David, my replies follow: David Colyn wrote: > > Paul > > "The name was created relatively recently to distinguish the action of some > 2-handed rods designed for Spey-casting > versus overhead casting." > > 1. How does the action differ between rods used for 'Spey' casting and > 'overhead' casting? *** Modern 2-handed overhead rods are quite fast, 2-handed Spey-casting rods generally have a more progressive or "slower" action. I have a 15' Loomis GLX, commonly described as a "cannon", which is a tremendous overhead rod, but, at least in my hands, a mediocre Spey-caster. I have a 14' Scott which is "slower" and a better Spey-caster. HOWEVER, this is all relative as some styles, such as the Loop underhand casting, are generally easier with a fast action rod. So today one must ask the rod designer, is this taper for overhead, Spey, or Loop-style underhand casting? And when it comes to matching lines to rods and styles, the whole thing becomes bizarre in my estimation. It's so difficult that the industry is proposing a whole new line designation system for 2-handers. > 2. What are the differences between the 'Spey' cast and the roll cast? I > have read much of the mainstream literature (magazines and www articles) but > aside from the length of the rod, the line weight and the distance of the > cast, I think that this is more a question about the dynamics of the casts > than the equipment used. ***All Spey casts are redirected roll casts; the roll cast being the final 'portion' of the cast. Note the plural as there are several 'Spey casts'. However, once again, this is all becoming silly as the latest gurus of 2-handed casting have developed such beauties as the Snap-T and Snake Roll. In many ways the whole shebang should be simply called 'water casts' and be done with it. OTOH, it's nice to keep some history in current ff jargon.
Paul http://www.galesendpress.com -- Paul Marriner Outdoor Writing & Photography. Member OWAA & OWC. Author of Stillwater Fly Fishing: Tools & Tactics (Print [NEW] & CD), Modern Atlantic Salmon Flies, Miramichi River Journal, Ausable River Journal, and Atlantic Salmon.
