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Author Topic: Spey Lines  (Read 2703 times)

Carich980

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Spey Lines
« on: April 14, 2011, 01:13:37 PM »
I dont know much about Spey fishing. I've been searching other forums and the internet for info. I just got a 9/10 G loomis dredger GLX rod which is 650grains...

What confuses me is the the line weight. I'm trying to choose between Rio and Airflo Skagit lines. I'm leaning towards the Rio because I read on a review that the Rio system is better at casting bigger flies and heavier tips. Where as the Airflo is better at presenting the fly with lighter tips and lighter flies.

The Rod itself says 650grains, but the lines are confusing me. Would I put on a 550grain head and then a 100grain tip or do I get the 650grain head as it says on the package and the Tips weight of +/- 100grains is ignored?

The lines I'm looking at are 9/10 Airflo NW 2 hand(Skagit Heads) / 650g Rio Skagit line with VersiTips
 


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HOOK

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Re: Spey Lines
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2011, 01:27:36 PM »
I run a 510 Airflo compact on my rod. the way i think of it is you want the grain window to suit you casting dry line and then the tip is just add on basically. My rod can cast as low as a 450grain or up to a 600 but the 510 matches perfectly for dry lining and for tips. If your rod says 650 then why not go into a shop and ask if you can sign out a few shooting heads (skagit lines without the integrated running line) and then play around and find what feels good to you. You will have to buy a running line to attach the head to though but at least when you decide on a line it wont be a $200 purchase.

being that your rod is a 9/10 then 650 should fit it perfectly. I had a 9/10 Echo and it favoured 650-700 grain heads before adding tips.

the shorter skagit and compact skagits are better for turning over heavy tips and big heavy flies. the Skagit Flight heads are better suited for lighter tips and dry line work however they will cast 15' of T14 just fine with a heavy Intruder. the Flights however arent wuite as forgiving when it comes to learning.
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Geff_t

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Re: Spey Lines
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2011, 03:15:37 PM »
Hey Carich980 phone Hatch Matchr in Maple Ridge as I think they still have one Rio line left that is at a blow out price. I believe it is 50% off. You will save yourself $100.
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dennyman

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Re: Spey Lines
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2011, 09:28:58 PM »
Agree you should go into your local tackle shop and show them the rod and the reel you will be using. If you are new to spey fishing they can help get your rod and reel set up properly. You will need backing and if it is a full spey line, then attach it to the backing. If it is a shooting head, then you will need backing, running line, and then the spey shooting head.  As far as the grain weight to use, if your rod says 650 grains that is a good place to start. If you are using a skagit line, just go with a 650 grain skagit spey line. The 12 to 15 foot tips you will use on your rod do not count in the line weight as you will be using a waterborne anchor to cast the line. If it sounds confusing ask the people at the fly shop to go over it with you.
If you are new to spey casting, you may want to take some lessons, or look at some of the instructional videos on you tube. Have fun.
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