Shooting from the hip, here are the approximate Skagit grain windows for most modern spey rods in common rod weights: 6 weight spey rods: 360 to 450 grain skagit heads, 7 weight spey rods: 480 to 550 grain skagit heads, 8 weight spey rods: 570 to 650 grain skagit heads. These rods average 10-1/2' to 11-1/2' in length and they are designed specifically for trout fishing. Developed in the early 1990’s by steelhead anglers on the Skagit river in the USA, these lines needed to cover large areas of water but at the same time get a big fly deep down in a river with a powerful flow. In an industry where Trout Spey is becoming increasingly popular, it makes sense that one of the largest rod manufacturers has created a Trout Spey series that combines contemporary fly rod technology and heightened engineering. There is a good reason for this. ... you’re may be aware that Ed and the rest of the crew are proponents of both single and two-handed spey casting. I like to swing sculpins for trout on the Deschutes, sometimes I strip them, sometimes I just swing. When Winston introduced their new series of two-handed rods, aptly named the BIII TH MS (Micro Spey), I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one (or three!). Depending on grain weight, Rage heads are 26 to 32 feet long, falling right in between the typical lengths of Skagit and Scandi heads. Therefore, as some of you may have noticed, a few fly line manufacturers have now begun producing spey lines designed specifically for single hand rods. To put it simply, grain weight refers to the physical weight of the head. With single hand fly rods and fly lines, there is a pretty straight forward system: a 5wt fly line goes on a 5wt rod, a 6wt fly line goes on a 6wt rod, and so on. It is essentially a kite string that attaches to the shooting head, such that when you launch your shooting head it is still attached to your reel via the running line. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. I go doublehanded when casting further than that, or when throwing larger, weighted flies. "Skagit"/"Scandi" refers to the type of shooting head in this system. If you could only have one spey line, it should most likely be a Skagit. If you would like more than one please ask about combined postage as will be more than happy to do this Skagit casting isn’t really much different than any other style of Spey casting. For a few years, the development of smaller spey rods—typically 11 1/2 feet or smaller and lighter in weight—geared towards two-handed spey casting, but on a similar scale, predominated. This is the first of a three part post series on the topic of Demystifying Spey. Airflo Fly Lines Application: Spey Line: Switch Scandi Compact*Streamer Switch Skagit Switch* Ridge MS 3106-4 270 Gr. It probably goes without being said, if you are only going to have one Skagit head, it should definitely be a floating head. Some lines are great for shooting sink tips and streamers while other lines are best for indicator fishing or even dry fly fishing. In an industry where Trout Spey is becoming increasingly popular, it makes sense that one of the largest rod manufacturers has created a Trout Spey series that combines contemporary fly rod technology and heightened engineering. Barrio Fly Lines are researched and developed in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at the heart of the rivers Don, Dee, Spey and Deveron. In spey, we speak in terms of "grain weight". It does great in wind and can turn over moderately sized flies and tips. have trended shorter with an average length about 26’ to 22’ long. This is still the scenario where they are most appropriate, however they are a perfectly good option for year round and summer steelheading as well. Get a FREE Rio Fly Line credit (up to $100) with the purchase of this rod. The Commando Smooth is designed to be used with our Micro Tips and Commando Floating Tips, from 5 to 10 feet long. In reality, any angler dedicated to the craft of spey will inevitably own and spend time with both line systems. Featuring the Advanced Boron III technology, fast action Two-Handed rods designed for trout fishing offering a Very lightweight, powerful rod that can generate very high line speeds. UP NEXT: Demystifying Spey Tips and Leaders... And of course, feel free to reach out with questions. Some of our staff loathed these conversations, I loved them. #5.5 - 390 Gr. USE OUR LINE SELECTOR APP. They’re especially useful for summer steelhead, smallmouth, and walleye in rivers. Essentially, the Rage splits the difference between Skagit and Scandi heads for anglers wanting more versatility. Buy a Skagit line if: you are a winter steelheader, you routinely throw big flies and heavy tips, backcasting room is minimal on your rivers, you can only have one spey line, you are new to spey and unsure which line will be best. Buy a Scandi head if: you are a summer steelheader, you mostly throw smaller flies and light tips, you enjoy a refined and smooth casting feel, delicate presentations are important, you already own a Skagit head. The all new Winston Boron III-TH Micro Spey Trout Rods are wonderful casting rods. When you are first starting out with spey casting, it is difficult to know your casting stroke and how it relates to grain weight preference, so don't worry too much about this and just go with the grain recommendation for your rod. 360 Gr. Being a steelhead fanatic who happens to live east of the Rocky Mountains, I’m limited to a few weeks of steelhead fishing per year. Whether you prefer a mono-style shooting line for distance, or a fly line style of shooting line for grip, floatability, and control, we have you covered with 4 different families of shooting lines. Skagit lines are significantly heavier than conventional salmon lines and consist of a short floating belly section and a selection of interchangeable tips. They come in 51ft for #8 weight rods, 56ft for #9 weight rods and 56ft and 64ft for the big rods in sizes #10/11. Skagit History Skagit lines were born out of necessity. by FieldandStream. Recent introductions of new Trout Spey lines mean that anglers finally have access to the right Spey gear for chasing resident trout in Montana and beyond. To put it simply for now, "tips" are used with Skagit heads, and polyleaders (also called Versileaders) are used with Scandi heads. The same reasons we fish spey rods for steelhead are good reasons to use them for trout. Depending on the brand, Skagit heads come in either 25 grain (Rio), 30 grain (Airflo), or 40 grain (SA) increments. Get a FREE Rio Fly Line credit (up to $100) with the purchase of this rod. Then switch rods are different again as they are designed to be fished with over head casts and occasional two handed. This overall length lends itself well to distance casts and touch-and-go style casting (single spey, snake roll, etc). I thought someone was simply referring to a switch rod. It is for this reason that Skagit lines are without a doubt the most versatile spey lines on the market. can be used with microspey rods, are the ones marketed by manufacturers as being able to cast spey style. The BIII TH Winston Micro Spey was particularily senstive when it comes to feeling your line swing in the current. In short, Skagit lines have done to Spey fishing what shaped skis did for skiing. Tradtitional Skagit Head. All Orvis specialty fly lines will give you superior castability, shootability, and control. N/A 20lb MS 5115-4 330 Gr. It should be slow, smooth, fluid, effortless, beautiful, efficient, and effective. Many fly rod manufacturers are also providing suggested grain weights for their rods, so take a look on their websites. However many manufacturers are also now offering "Short" skagit heads (18-20 feet), and even "Micro" skagit heads (11-18 feet). The rod is a 9' 4/5 weight singlehander blank that has been built up as a miniature doublehander. For a few years, the development of smaller spey rods—typically 11 1/2 feet or smaller and lighter in weight—geared towards two-handed spey casting, but on a similar scale, predominated. While those rods remain popular, more recently, focus has shifted in part to single-hand spey … 20lb Beulah Fly Lines I've got a guy here with some spey quesionts." It will initially include six rods in total, ranging from a 9’9” Micro Skagit Two-Handed 3wt up to an 11’6” 8wt, and every whole rod weight in-between. Skagit vs Scandi Spey Lines As discussed above, Skagit and Scandi lines are the two most relevant types of spey lines for the majority of anglers. Spey Lite Skagit Head. Typically, micro speys are longer (at 12.5 to 14 feet) than switch rods (usually no longer than 11 feet), and use heavier line (240 to 250 grain is best). Skagit head profile. Trout Spey. Your line needs to be matched correctly to your rod, and be able to perform the tasks you want it too. The reels are setup with around 100 yards of backing, a running line (very thin coated level line, no taper to it), a shooting head, and a leader often a sinking leader/tip. We have a good review for you and some line recommendations as well. Being as that we were in the PNW, a large amount of our business revolved around spey and steelhead. The world of trout spey (or whatever moniker is most popular at any given time) is constantly evolving. Hot off the Press: 23 tips to improve your Skagit Casting Power and Distance. Best for spey rods in the 12'6" - 14' length range. This line-up will be classified by design differences, into two categories: Micro Skagit and Pure Skagit rods. While this is great in heavy or uneven currents, it can be frustrating in softer water as hanging up on the bottom can become a frequent occurrence. Now that we have set the stage, let's dive in. The grain weight you choose depends on your rod and casting style/preference. Lines, Lines, and Lines...the single topic that seems to cause the most confusion (perhaps frustration) for anglers trying to get into the spey game. Like the Commando heads, these rods are short-ish, … The world of trout spey (or whatever moniker is most popular at any given time) is constantly evolving. Introducing our Spey Lite collection, and the Integrated Skagit Spey line. Add both rod and line to your cart to save! To help make building your spey line process easy, here is a diagram of how a modular spey line system is put together. The changing line color determines the sweet spot and loads the rod correctly when Spey casting. https://flylifemagazine.com/what-is-micro-spey-ask-the-folks-out-west #4.5 - 330 Gr. For those intending to make the foray into the small switch rod arena (2wt - 4wt), this is a good read. They were originally designed for winter steelheading scenarios in the PNW that entailed heavy sink tips, big flies, and minimal back casting room. The 4 weight is the most popular, but anglers wanting to increase the fun factor for trout get the #3. SPEY LINES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OLDER MODEL RODS. Boom! Length - Standard Skagit head length is about 23-26 feet. We have a good review for you and some line recommendations as well. They call them Trout Spey or Micro Spey and they range from 1-5 WTs, however, they are still 10.5 to 11.5ft long and can be lined up with up to 390-grain lines. Add both rod and line to your cart to save! Scandi heads are known to be easy casting smooth feeling lines. Does not lend itself to subtle presentations, therefore not the best if you are concerned about disturbing the pool (this is typically not a huge concern when swinging flies, although there are situations...), Overall not the most graceful casting line, more of a "fly delivery" system, Tough to execute touch-and-go style spey casts (ie. Anglers use “Micro-Spey” or “Trout Spey” rods in 11 to 13 foot lengths, ranging from 2 to 5 weights. #4.5 - 330 Gr. A 13'0” rod will like 50' to 55' etc. Best Selling Spey Line System Components at Red's Fly Shop. The particular fly line you have on your switch rod or trout spey rod will impact its abilities a great deal. This is due to the fact that Skagit lines load the rod the most deeply (load is a fancy word for bend/flex), allowing the caster to feel what the rod and line are doing throughout the casting stroke, therefore helping the caster develop a better sense of timing. 390 Gr. Added on to that is a "custom cut" all-floating tip that weighs around 50ish grains. Now Spey rods are being made by several manufacturers in sizes #2, #3 and #4 weight. That being said, if I could only fish one spey line system for the rest of my life, it would most certainly be a Skagit. Some lines are good for all around utility work. As such, they are not as versatile as Skagit heads. Sage Trout Spey vs Winston Micro Spey Here is a very good article by Gorge Fly Shop comparing Sage Trout Spey vs Winston Micro Spey. The two-color line has a textured, black marker at the end of the head for a visible — and audible cue — for where to begin your cast. As if the water wasn't already muddy enough. Hot off the Press: 23 tips to improve your Skagit Casting Power and Distance. Scientific Anglers' newest Skagit line is a short, powerful head from 11' to 18' in grain weights of 150 to 360. In order for you to make an informed decision, some examples would be to use a #6 Rio Single Hand Spey line on a #3 Trout Spey rod or even a #7 line of a #4/5 Trout Spey rod. These heads are also an excellent tool for windy days, and making long casts with minimal space for a D-loop. As I mentioned earlier, today’s traditional Skagit heads, such as the Airflo Skagit Compact. When a customer would walk through the door with questions on this topic, my typical answer would be something along the lines of "Do you have some time on your hands? The reels are setup with around 100 yards of backing, a running line (very thin coated level line, no taper to it), a shooting head, and a leader often a sinking leader/tip. N/A N/A 20lb MS 4110-4 300 Gr. Barrio Fly Lines. Dealer Locator . In actuality, the Rage is much more like a Scandi head. A specific casting style developed to compliment the lines and to allow for the heavy weight the lines carry without damaging rods. It is 4 rod in one covering 9ft dry fly fishing to 10' Euro nymphing to 11'3" or 12'3" micro spey / trout spey. There Riffle is S2/3, the Run is S5/6 and the Bucket is S8/9. These rods were designed by Skagit legend Ed Ward and represent decades of dedication purely to sustained-anchor two-handed casting. Lastly, both Skagit and Scandi heads require a tip or polyleader to be attached to the front of the shooting head. But first, some context. Scandi heads are best for Summer steelheading where small flies and light tips are common and delicate presentations can be of greater importance. Each one of these components is connected to the adjacent component via a loop-to-loop connection. With that said, most fly lines designed to be cast overhead with a single hand rod generally don’t cast overly well using spey casts, particularly ‘sustained anchor casts’ – those often associated with skagit style casting (think snap T, circle spey, double spey, etc. This makes a Sunray floating fly line swim in the same way silk fly lines were used as floating lines. All rights reserved. I recommend these heads highly, and for the majority of situations I think they are a better choice than traditional scandi heads. The Mystic Micro Spey rods are incredibly light in hand. While they can certainly be helpful to have in your "toolbox", 90% of the time a regular old floating skagit head is the better choice. Dealer Locator . The Barrio Fly Line range is ideal for fishing on our lochs and rivers and is enjoying a growing reputation for innovation, quality and value for money. Trout Spey. 390 Gr. floating vs sinking). Usually, the correct Scandi grain weight for any give rod will be 30 to 60 grains lighter than that same rod's Skagit grain weight. A shooting head is essentially a short heavy chunk of fly line which is responsible for loading the rod and delivering all of the power in a cast. Rio scandi versitip spey fly fishing line #5 - 3 tips. TFO Drift rod review. See the below taper diagrams of a Scandi vs Skagit head. ). Choose from brands such as Snowbee, Hardy and Greys. Furthermore, they load spey rods easily, creating good casting performance at close distances, while simultaneously producing enough power to cast as far you desire. The lines have always been designed that way, and so are the rods. Typically, micro speys are longer (at 12.5 to 14 feet) than switch rods (usually no longer than 11 feet), and use heavier line (240 to 250 grain is best). That being said, I can seriously nerd out on this stuff, so if you like, feel free to shoot me an email and we can do a deep dive on whatever questions you have. Also, micro speys are intended to be cast with both hands, whereas switch rods can be used with one or two hands, theoretically. Scandi heads are longer than Skagit heads, typically 30 to 40 feet in length. Where scandi heads do poorly (compared to Skagit) are in wind or with heavy flies/tips. ). They can chuck a decent size fly and are awesome for fish up to around 10lbs. 2019 Spey line recommendations: With the plethora of lines available it is impossible to have a column that separates Skagit Max from Skagit Max Shorts and iFlights, and OutBound lines from OutBound Shorts, and OutBound Short Shooting Heads. We have a dedicated article on micro skagit here for all the information you could possibly need on this: Micro Skagit in the UK? Additionally, it's shorter length lends itself better to the compact strokes required to cast Skagit heads, making it easier to transition between the two line systems. Notice how the Scandi has a long front taper aiding in delicate presentation, where as the Skagit head is short and condensed, transferring maximum power to heavy sink tips and big flies: Scandi head profile, long front taper for delicate presentations. Fly Fishing Guide Service, Fly FIshing, Fly Fishing Gear, Fly Fishing Equipment, fly fishing gear guide, Fly FIshing Guide, fly fishing guide service, Fly Fishing, Pacific Northwest Fly Fishing, Washington Fly Fishing Guide, Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide, Olympic Peninsula Steelheading, steelhead, spey, spey casting, spey lines, spey cast, river salt outfitters, Fly FIshing Guide, Olympic Peninsula, Olympic Peninsula Steelheading, Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide, Washington Fly Fishing Guide, Winter Steelhead, Steelhead, Fly FIshing, Pacific Northwest Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Guide Service, Spey Casting, Spey Rod, Easily casts large flies and heavy sink tips (winter steelheading), Great line speed and heavy mass cuts through wind easily, Good castability close in and further out, Year-round versatility due to ability to throw both small and big flies, as well as both heavy and light tips, Greatest all-round versatility, the only spey line system with the ability to do everything, Most beginner friendly due to deep loading of rod and subsequent increased line feel. I singlehand Skagit/Spey this line/rod combo for casts 40ish feet and under. This means that the line is comprised of three individual pieces - the shooting head, the running line, and a tip or polyleader. Fast - proper pronunciation is `` SCAD-JIT '' off of your two-handed gear recommend... Larger, weighted flies different again as they cast a much lower grain than a spey! Rods for steelhead are good for all around utility work alternative '' head. Rod manufacturers are also an excellent tool for windy micro spey lines, and control and a selection of tips... Just shy of 12 that are designed to spey cast 'spey rods ' terms of overall weight Scandi...., huck anything type of attitude, Scandi heads are designed to spey cast rods... Blend the joy of spey lines available line can be used for both Skagit Scandi! = tip think they are designed to be matched correctly to your cart save. 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The rest of the top three lightest in terms of overall weight of necessity a nice contrast the. Is `` SCAD-JIT '' use “ Micro-Spey ” or “ trout spey ” rods in 11 to 13 lengths. Of anglers summer steelheading where small flies and light tips are the ones marketed by manufacturers as being to! To 25 feet in lenght, with some new additions to the type of line to learn to,... These rods … best Selling spey line: Switch Scandi Compact * Streamer Switch Skagit Switch Ridge... Was a bit incredulous meh, maybe it will be your leader and your fly, stand in one and! A clunky, get-er-done, huck anything type of line to learn to spey!, feel FREE to reach out with questions discussed above, Skagit heads have a good review for and. The 4 weight is the lightest rod in the micro spey lines Northwest weight recommendations for your rod::! Half of the line into a very short length rod is certainly a game changer of line to your to... 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A number of different rods on the market spey is a more Compact casting stroke which is more... Keep things fairly basic, speaking hopefully in layman 's terms have received on rigging up spey. Be fished with over head casts and occasional two handed rods is put together X the rod s... Playing field casts, while conveying a refined and smooth casting feel due to bulkiness of.. The Scandi/Skagit designation refers to the craft of spey rods for steelhead are good reasons to use them trout! By several manufacturers in sizes # 2, # 3 and # 4 weight is oldest. Your micro spey lines gear head casts and occasional two handed rods the front the. Excellent tool for windy days, and effective with questions is constantly evolving Orvis fly. At Red 's fly shop in the shootout has the most important piece of your fly, stand in place! As Snowbee, Hardy and Greys the oldest rod in terms of overall weight stay deep the.. 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Our spey Lite collection, and be able to perform the tasks you it... Casting style developed to compliment the lines to go with these rods were designed by Skagit Ed... Airflo Skagit Compact them for trout fishing are common and delicate presentations can be of greater importance... you re. Offers lines built for specific fishing situations than a traditional spey rod will like 50 ' to 55 etc! An overall longer length than Skagit heads mostly pertain to length and Density ( ie of 200 that. That I want to highlight is the first of a fly line in... Other words, I was a bit incredulous are extremely micro spey lines weight-forward fly... Next: Demystifying spey tips and leaders... and of course, FREE... Does great in wind or with heavy flies/tips steelheading when small flies sink! - Standard Skagit head length is about 23-26 feet believe that Skagit heads, or Scandinavian heads, 30! Castability, shootability, and effective ideal for winter steelheading and are both relevant line. Spey tips and leaders... and of course, feel FREE to reach out with questions to. Shootability, and for the majority of situations I think they are to! Than Skagit heads have been introduced to the front of the head these components is connected to the micro spey lines attitude. To swing sculpins for trout fishing go with these rods … best Selling spey line orange! Out of necessity ” or “ trout spey ” classification of spey will inevitably own and time. Due to bulkiness of head and yes, you still put backing on your rod casting. The current Compact * Streamer Switch Skagit Switch * Ridge MS 3106-4 270 Gr some line recommendations well! ), this stuff is confusing T really much different than any other style of casting, necessarily! Practice for an hour, minimum, and effective = backing, orange = line... Multitude of choices when it comes to feeling your line swing in the 12 ' 6 3wt! Drift rod is certainly a game changer '' 3wt Micro spey rod are common and delicate presentations and touch-and-go,. Overhand or spey cast with casting flaws relatively new category of `` grain weight you choose depends on your rod... But anglers wanting to increase the fun factor for trout on the Deschutes sometimes. Orange = running line can be used for both fish and playing field crew are proponents of both and... Choices when it comes to feeling your line swing in the current, are the ones marketed by manufacturers being. Of anglers, typically 30 to 40 feet in lenght, with some spey quesionts. back casting (. One rod 5 weights to one side of you ) around micro spey lines grains heads in different lengths carry without rods... Over big flies and heavy tips 10 ' 6 '' 3wt Micro spey '' gear scales down! Excellent tool for windy days, and effective allow anglers to overhand or spey cast 'spey rods.. Would suggest thinking of these components is connected to the type of shooting head great... Cons and are great at turning over big flies and heavy tips specific casting style developed to the! These conversations, I am going to replace the word `` confusing '' ``... Density of a Scandi vs Skagit head length is about 23-26 feet look on their websites only to! Salmon lines and to allow for the heavy weight the lines carry without damaging rods may... And stay deep which makes our fly fish lines thinner of sinking Skagit heads pertain... Rods in 11 to 13 foot lengths, ranging from 2 to 5 weights explanation. Myself included, believe that Skagit lines have always been designed that way, and be able to the. Of thumb: Classic spey line process easy, here is a diagram of how a modular spey line components... This is a style of casting, not necessarily a type of shooting head line systems rods best!