The fish
The Atlantic salmon may be a life changing fish for the angler. This fish of truly incredible wild beauty may permeate indelibly into the soul of the fly fisher. So also may some of the natural, majestic, rivers that Atlantic salmon frequent. Each river will have its own individual character, its own genetical strain of fish. Each river unique and endlessly interesting. The character of the Atlantic salmon itself also intriguing.
The Rod
The fine art of using a single or double-handed fly rod and line well and casting with economy of effort and total control of fly turnover is perhaps one of the most satisfying aspects in all of salmon angling. Single or double-handed rod use for salmon fishing is also often defined in the West of Ireland and most especially in the Moy Valley as using either "The Short Rod" or "The Long Rod." Only true double-handed rods are called the long rod, switch rods are considered as single-handed rods (short rods) with extension butts.
Water
Watching the behaviour of running water is utterly fascinating to me and always has been. It is one of the most intriguing and informative things simply seeing how it interacts with the geography of the riverbed to produce certain currents and effects, and seeing how that alters with changing water levels. A lot of relevant, indeed vital information on how and where to fish the water can be deduced from observation of it.
The Atlantic salmon may be a life changing fish for the angler. This fish of truly incredible wild beauty may permeate indelibly into the soul of the fly fisher. So also may some of the natural, majestic, rivers that Atlantic salmon frequent. Each river will have its own individual character, its own genetical strain of fish. Each river unique and endlessly interesting. The character of the Atlantic salmon itself also intriguing.
The Rod
The fine art of using a single or double-handed fly rod and line well and casting with economy of effort and total control of fly turnover is perhaps one of the most satisfying aspects in all of salmon angling. Single or double-handed rod use for salmon fishing is also often defined in the West of Ireland and most especially in the Moy Valley as using either "The Short Rod" or "The Long Rod." Only true double-handed rods are called the long rod, switch rods are considered as single-handed rods (short rods) with extension butts.
Water
Watching the behaviour of running water is utterly fascinating to me and always has been. It is one of the most intriguing and informative things simply seeing how it interacts with the geography of the riverbed to produce certain currents and effects, and seeing how that alters with changing water levels. A lot of relevant, indeed vital information on how and where to fish the water can be deduced from observation of it.
One of the things I admire that Peter Anderson stated about rods was his reference to blank weight in his literature for the Paraflex rods .........
The war on weights.......
We never weigh rods. All rods in the Paraflex series are well within acceptable weights compared to other brands. Balanced and performance are much more important than saving point something or other of a gram. One rod may weigh a couple of grams more than another but if well balanced will require much less effort to cast than than a lighter rod.
The war on weight was won several years ago, soon after the introduction of carbon and modern resin systems. I have not come across a heavy carbon fly rod in many years.
I have encountered rods that have been made with blanks so light that they lack any acceptable level of durability and little more in the way of performance.The weight issue is more about catching customers rather than improving quality of angling and we do not enter into the race.
Until some radically new material is invented that proves more damage resistant and less brittle in lighter constructions and with higher performance potential, I very much doubt that there will be any significant improvements in rod weghts and performance ratios at the top quality end of the scale, at least for the forseeable future.
Peter Anderson
The war on weights.......
We never weigh rods. All rods in the Paraflex series are well within acceptable weights compared to other brands. Balanced and performance are much more important than saving point something or other of a gram. One rod may weigh a couple of grams more than another but if well balanced will require much less effort to cast than than a lighter rod.
The war on weight was won several years ago, soon after the introduction of carbon and modern resin systems. I have not come across a heavy carbon fly rod in many years.
I have encountered rods that have been made with blanks so light that they lack any acceptable level of durability and little more in the way of performance.The weight issue is more about catching customers rather than improving quality of angling and we do not enter into the race.
Until some radically new material is invented that proves more damage resistant and less brittle in lighter constructions and with higher performance potential, I very much doubt that there will be any significant improvements in rod weghts and performance ratios at the top quality end of the scale, at least for the forseeable future.
Peter Anderson
Without doubt the ability to use a double-handed rod well is probably one of the main reasons why we were created with two arms, it wasn't just for double-hauling.
Not so many years ago almost all double-handed rods were softer in action than most used today and we all used double taper lines. Lines that would stay up forever when overhead casting, just hanging in the air behind defying gravity while casually rolling out and not dropping like stones as the modern Spey lines can do.
More reason than ever now to use the continuous motion, line height management techniques of fulcrum fly-casting when overhead casting. Also the feel of the softer rod loading was really evident when Spey casting. Modern rods are lighter and usually faster and Spey lines are indeed more efficient for Spey casting and for shooting some running line but that doesn't mean that everyone has changed or that everyone is happy to change. Some people still much prefer the older set up and feel from the softer rods. Some consider all the modern casts like snap T's and Snake rolls to be unnecessary circus tricks, modern Spey lines too heavy and excessive splash / disturbance creation items.
Personally I prefer some of the modern rods and lines while still appreciating and respecting the old and what was a major part of the learning curve for me. I still think it is always a good correction on technique to use a softer rod as it prevents over hitting and excessive power application. Any deviation from perfect technique shows up instantly in a tailing loop or failed cast with a softer rod. Maintaining tension with smooth compound movements and timing becomes extra critical. I consider that one can use a modern progressive but faster double-handed rod best when you can first cast an older softer one very well whether overhead or Spey casting a single or double-handed rod. Of course some modern rods are made with plenty of feel and softer actions also. I like to do some Tai Chi Spey casting by slowing everything down even with modern rods and Spey lines, it is a great test of technique. The techniques of smooth steady tensioning and line tautness were more necessary with double taper lines and softer rods as they simply do not respond well to much else. Some are able to get away with some things using modern rods and lines that would not have worked with the older outfits. Having said that I do consider that the modern Spey lines make life much easier, especially for the Spey caster.
Sometimes there are life changing moments in your fly-casting life, most usually when you encounter someone else with greater knowledge or more effective or advanced technique who is willing to share that information with you. I am indeed fortunate to have had such help along the way.
After changing over or learning the new technique you then find yourself sometimes regretting that you did not learn this information earlier. The real truth is though that it may not have been of any use to you any earlier unless you were building upon the layers of experience and familiarity with an advanced technique already there. There is a natural progression or learning curve in fly-casting, same as anything else. The most advanced techniques are able to be executed by slightly altering and fine tuning what is already an advanced technique to take it a little further. However you do need to be already at the advanced level. That comes on top of the later intermediate level and the intermediate levels on top of getting the basics right. A solid foundation in correct basic technique is essential, otherwise a limitation on your ability will become apparent at the more advanced levels.
Sometimes something special happens when you make the breakthrough in understanding and control that was not there before. Almost always the improvement is from meeting another caster and importing the knowledge.
Defining the specific stroke style
Stroke in Fulcrum Fly-Casting is the distance the top hand moves during the casting stroke, or the top of the rod butt. As upper body rotation and weight shift are used the hand and rod butt also moves from body movement.
Long stroke
When I am talking of double-handed fly-casting generally, I am talking about traditional long stroke Spey casting technique with short, medium or long belly Spey lines normally.
When discussing shooting head casting techniques, I will qualify that first.
Long stroke casting is the most skilled discipline as there is less room for error and longer lines are controlled. One will find that fine tuned long stroke casting skills really helps shooting head casting technique immensely as there is a greater emphasis by necessity on a more disciplined keeping in plane. I have yet to see any anglers casting a shooting head as effectively as those also well versed in long stroke style.
I find some longer stroke style casting with shooting heads also is extremely effective.
All of fly-casting in whatever discipline or style is about attaining control with efficiency. Control over the various elements involved. The beauty of double-handed fly-casting is how much more the rod loading and unloading properties are able to be felt, how much more the involvement of the whole body is at times, the cast starting from the body moving from the ankles and often incorporating all of the body in fluent graceful movement working in perfect harmony with the rod and line.
In double-handed fly-casting, the ease with which the angle of the rod can be tilted to one side and smoothly raised up again in long sweeping and shallow curves by repositioning the hands, or kept on long powered incline moves to one side. The greater amount of leverage and centrifugal force applied from those controlled rod pivoting movements when combined with simultaneous upper body rotation, realignment and weight shift. The longer rods, heavier lines, the greater resistance and greater feel of the rod loading and unloading, the line tautness and continuous motion together form one of the most interesting dimensions in all of fly-casting. A whole other world is opened up to the caster.
New Spey Line Standards
During the forward cast of a single Spey cast or Jump roll, the rod is loading against all of the weight of line outside the rod tip, the line momentum and tautness any centrifugal force of the line, the anchor and its water resistance, everything, absolutely everything.
There is an argument that the line is loading only against the top leg of the loop to the apex of the D loop and the bottom leg is only stabilising the D loop.
I believe this to be an incorrect argument. Many a continuous motion single Spey cast I have made with the anchor and fly or practice wool sliding more and increasing in speed as the pressure is put on during the forward casting stroke's rod loading move, the surface of the water being fluid and the traction slipping a little proving that the rod loading pressure is impacting through the bottom leg and anchor all the way to the fly. Any fly or piece of wool that moves ever during the final delivery is doing something that would simply be a complete impossibility if the rod was loading only against the top leg of the D loop. This happens quite regularly when good fluent continuous motion technique and correct timing is achieved.
There is an argument that the line is loading only against the top leg of the loop to the apex of the D loop and the bottom leg is only stabilising the D loop.
I believe this to be an incorrect argument. Many a continuous motion single Spey cast I have made with the anchor and fly or practice wool sliding more and increasing in speed as the pressure is put on during the forward casting stroke's rod loading move, the surface of the water being fluid and the traction slipping a little proving that the rod loading pressure is impacting through the bottom leg and anchor all the way to the fly. Any fly or piece of wool that moves ever during the final delivery is doing something that would simply be a complete impossibility if the rod was loading only against the top leg of the D loop. This happens quite regularly when good fluent continuous motion technique and correct timing is achieved.
New Spey Line Standards
September, 16, 2004
Bruce Richards of Scientific Anglers introduced the first American standard for Spey lines at the annual general meeting of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association. The new standards were unanimously approved by the board at the September 15 meeting in Denver Colorado.
The new standard describes four different line designs (shooting head, short belly, medium belly, and long belly) which will be identified by the letters H, S, M, and L respectively. Each line category has a different allowable grain weight over a given length of line. For instance, a line advertised as a 9-weight shooting head would have a grain weight of 430 (28 grams) in the first 40 feet. A long belly 9-weight would have 780 grains (51 grams) in the first 80 feet. The new standards will have a +/- tolerance value, but those levels have not yet been determined.
September, 16, 2004
Bruce Richards of Scientific Anglers introduced the first American standard for Spey lines at the annual general meeting of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association. The new standards were unanimously approved by the board at the September 15 meeting in Denver Colorado.
The new standard describes four different line designs (shooting head, short belly, medium belly, and long belly) which will be identified by the letters H, S, M, and L respectively. Each line category has a different allowable grain weight over a given length of line. For instance, a line advertised as a 9-weight shooting head would have a grain weight of 430 (28 grams) in the first 40 feet. A long belly 9-weight would have 780 grains (51 grams) in the first 80 feet. The new standards will have a +/- tolerance value, but those levels have not yet been determined.
| Line Weight | grains/grams | grains/grams | grains/grams | grains/grams |
| | | | |
6 | 250/16.2 | 420/27.3 | 460/29.9 | 600/39 |
7 | 300/19.5 | 470/30.5 | 510/33.1 | 650/42.2 |
8 | 360/23.4 | 530/34.4 | 570/37 | 710/46.1 |
9 | 430/27.9 | 600/39 | 640/41.6 | 780/50.6 |
10 | 510/33.1 | 680/44.2 | 720/46.8 | 860/55.8 |
11 | 600/39 | 770/50 | 810/52.6 | 950/61.7 |
12 | 700/45.5 | 870/56.5 | 910/59.1 | 1050/68.2 |
Sooting Head Head length 30'-50' |
Short Belly Head length 50'-60' measured at 55' |
Medium Belly Head length 60'-70' measured at 65' |
Long Belly |
H |
S |
M |
L |
There are different styles of Spey casting. Traditional and modern Spey casting techniques with medium or long belly Spey lines are used most where I live, however shooting head techniques are also popular and used extensively, most especially for sunk line fishing. Most anglers have outfits for both styles of casting, and in differing weights and lengths for the different times of the season.
The long stroke style of double-handed fly-casting I teach for both overhead and Spey casting with modern Spey lines is called Fulcrum Fly-casting and it originates in Scotland. It can still be used with shooting head outfits though shorter stroke Scandinavian techniques are also an option for shooting heads.
The principles of this style are economy of effort and using the rod’s own inherent unloading properties to fullest advantage. In Double-handed casting the top hand remains as the fulcrum or a pivotal point. The top hand still moves while remaining as the fulcrum. It moves as its role is to help steer and ensure the necessary stroke length, rod tip path and elevation but absolutely not to apply excessive power or in particular any tugging of the line into position. The top hand can still remain as the fulcrum while moving as the bottom hand is moving further and faster. Much of the top hand movement is from upper body rotation especially and sometimes weight shift on the back casting stroke or sweep. First class leverage (where there is a pivotal point placed along the lever and not at the end) is the most efficient form of leverage and keeping the top hand as the fulcrum is more efficient giving superior rod loading and effect for effort applied. The bottom hand applies the power and keeps the top hand as the fulcrum at almost all times, except for the initial part of an overhead cast.
There are other times during the cast when both hands are moving together in one general direction without much angle change occurring, this can be before and sometimes after the main angle change has been made.
Keeping the top hand as the fulcrum is counter intuitive, most especially for someone coming from single handed casting. However the new muscle memory must be learned for the most effective use of a double-handed rod.
The style is one that evolved although it originates with legendary Scottish caster Peter Anderson. Things have moved on with modern lines and rods and It has variations on the theme.
The final delivery can be anything from a shorter even than a normal short stroke 'Block" as used by Andrew Toft to a medium or long stroke. A Toft 'Block' is where the bottom hand prevents the rod butt from coming in to the body by blocking it form doing so and thereby forcing the rod tip deflection in the direction of the final delivery, there is a very high stop of the rod tip, no deflection downwards, and a very tight loop unrolls from it. No force is used and the rod unloading kicks the line out, a very beautiful and relaxed style of casting. There will be a pop and stop or hesitation back cast made for enough tension to allow this lead in and block on the forward stroke - rather than the continuous motion circling up behind. It does work from circling up behind also but Andrew Toft uses a slight hesitation after a very subtle and smooth slight back cast or 'pop' made at the end of the climbing curve. However it is probably better for a person to know the circling up and continuous motion first, then you know the type of tension and loading you are trying to emulate with the more advanced 'Blocking' technique. Longer stroke distance casting techniques used by some members of the Carron team are also incorporated and in particular the teaching methodology of James Chalmers who uses the incline exercise when teaching. In my opinion this is easily the most valuable learning tool in the teaching of double-handed Spey casting and rod loading/unloading properties.
One of the greatest practitioners of Fulcrum Fly-casting is Andrew Toft who also almost always uses a block for the forward stroke which is his signature casting style. This puts out the highest tightest loops with the least effort. The room for error is practically non existent, a most beautiful style of casting though and one that for a test of full control or understanding everyone should be able to emulate even if they choose to use another stroke, short, medium or long for the final delivery. Andrew Toft can use the block with almost any length of line as he sets up everything correctly with the back casting stroke's slight back cast.
There is certainly nothing I like better myself, or little that has the same buzz than sailing off a perfect 'blocked' single Spey cast and watching the loop casually unroll. it is always one of the casts (along with good overhead casting) that attracts the most attention and comment. The rod has to be right for it and the line also. It is one of the casts that allows true appreciation of the capabilities of a Carron Jetstream line in particular and indeed some other lines.
The best example
The best example is always when you see someone willingly help someone else and give something back for no possible gain for themselves and no financial reward, it may even cause them to use up their free time.
One of the most enlightening moments I have ever seen in Fly-casting or fly-casting Instruction was when one of the top double-handed casters in the world set an example I personally will never forget until the day I die. The American Spey caster Al Buhr was asked by a relative novice in double-handed casting, and someone he did not know from Adam, to help show him how to Spey cast properly. This was just after an exam session and a long days work for Al Buhr in Ireland. He willingly started to show and explain to the young man how to cast the double-handed rod. The trouble was it clashed with other arrangements that had been made for him to go sightseeing that evening. I personally witnessed and heard the following at first hand as I was there when it happened, so it is not any exaggeration nor any second hand story.
The people turned up at the riverbank and let him know they were waiting on him to go sightseeing, the other American Instructor who was over with him came to tell him they were waiting and to get him to leave with them. The person who had asked him to help him said that he did not realise the others were waiting on him that Al should go sightseeing, that he would learn double-handed casting some other time. Al then said to the other American Instructor, I'm sure the buildings will be there for another time again, right now this young person has asked me to sow the seeds of two handed fly-casting with him, with him and who knows how many others he'll meet in future as he wants to be an Instructor. Now thats what I'm going to do, thats the real reason why we're here after all, and right now I think thats more important to this young man than me going sightseeing. You can go on without me as I'm staying here and sowing those seeds of two handed casting for this person who has asked me to do that.
He stayed and taught that person and I benefitted yet again too, I once more witnessed another magnificent workshop on double handed casting from Al Buhr. However more than that I had witnessed what the word "genuine" really means in a person.
His action and statements had a profound impact on me, and on the other American Instructor who upon hearing the reply also stayed and helped. It was truly magnificent to witness something like the concern he showed for another persons well being in todays age. Al Buhr after all is not just anyone, he is one of the absolute best Instructors in the world, yet he did not know the person he stayed to teach. All he knew was that this person wanted to learn. A magnificent example to set.
The best example is always when you see someone willingly help someone else and give something back for no possible gain for themselves and no financial reward, it may even cause them to use up their free time.
One of the most enlightening moments I have ever seen in Fly-casting or fly-casting Instruction was when one of the top double-handed casters in the world set an example I personally will never forget until the day I die. The American Spey caster Al Buhr was asked by a relative novice in double-handed casting, and someone he did not know from Adam, to help show him how to Spey cast properly. This was just after an exam session and a long days work for Al Buhr in Ireland. He willingly started to show and explain to the young man how to cast the double-handed rod. The trouble was it clashed with other arrangements that had been made for him to go sightseeing that evening. I personally witnessed and heard the following at first hand as I was there when it happened, so it is not any exaggeration nor any second hand story.
The people turned up at the riverbank and let him know they were waiting on him to go sightseeing, the other American Instructor who was over with him came to tell him they were waiting and to get him to leave with them. The person who had asked him to help him said that he did not realise the others were waiting on him that Al should go sightseeing, that he would learn double-handed casting some other time. Al then said to the other American Instructor, I'm sure the buildings will be there for another time again, right now this young person has asked me to sow the seeds of two handed fly-casting with him, with him and who knows how many others he'll meet in future as he wants to be an Instructor. Now thats what I'm going to do, thats the real reason why we're here after all, and right now I think thats more important to this young man than me going sightseeing. You can go on without me as I'm staying here and sowing those seeds of two handed casting for this person who has asked me to do that.
He stayed and taught that person and I benefitted yet again too, I once more witnessed another magnificent workshop on double handed casting from Al Buhr. However more than that I had witnessed what the word "genuine" really means in a person.
His action and statements had a profound impact on me, and on the other American Instructor who upon hearing the reply also stayed and helped. It was truly magnificent to witness something like the concern he showed for another persons well being in todays age. Al Buhr after all is not just anyone, he is one of the absolute best Instructors in the world, yet he did not know the person he stayed to teach. All he knew was that this person wanted to learn. A magnificent example to set.