Most popular size Spey rods for us now.......

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

.......here in Nor Cal are getting smaller and shorter and lighter and more fun.

The three most popular sizes for us in these parts are:

12'6" #6 - 4 pc for most lighter fishing on the small/medium size river in the fall.

13'+ #7 - 4 pc for the best all around size for most for both fall and winter.

13'+ #8 - 4 pc for a good winter rod for fast tips and big heavy flies.

**Many serious veteran Spey types like guide Mike McCune see no reason to be using a larger two-handed rod than necessary to deliver the fly to the fish.


.......but if you need a big rod we have them to 16' #10 in stock right now!!!!

[Grampa Spey]

It may be of interest to some to go the link below where I noted it appeared that we were headed into a Paradigm Shift of from longer/heavier rods and lines to shorter/lighter rods and lines.

http://www.speypages.com/speyclave/showthread.php?t=22246&highlight=paradigm

3 Years later that shift appears to be gaining as noted by Bill.

Since, I posted that link, I had Gary Anderson custom wrap a Z6126-4 and a combo Z7110/Z7136.

Those rods with the Skagits and AFS Heads basically handle any fishing task I'm up too.

I'm a terrible caster, but with those two rods, I can basically put a fly where I need to with minimal strain on this old body.

When put these 2 rods in the hands of some of the really good casters at Watt Ave, they can cast the Z6126-4 with an AFS 6/7 Head into the 100' zone.

Earlier this year in Deke and Ian's hands my Z7136 with 600/650 grain Skagits, they could have hunted small game on the opposite shore.

I have 3 switch rods for fishing tight quarters or from a boat.

Another factor may be making a lot of us go for the smaller/shorter, lighter and easier to cast rods. That is the wear and tear that age has on our bodies. Years ago, when I was recovering from a bicep head tear (where the bicep head and rotator cuff meet), I took my rods to my Physical Therapist. He would pick up a long/heavy rod and use his spec ops language which basically said, "No!". At that time I went over to the dark side then, the shorter/lighter rods and Skagit lines.

Last but not least, those in the aging Boomer age, might want to read my last response where I quote my Family Doc's advice with over 30 years of medical practice, re doing something that hurt you and can hurt you again.