Two-handed casting for beginners: Spey casting made easy
When fishing rivers, sooner or later you will find yourself in situations where you have to work without a backcast - surrounding trees, high banks, or simply the need to cast further than you can with your single-handed rod.
Spey casting is the answer. Long rods, guided with two hands, offer an effective and elegant solution to precisely these challenges.
What is Spey Casting?
Spey casting was originally developed for salmon fishing, but has now also gained a foothold in trout and stream fishing. The technique allows you to cast without a large backcast area while still achieving long, controlled casts.
Learning a new language
As with any new skill, two-handed throwing has a learning curve – including its own technical terminology:
* "Shooting Head"
* "Running Line"
* "Tip"
* "D-Loop"
* "Skagit" & "Scandi"
* Throwing styles such as Perry Poke, Double Spey, Snap T, Snake Roll and Dragon Roll
Getting started can be confusing when you first stand in front of the fly line wall in a specialty store. But it's worth it!
Two ways to get started
If you want to get into two-handed throwing, you have two options:
1. You buy a switch or spey rod
2. You use your existing single-handed rod and set it up for Single Hand Spey
The easy entry: Single Hand Spey
The best (and most affordable) entry point is the single-handed Spey. You only need a few accessories, as you already have the rod. If you've mastered roll casting, you've already got the basics down!
There are two ways to set up your single-handed rod:
1. Head system (modular)
2. Integrated cord (permanently connected)
Head system advantages:
Many options for changing cords
Monofilament running lines for greater casting distance
Disadvantages:
Knots or loop connections can hook when casting
Integrated cord advantages:
*No tangled loops
*Easier handling
Disadvantages:
Less range
No exchange options
Larger roll diameter required
Terms you should know
Shooting Head: Thick short line (12-20 ft), generates the casting power
Running Line: Thinner connection to the fly line, mono or braided
Tip: Sinking line or floating tip for depth variation (5-12 ft)
Manufacturers such as **OPST**, **Rio**, **SA** or **Airflo** offer entry-level sets with clear markings of the weights (e.g. 200 grain for a 5wt rod).
It sounds complex at first, but the system is simple: Running Line + Shooting Head + Tip.
With just a few components, you can transform your existing rod into a flexible all-rounder that easily casts both dry flies and streamers. And best of all, you don't need a new rod.
Grab your trout rod, grab a head system – and discover new casting possibilities!
