipment has come a long way since then.
IAN: I’m originally from Scotland and the two-handed rod is how I fished for salmon, so when I started fishing in British Columbia it was an easy transition.

What are the current trends in Spey casting?
MATT: It seems like underhand and Skagit style casting are the most popular. I think the rods and lines are getting shorter and shorter these days.
BRIAN: I agree. The current trend has been toward shorter and lighter Speys. Switch rods are also very popular. These rods allow the angler to cast either single or double-handed.
IAN: Many Spey casters are now melding various styles to suit their interests and needs. Skagit casting is also very popular, particularly for winter steelhead.

Is there one truly all-around Spey outfit or should a serious angler have several setups? If so, what would you recommend?
BRIAN: It is definitely tough to cover all situations with just one setup. I think a 12-foot six-inch to 13 ft 6 in. #7/8 would be your best option if limited to one rod.
TYLER: The all-round outfit would likely be the ubiquitous 13 ft. 6 in. to 14 ft. #8/9. This will allow the angler to fish all BC waters and be suitable to fight both large and small steelhead.  
SCOTT: I would recommend two rigs: a 12 ft. to13 ft. #7/8/9 Skagit short head type rig for smaller waters and a longer 14 ft. to 15 ft. #8/9/10 long belly rig for big water. If limited to one, then a 13 ft. 6 in. #8/9 with a short belly line on one spool and second spool with mid-Spey or slightly longer line.
MATT: The way I look at it, it’s like golf clubs: You just can’t play golf with one club. Spey fishing is the same. Depending on which water you fish and when you fish, summer-run or winter-run, you’ll probably need more than one.
IAN: If I had to select just one it would be 14 ft. #8/9, but serious anglers usually have a couple of setups.

What should a beginner start with?
BRIAN: I think a 13 ft. to 13 ft. 6 in. rod rigged with a Skagit style head is the easiest introduction, though I have started many folks out with shorter rods with good success.
POUL: Start with a short head or Skagit line, and stick to a rod and line setup that you know is well balanced.
SCOTT: A soft easy-loading rod in a 13 ft. 6 in. #8/9 with short belly line.
Matt: I think 14 ft. #9/10 with short to mid-belly line.
TYLER: I would suggest the 14 ft. 9 wt or, if the angler’s home waters are small summer rivers, the 12 ft. 6 wt. Shorter head lines will give the newbie the fastest results.  
IAN: My suggestion would be a rod in the 13 ft to 14 ft. range for #8/9 weight line matched with a short belly or Skagit style line. This would have a beginner fishing effectively in a relatively short time.

What’s a typical fishing length cast on BC waters?
TYLER: It all depends on the river. However, if one can consistently make 60 to 70 ft. casts, they will catch fish in any river. Some rivers lend themselves to much longer casts, but I would guess that it is not necessary to get some fish even on those rivers.
SCOTT: About 60 to 80 ft max, from reel to fly with sink-tips. Maybe 60 to 90 ft with a floating line.
IAN: On the Island you can expect to make casts anywhere from 30 to 90 ft., depending on the rivers and water conditions.

What species do you pursue with a Spey rod?
MATT: Steelhead, sometimes Dolly Varden and chinook salmon.
BRIAN: Steelhead, salmon, trout and char.
TYLER: Steelhead, definitely. Sometimes I Spey cast for trout in streams, but even then I am usually ‘jonesing’ for steelhead, so I use a 5 wt Spey rod. I don’t river fish much for salmon anymore, but when I do it is with a double-hander.
IAN: Steelhead, salmon and trout in rivers, and coho from the beach.

What would you consider are traits common amongst successful steelhead fly-fishers?
MATT: I believe line control is one of the most important aspects of steelhead fishing and the Spey rod makes it easier than single-handed rod. Also, try to cover the runs as quick and broad as possible.
SCOTT: Experience on the water, usually as a gear angler first.
BRIAN: Patience and a sponge-like ability to learn from their surroundings.
TYLER: Along with reading water and knowing your fish, I believe that flexibility and tenacity are the hallmarks of the really successful steelheader. You must not get stuck on one system, one fly or one type of water. At times, you’ll need to abandon your successful patterns — fly or technique — and try something else.
POUL: Confidence that a fish will take on every cast.
IAN: All the great steelheaders I know possess the following traits: perseverance, persistence and patience.

What is your preferred tackle setup — rod, line, reel?
SCOTT: A 15 ft. #8/9 rod and a long belly floating line. The reel is cosmetic, but I prefer old, loud ones.
MATT: My favourite setup is CND Salmo Salar (15’ 6” 9/10/11) and Hardy Perfect 4 1/4” with CND GPS 10/11 line.
BRIAN: A 12 ft. 6 in. #8/9 weight with a slightly overlined loop-adapted head that has been shortened and fished with loop shooting line (similar to slickshooter, only hollow).
POUL: I like a progressive taper rod with a short head floating line, a long leader, and a click and pawl reel in the summer or Skagit setup for winter.
TYLER: On really large rivers I like my 16 ft. 7 in. rod and longer belly lines. For winter and springtime fishing, I greatly prefer a Skagit type setup.
IAN: At the moment, I’m using a Thomas and Thomas 1409-3, and an Islander LX 4.5 with a mid-Spey line.

What would you recommend to a beginning Spey angler?
TYLER: I think the biggest thing is to get out there and try it. Most people are a little intimidated by what appears to be an arcane skill. It is actually relatively simple, you just need to ask a few questions and you will be impressed by the number of willing helpers that will step forward.  
BRIAN: Take lessons, purchase your outfit from someone who knows what they are doing and fish as much as possible.
MATT: Watch good DVDs over and over, and take lessons from good instructors.
POUL: The Speypages.com website. There’s a wealth of free information there for a beginner.
IAN: Before you buy any tackle, seek out an experienced instructor who is familiar with all of the modern styles. Then learn the basic casts.

What are the best resources (such as books or videos) for beginning to intermediate Spey anglers?
SCOTT: DVDs, websites, books, clinics and Spey claves. Experienced fly shop staff can be very helpful, too.
TYLER: There are a number of books and videos out there, and I believe that there is something to learn from all of them. At present, there are a couple of “bibles” out there, such as Simon Gawesworth’s book Spey Casting, which is very thorough and has excellent photos, and Al Buhr’s Two-Handed Fly Casting: Spey Casting Techniques.  Both books are state-of-the-art resources that are tough to top.
BRIAN: There are so many videos available now that it is tough to single out a few. I would suggest reading and watching them all, or at least the ones you can make it through without falling asleep. I don’t think anyone has made the perfect video. Each one has something to offer. Keep an open mind and remember that Spey casting has evolved so much in the last 10 years, and will continue to do so.
IAN: If I had to pick four they would be RIO’s DVD Modern Spey Casting, Simon Gawesworth’s book Spey Casting, Al Buhr’s Two-Handed Fly Casting and the Speypages.com website.

What new tackle is on the horizon?
SCOTT: Better quality, cheaper rods.
BRIAN: Look for more companies to join the Skagit revolution, especially in the lighter weight lines. As well, I would expect more ‘switch’ style rods.
TYLER: I hope to see the Holy Grail of developing a truly modern click and pawl reel, which matches the sound and aesthetics of the pre-war Hardy Perfects — so far it hasn’t happened, but maybe soon.
 
Which casting style is the most versatile?
MATT: I can’t really say which one because they all have advantages and disadvantages. Great casters can cast the long belly lines with the underhand style, but not too many people can cast that way. Try to learn different styles of casting to find the best way for you.
BRIAN: I like to think the style that I practice and teach is the most versatile. It borrows the best attributes from Skagit and underhand, and involves equipment that can work with any cast from either style. In comparison, Skagit head weights are lower, resulting in greater sensitivity and casting performance without compromising the ability to throw heavy tips and flies.
IAN: I am not convinced that any one particular style is the most versatile. All have their own set of pros and cons. Experimenting with different styles to combine something that works for you personally may be the most important style of all.

Which tackle system is the most versatile?
SCOTT: Multi-tip lines with short heads of 45 to 55 ft.
BRIAN: From larger trout to chinook salmon, it is tough to beat a 12 ft. 6 in. #8 for versatility.
MATT: I think 14 ft. #9/10 with progressive tip and short to mid-belly line would be a good setup. You can learn both underhand casting as well as short to mid-belly line casting.
IAN: The Delta WindCutter multi-tip line. The fact that you can add or remove pieces of the WindCutter to create your own custom line is really an advantage, especially for the variety of fishing we have on the Island. I can customize the WindCutter to use for everything from beach fishing to smaller streams.

Do you think fly selection matters, or is presentation more important?
MATT: I think presentation is much more important than fly selection as long as you know the basic fly selections, depending on the water level, the weather, fishing pressure etc.
SCOTT: It’s all in the speed, depth and presentation of the swing.
BRIAN: Presentation!
POUL: Fly selection is an important part of presentation. Your fly must be properly designed in order to fish properly with whichever presentation you choose.
IAN: There are certainly a number of considerations where fly selection is important, but to me presentation is key. If you don’t have the fly where the fish are or if it’s travelling at the wrong speed, it doesn’t matter what fly you have on because it’s unlikely you will hook fish. The depth and speed of the fly are critical.

Do you see Spey casting as a fad or is it here to stay?
POUL: I think Spey casting will remain popular as long as steelhead populations remain viable.
TYLER: Once an angler learns to use what a double-hander has to offer for steelheading, they will not be able to go back.
IAN: I think the continuing popularity of double-handed Spey casting in BC will be in large part determined by the available fishing opportunities, particularly steelhead. There is also a great deal of interest developing in Spey casting with a single-handed rod.

Written by Dana Sturn