All very good points.
For those in SW Wa or NW Or, the Sandy River Spey Clave 2005 will be held May 14-15 on the Sandy River. For that matter, it is probably worth driving down for the weekend from Seattle. You can find out more (including info about accommodations and camping at the park)at:
http://www.flyfishusa.com/spey-clave.htm
I attended last year and probably learned more about spey casting in a day than I had for the whole time that I have been fishing spey rods. They have excellent instructors form all over the world that give on the water demos plus the mfgs are willing to let you try out their latest offerings. I know last year I was hot for a particular rod....after trying it I knew it wasn't for me. Saved myself some money.
And free is a very good price...OK $3 or so for park admittance.
I have no financial relationship with the Fly Fishing Shop...that provides the clave....other than leaving far too much money in their cash register.
Jim Jones
Mark Steudel wrote:
I'll just blab my two cents so far. Here are just a list of random observations so far:
1. I love the ability to launch heavy flies with only a foot or two of back casting room, out 50 feet easy.
2. Be careful casting flies from your off side. I haven't impaled my self yet, but have whacked myself with flies.
3. When you casting gets ugly, take a deep breath relax.
4. It's a pain in the butt bushwhacking with a 14 foot pole and all the fly line that's associated with it.
5. Go down to the spey clave and get some help from the guys down there.
6. Realize that practicing with a floating line is waaay different than casting a sink tip.
7. Being a lightweight person, it's nice not feeling like you have to wade out very far, matter of fact I usually am only wet up to my calves, unless I'm trying to get a particular angle on something.
8. Lastly it's fun.
Anyways probably didn't' answer any of your questions, but from a beginner perspective that's all I can offer. :)
Mark
