Spey Casting Tuition in Scotland
We are pleased to offer Spey casting tuition and guiding services throughout the season on a range of rivers in Scotland to which we have access, including the Rivers Findhorn, Dee (Aberdeenshire), Avon and Spey. Whether you are a first-time Speycaster or looking for improvements to your existing technique, we will be able to help.
What Is Spey Casting?
Competence in fly fishing comes with time, patience and practice. Fishing rods are usually designed to cast a dense object, be it a spinner, leger or float. The fly rod is designed to cast the line, the weight of which is sufficient to work the rod and to propel the fly over the Salmon stream. The density of the fly line governs the depth at which it, and hence the fly, fishes. A suitable fly pattern is chosen according to the river being fished, the season, water height and temperature.
Why Spey Casting Is Used
Before a Speycaster can become proficient, it is essential to understand the dynamics of the cast. In fly fishing, the weight of the fly line and the force on the rod always propels the fly on the leader. The overhead cast is the primary fly cast to which most anglers are initially introduced. It is certainly adequate when fishing a pool with a clear bank that allows a backcast and when the wind is favourable. However, the stretches of water that can be covered using this cast are limited.
Benefits Of The Spey Casting Technique
The Speycast allows fishing where a high bank or trees behind the angler prevent the overhead cast. It is also generally safer in that tangles, wind knots, and lost or damaged flies are much less of a concern as the fly never actually leaves the water. The tension on the rod tip and hence power in the rod is generated by a loop of fly line and its friction with the water. The fly should never come behind the angler. The Speycast is a simple cast, but line management and timing of rod action are absolutely critical. For this reason, it is a complicated cast to describe in words and has to be seen and felt to be fully appreciated. Please see the dedicated videos below where Ian demonstrates both….
Contact Us
For further information on Spey Casting instruction or Guided salmon fishing, please get in touch with us.
The Single or Double Spey Cast?
The single Spey cast involves the formation of a single loop of line over the water, to one side of the angler, before the forward cast. This is usually achieved by a right-handed angler fishing the left bank or a left-handed angler fishing the right bank. A double Spey cast, which paradoxically is easier to perform, requires the formation of two loops before the forward cast is executed by a right-handed angler on the right bank or a left-handed angler on the left. The cast can be modified as dictated by weather conditions, river flow speed and the type of fly line being used.
Learning How To Spey Cast
We have many years’ of experience in teaching the Speycast, and we can have a complete beginner performing a single or double Spey within an hour. Conversely, we often help iron out the minor wrinkles in technique, which trouble more competent and experienced anglers alike. In this way, we can adapt our tuition according to individual needs.
Spey Casting Lessons
We can provide casting tuition for anglers of all ages and levels of experience. This can be arranged on an individual or group basis, as part of a fishing week or through separate sessions in a location convenient to anglers and tutors alike. We have a particular interest in introducing anglers to the challenge of Speycasting. It will generate greater satisfaction in your approach to the river and allow you to fish lies that many other anglers neglect. A well-executed Spey cast is a beauty to behold.
Get In Touch
For further information on Speycasting lessons, please contact us.