Spey Rod Decision...

[Steelie-Stalker]

So after my first lesson with a two hander last saturday with Jeff Putnam, Jason Hartwick, and Adrian Psuty, I'm convinced.

I did some research and I think I've got it down to a couple...

I was going for a 13' or so 7wt. which could handle most steelhead situations i'd be faced with. Maybe a little heavy for the halfpounders, but i dont want to risk fighting a large steelie to exhaustion and the point of no return to the water. I'm kind of in that 350-450 dollar price range. I've looked at quite a few, and I think its between the ACR 'Explorer' series, the TFO Deer Creek, and the Echo Dec Hogan series.

First of all, if anyone has any input on these rods, or another type in the same price range i'd be welcome to the suggestion. As far as these, the ACR sounds pretty good. I've heard nothing but good things about Gary Anderson's rods, and also it comes with a free scandi line which doesnt hurt. The TFO seems to be really popular in this price range as well. I've heard good things about the action of the Echo Dec Hogan rods too.

I fish on the american 99% of the time, starting to get into swinging, but I dont htink i'll be completely abandoning nymphing, so I figured if I had a scandi head and a skagit head to switch out on things would work out well. The skagit would be good for nymphing because of weighted flies? Scandi good for smaller flies in the fall and spring.

My thought was that the ACR comes with Gary's own 'Steelie' scandi line, and according to the spey shop online a spey rod of 300 comes with a free line(is that correct?), which would be a skagit head.

As far as reels, I'm in the dark. Most of the different brands have nice looking reels, and the galvan torque and sage 4500 i tried on saturday were both nice. I would hope for a not too expensive reel, but still a decent one.

I'll be up fishing the morning of the 26th and be heading over in the afternoon for the angling on the fly presentations at the shop and to check out the spey stuff.

Any help is a TON appreciated.

and may i also say...Spey fishing is SWEET!!!

Thanks,
Ryder

[aaron]

Any of those rods will serve you well. The TFO is rated a 7/8 and is fairly stout so it might be a bit much, especially if you are targeting half pounders at times. Also, for less than both those reels you mentioned you could get a classy Hardy Marquis 2 reel.

[nrthcsteel]

As Aaron said all those rods will fit the bill. But the most important thing is which one will fit the bill best for you. Each of those rods have differing actions. If at all possible try and get out and cast each one and see which one you like the best. Im sure the fellows you went out with the other day had a good assortment of rods and lines to go around, hopefully you tried out a few different setups. If Jason is at the shop the day your there have him help you out. Its best to be patient and make sure you spend your money wisely so in the long term you have a rod/line matchup that works best for you. Good luck and enjoy whichever setup you end up with. Kevin
Oh yeah, Aaron that was fun fishing and hangin out with you for a couple days. Gotta love them 3 pounders eh?????

[Steelie-Stalker]

I dont know if i'll get a chance to test them out, Spey-O-Rama in april is a looong ways away. During the spey school I tried a couple of Jeff Putnam's own line of rods and a Meiser 'Highlander' 6 wt. with scandi's and skagits. The Meiser's are a fast/medium-fast recovery rods. Adrian said this was one of his 'go-to's' for beginners. I remember Jeff saying his rods flex down to about the last guide, which seemed pretty stiff to me...The meiser seemd easier to cast, but I'm not sure how much of that was the skagit vs. the scandi line.

I plan on going into the shop and kind of 'wiggling them around' to feel their action, but I seem to favor a fairly flexible rod thats easy to load, but not too easy, and doesnt flex down to the handle.

I'll have to look into the Hardy's...they seem like a classic. The louder the better right!

[Don Powell]

Hey Ryder,

Check out the Echo TR also...it has a little more power in the butt, whereas the Dec Hogan line-up is a little slower more classical action. Most casters favor the medium to medium fast rods.

There is a fair amount of variation between rods that are labeled 12' 6", 6/7 but that is where I would start for the American. Likewise for 13' 7wts and I think you might be a little overgunned for most of our local fishing.

The guys you cast with- Jeff, Jason and Adrian are a great resource...ask them.

I second the Hardy Marquis Salmon No. 2- it is light, high quality yet relatively inexpensive, noisy (yeah, baby!) and can be palmed easily when that little click-pawl drag isn't enough. I have landed 20# chums on mine and I was glad I could palm for additional "drag"!

[Steelie-Stalker]

300 is inexpensive! Wow, sounds like I chose an expensive sport to be addicted to...Are they still good quality despite being made in Korea now? Then again most of them are around this price...How are the Galvan Rush's and the Ross CLA's?

Jeff pointed me in the direction of the ACR explorer, but my decision isnt final, so i'll keep looking around. I agree that for the american i'd be best off with just lighter then a 7wt...but hopefully in a year when i get my license i'll be off to fish the lower klamath, the eel, and some systems with bigger fish, and I dont want to get caught with a double digits fresh north coast steelie on my line with a 6 wt. although it would be fun...i think i'll go with better to be safe then sorry, and later on in life i'll get me a 6 weight and have some fun!

-Ryder

[CODY]

Ryder,

If you could make it out to the oakland casting club one saterday, between me and a few other members we have a decent collection of rods. you might want to give them a try. between us we have most of the rods you mentioned.

In addition it would be cool to meet another kid like me thats into fishing, whos got the same addiction to Steelhead.

[Steelie-Stalker]

Yeah that'd be really cool I'll see when I can get out, i'm not too far away. Hey i think i remember seeing the casting club in the newspaper last weekend or so...

It'd be cool to learn more about the usa youth fly fishing team too.

Thanks! I'll let you know when I can come out

-Ryder

[CODY]

for sure, yeah come on over. ur right the casting club was in the tribune last week.

[speyfool]

I've got an Echo TR 6 weight. Love it. I tossed up a quarter between the Dec Hogan and the TR. Both good rods, but I'm now glad I ended up with the TR.