Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: tburns on November 26, 2014, 05:14:14 PM

Title: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: tburns on November 26, 2014, 05:14:14 PM
Does anyone have a spey setup or know of where I can grab one for ~$500?  This would be my first spey rod but I'm looking to find something that I won't have to upgrade for the foreseeable future.

Saw a Echo DH a while ago on craigslist that I'm kicking myself for not jumping on.  I've had to miss most of this salmon season instead spending my weekends studying for the CFA so I'm looking to make up for lost time this steelie season.

Edit:

Would also like some advice on what I should be looking for in a spey rod for a beginner. 

Cheers!
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: MetalAndFeathers on November 26, 2014, 05:23:12 PM
Id go and look on the spey pages classifieds.I only have a redington dually 13 ft 8wt.It isnt bad but isnt extremely good never tried a higher end sage or shuch so can`t give you much info.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: tburns on November 26, 2014, 10:15:28 PM
Id go and look on the spey pages classifieds.I only have a redington dually 13 ft 8wt.It isnt bad but isnt extremely good never tried a higher end sage or shuch so can`t give you much info.

I'm keeping an eye out there but the number of different rods can be overwhelming...  I figure I'm looking for anything between 12'6-13'6 and in 7 or 8 weight.  I do not know anything about the rod characteristics I should be looking out for... 

Does anyone have a specific list of a few I should look out for, or a way that I can figure out what suits me best?
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: SteelheadAdict on November 26, 2014, 10:21:06 PM
are u looking to spend 500 on the rod its self or every thing all togeather
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: SPEYMAN on November 26, 2014, 10:30:27 PM
Michael and Young sport shop.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: tburns on November 27, 2014, 10:44:28 AM
are u looking to spend 500 on the rod its self or every thing all togeather

I'm looking to spend $500 for a whole package.  To me it seems that used is the way to go.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: nickredway on November 27, 2014, 11:35:57 AM
I've got a decent reel going cheap if you are interested with that and a visit to Tim at Michael and Young you should be able to get a sweet set up for around that budget. Any of the Echo or TFO sticks are nice to cast and fish. I'd go for a 12'6 or 13' 7 weight for local steelhead fishing.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: TayC on November 27, 2014, 11:40:13 AM
I'm looking to spend $500 for a whole package.  To me it seems that used is the way to go.

check out Fred's Custom Tackle.

Solo packages for under $500, awesome starter combo and excellent warranty/service.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: rustybee on November 27, 2014, 02:43:53 PM
I'm looking to spend $500 for a whole package.  To me it seems that used is the way to go.

Used Echo Spey rod for c$150-200. Echo Ion reel new for $100+taxes. Heads, tips etc. You should be all geared up for no more than $400.

I've got a decent reel going cheap if you are interested with that and a visit to Tim at Michael and Young you should be able to get a sweet set up for around that budget.

Or this.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: HOOK on November 27, 2014, 10:16:41 PM
My dad fishes an Amundson 12'6" 8wt, Pflueger President (Trion is cheaper and still a great reel) and then runs Slickshooter running line and a Skagit head. He loves it and has never mentioned wanting to upgrade. Whole outfit bought at Wholesale in Langley for under $500 about 3yrs ago
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: Flytech on November 28, 2014, 06:44:23 AM
Redington Dually is going to be a great rod under your budget, and leave you room to pick up a nice cheap 10-12 wt fly reel that will do the trick for a Spey line.


(http://www.americanflyfishing.com/assets/product_images/product/FRODS_REDIN_113097.jpg)


At $249.99 it's a great price, and Redington uses a lot of the same technology as their sister company Sage.


http://www.redington.com/fly-fishing-rods/dually/



Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: RalphH on November 28, 2014, 08:02:45 AM
Used - often barely used - rods and entire outfits tend to sit on classified boards for weeks with little interest. On the classified section of Flybc.ca there are 3 rods and 1 complete outfit - a Amundson 7/8 as Hook's father uses & asking price is $280 complete though no tips. Tells me 2 things. a) Many anglers by a spey setup and find it's not for them or they have little use for it; b) the market is saturated and buying used is the smart way to go if you want to give this a try.

Sign up on flybc and have a look. Check Craigslist as well.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: tburns on November 28, 2014, 08:26:56 AM
Thanks for all the suggestions guys.  I've been constantly checking craigslist and speypages like a couple of you have suggested.  I've actually been in contact with a guy on craigslist about a "Rise fishing co" blackwater h2o rod and reel setup.  Combined it will run $350 which seems like a great price.

My only reservation is that the warranty is untransferrable, leaving me high and dry in case of a tip breaking or anything else.  Is this common?  Do you guys have any input on this?

Edit:

I must say as well that while M&Y might be a great shop, the guys at Pacific Angler have always been really helpful to me, getting me setup on my first flyrod, helping me to hook into my first cap coho etc.  If I'm to buy new I think they deserve my business.  As is, I buy all the other stuff from them (fly tying gear, line, leaders etc.)
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: HOOK on November 28, 2014, 09:27:13 PM
Used - often barely used - rods and entire outfits tend to sit on classified boards for weeks with little interest. On the classified section of Flybc.ca there are 3 rods and 1 complete outfit - a Amundson 7/8 as Hook's father uses & asking price is $280 complete though no tips. Tells me 2 things. a) Many anglers by a spey setup and find it's not for them or they have little use for it; b) the market is saturated and buying used is the smart way to go if you want to give this a try.

Sign up on flybc and have a look. Check Craigslist as well.

Buy bulk T8, T11, T14 and you'll have the only tips you need for winter work. 10-12' in length is what works best on the rod. I actually prefer setups without tips because I have plenty of my own and no need for more

RalphH - do you remember what grain head came in the setup ? my dad runs an SA 520 skagit extreme, 510 Airflo compact also matched very well
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: ajransom on November 28, 2014, 10:00:21 PM
Buy used - spey pages will be your best bet.

A 13' 7 or 8 weight will cover you for pretty much anywhere in bc. I Have an echo DH2 7130 and love it. The TFO deer creek is amazing too. Beulah make great spey rods too.

For $500 you will get a decent set up. If you get some used stuff you will probably be getting an $800 package for $500.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: RalphH on November 29, 2014, 07:57:19 AM
Buy bulk T8, T11, T14 and you'll have the only tips you need for winter work. 10-12' in length is what works best on the rod. I actually prefer setups without tips because I have plenty of my own and no need for more

RalphH - do you remember what grain head came in the setup ? my dad runs an SA 520 skagit extreme, 510 Airflo compact also matched very well

it is a Rio Skagit 525
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: tburns on November 29, 2014, 02:03:44 PM
Hit the bid on a $350 setup last night.  came with a Scientific Anglers skagit extreme on the end of a running line.  Echo Ion that has not seen the water.  All on a 13'3" Rise Fishing co. Blackwater H2o 8wt.  Tied up a couple maribou popsicles and can't wait till the steelies start coming to town  ;D

edit: http://risefishing.com/blackwater-spey-and-switch-rods.html  in case anyone is interested.

Any suggestions on where/how I should go to learn to cast this badboy?   i've spent countless hours watching youtube videos on the subject and can single hand spey OK. 

Edit 2: Also plan on buying the recipe for this guy.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igY189VmnVI 

Should be concentrating on studying but the rod keeps whispering at me from the corner of the room
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: MetalAndFeathers on November 29, 2014, 02:41:50 PM
Go out on a river with a piece of wool tied on and just chuck it around so you can get a feeling of it.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: Flytech on November 29, 2014, 08:45:15 PM
Hit the bid on a $350 setup last night.  came with a Scientific Anglers skagit extreme on the end of a running line.  Echo Ion that has not seen the water.  All on a 13'3" Rise Fishing co. Blackwater H2o 8wt.  Tied up a couple maribou popsicles and can't wait till the steelies start coming to town  ;D

edit: http://risefishing.com/blackwater-spey-and-switch-rods.html (http://risefishing.com/blackwater-spey-and-switch-rods.html)  in case anyone is interested.

Any suggestions on where/how I should go to learn to cast this badboy?   i've spent countless hours watching youtube videos on the subject and can single hand spey OK. 

Edit 2: Also plan on buying the recipe for this guy.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igY189VmnVI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igY189VmnVI) 

Should be concentrating on studying but the rod keeps whispering at me from the corner of the room


Dave from Micheal and a Young taught my wife and I. I would suggest a lesson to get you going.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: HOOK on November 30, 2014, 10:45:06 AM
Hit the bid on a $350 setup last night.  came with a Scientific Anglers skagit extreme on the end of a running line.  Echo Ion that has not seen the water.  All on a 13'3" Rise Fishing co. Blackwater H2o 8wt.  Tied up a couple maribou popsicles and can't wait till the steelies start coming to town  ;D

edit: http://risefishing.com/blackwater-spey-and-switch-rods.html  in case anyone is interested.

Any suggestions on where/how I should go to learn to cast this badboy?   i've spent countless hours watching youtube videos on the subject and can single hand spey OK. 

Edit 2: Also plan on buying the recipe for this guy.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igY189VmnVI 

Should be concentrating on studying but the rod keeps whispering at me from the corner of the room


I'm on afternoon shift the next couple weeks so if your available during the week I could teach you the basics enough to get you fishing. I've taught several friends and my father so far

If you rather spend some money on lessons I suggest getting Tim Arsenault from Michael & Young to sort you out.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: Quinsam_Lose_Some on November 30, 2014, 12:21:52 PM
if your available during the week I could teach you the basics enough to get you fishing.

May God bless you Hook. It is this sort of kind, helpful participation that makes this forum what it is........quite simply, the best.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: tburns on December 01, 2014, 11:42:36 AM

I'm on afternoon shift the next couple weeks so if your available during the week I could teach you the basics enough to get you fishing. I've taught several friends and my father so far

If you rather spend some money on lessons I suggest getting Tim Arsenault from Michael & Young to sort you out.

Thats very generous of you thanks Hook.  I work from 8-7 everyday though so I won't be able to fish during the week...  :-\  Maybe we can figure out a weekend after the holidays?
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: HOOK on December 05, 2014, 02:11:44 PM
Thats very generous of you thanks Hook.  I work from 8-7 everyday though so I won't be able to fish during the week...  :-\  Maybe we can figure out a weekend after the holidays?


just send me an email and we can exchange numbers and figure something out (email is on my profile)
Title: Re: Looking for a spey rod and some advice
Post by: tburns on December 15, 2014, 08:58:43 AM

just send me an email and we can exchange numbers and figure something out (email is on my profile)

Hey Hook, I sent you an email about a week ago I think.  Not sure if it got through properly, but my email is trevor.burns91@gmail.com

cheers