Spey Questions: Answers

#1 Describe to (two) hand body position required in spey casting for developing maximum rod loading for the given effort.

During an exam I would ask for clarification/re-phrasing. Strong rod loading can be achieved by several techniques. Leading with the lower hand during the casting stroke loads the strongest part of the rod, the butt.

#2 Describe three common faults related to hand / arm movement with an overhead forward spey cast.

I would ask for clarification. "Overhead forward spey cast" is confusing. Assuming this is the delivery cast of a spey move, my answers would be open, tailing, collapsed loops.

#3 Describe the three phases of a forward cast.

Loading move, smooth acceleration, power snap, stop/rapid deceleration.

#4 Name as many "basic principles" in two-handed casting as you can.

Face the target, hands comfortably apart/light grip,stand proud, no bending at the waist, rolling the shoulder, etc, start "spey"cast with fly on the dangle, rod tip low, no slack, A slow, smooth lift, anchor that lands smoothly like an airplane landing, rod always rises to the 1:00 firing position, smooth acceleration on the forward cast, straight line movement of the rod tip with an abrupt stop/deceleration.

#5 The term "Dangle" came up during my exam. Give me a synonym you would use as part of your answer, so that the examiners know you are thoroughly familiar with this term. (the terms in Modern Speycasting should be at the tip of a masters tongue).

"Hang down". The fly has completed its swing and is "hanging down directly downstream of the caster.

#6 Bill Gammel has authored the 5 essentials of the single handed cast. If there were five for two-handed casting, what would they be? :--)

The basic casting essentials are similar between single and double hand rods. I would add several essentials to Bill's requirements, (spey moves) limit line stick, the larger the D loop the better potential rod load, 180 degree principal, long cast.

(We might, also, consider: Always keep your D-loop on the Downwind side. ..... Gordy)

Bonus Question - When would you use a single spey and a snap T spey cast? Describe conditions, positions and locations on the water.

A Single Spey is used in a strong upstream or neutral wind.(Keeps the fly upwind for safety) It is useful with obstructions directly behind. It is a good distance cast, allows minimal water disturbance, and takes less time to complete. It allows efficient fly presentation for "down and across" swings. The Snap T is a substitute for the single spey. It is generally easier to learn/teach. Effective to use with sink tips and limited back cast room.

(Using the Snap T instead of the single Spey for long periods of fishing also allows more casts in a given period of time and greater exposure of your fly to the fish. ..... Gordy

We must be cautious interchanging the words, "double/two hand" casts and two hand "spey" casts. They can be different cats.

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LET'S HAVE SOME MORE OF YOU SPEY BUFFS TACKLE THESE QUESTIONS !

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From Jim Valle (MCCI & THCI Active Candidate):-

Gordy and Group,

Two candidates who are, "study-buddies" came up with some questions on Spey/Two handed casting. (They wish to remain anonymous). Let's see your answers to six of them :-

Certainly, We understand !!!

#1 Describe to hand body position required in spey casting for developing maximum rod loading for the given effort.

In every Cast, Forward Spey, Switch, Single or Double etc. during the forward cast portion, the hands and body should pull forward developing butt load rather than tip load starting at the very initial part of the cast… During the lift and set portion also key to load the rod butt not the tip … both hands must move together to keep the load in the full rod, If the tip swings too fast it leads the casting motion and loads only the rod tip!!! Which will never deliver the unloading power necessary to make a long cast effortlessly!!!

#2 Describe three common faults related to hand / arm movement with an overhead forward spey cast.

a. See-Saw … Hands rotating in opposing directions thus rotating about a pivot point on the rod cork which is between the hands

b. Top Handing … cast is delivered with the power coming mostly from the top hand which loads the tip as compared to “deep load” developed from loading the butt … this is more of a push movement than a “Pull” which involves a “pull and down”, effectively using the butt of the rod.

c. Low hand position at the “key position” …rod is not raised enough during the lift and sweep to pre-position the casters arms for the “pull and down” this is also the cause of larger loops on the backcast which will be reflected in the forward cast.

#3 Describe the three phases of a forward cast.

Correct Key Position
Accelerate by pulling forward
Firm Stop

#4 Name as many "basic principles" in two-handed casting as you can.

Lift

Set

Sweep

Anchor

D Loop

V Loop

180 degree

Key Position

Face Target & Twist to dangle

Remove slack

Load the rod butt

Inclined Drop

Circle up

Parallel track

Line Stick

“Cast Fails”

“Splash and Go”

“Nice See-Saw”

“Good Tail”

And the first absolute training principle, until you get it right … Sore Arms and Back!!! J …and, “Out it Goes!”

Oh yea, have to talk with an accent and maybe wear a kilt,,, “Good Feish … and a Bryte Won Tooooo!”

The end of a swing, downstream of caster, no slack in the line… fly has reached the full extent of its drift for the amount of line outside the tip… line is ready to be recast.

#6 Bill Gammel has authored the 5 essentials of the single handed cast. If there were five for two-handed casting, what would they be? :--)

1. Spey casts are Continuous Tension Casts with changes in acceleration (tempo) throughout the cast.

2. .Line goes where the tip goes …the Cast goes in the direction of the Momentum.

3. Equal and opposite reaction… e.g. Rod load and unload

4. Mass of line behind the rod, 180 degrees opposite the target is essential to the forward cast

5. Continuous motion loads the rod with momentary changes in tempo to redirect the momentum of the line

Bonus Question - When would you use a single spey and a snap T spey cast? Describe conditions, positions and locations on the water.

Left or Right Bank

Single Spey or Snap T used with Upstream Wind, cast with the upstream shoulder.

Snap T is quicker, bit easier to learn and may prove helpful with overhanging trees etc.

Jim V