Spey fly rods were developed for fishing on the Spey River in Scotland where there was not enough room for substantial backcasting. Their popularity has spread, as the "two-handed" style necessary for properly using a Spey rod delivers greater control for fly casters. Spey rods are now widely available in a variety of styles.
Materials
There is a great deal of distinction among rod materials. Graphite is the most popular material, due to its lightness, flexibility and reliability. Traditionalists opt for bamboo, however, which is made from pieces of bamboo cane glued and laminated together. Material choice is largely a matter of preference, so be sure to spend time at a fly fishing store that will let you try out models before you make a purchase.
Action
Action refers to the flexibility of a rod. A rod with slow action is the most flexible, allowing pinpoint accuracy on small bodies of water. A Spey rod is not typically available in slow action because the Spey rod is designed for casting more overhead than behind the angler, as opposed to traditional fly casting. Action for Spey rods ranges from medium to very fast. Very fast rods are the stiffest and most resistant, requiring more flicking than gentle casting, as with medium and slow action rods. Fast rods are the median choice.
Rod Length
Spey rods are typically available in lengths from 12 to 15 feet. The traditional Spey rod is short, so 12 feet is closest to the original Scottish rod. However, Spey technique can be used with a longer rod for more accuracy when there is a bit more space while fishing, so casting is not limited to overhead casting only. The longer the rod, the more flexibility the angler has in use. For example, a 14-foot Spey rod with fast action would be useful in most fly fishing circumstances.
About The Author
Beau Prichard was born in Australia, raised in New Zealand and Washington and educated by Quakers in Oregon. He holds a bachelor's degree in writing from George Fox University. He has traveled extensively in England, North America and Mexico and Down Under.
