Rods and Rigs for the Great Lakes
“What is the best rod configuration for the Great Lakes region? ”
Great Lakes Editor Rick Kustich’s answer: It depends!
The Stealthy Swing
A little can go a long way.
Event: Spey Nation 2025
Spey Nation returns Aug. 8-10 at Douglaston Salmon Run on the lower Salmon River in New York.
Covering the Water
As spey anglers, we are often most focused on the cast. And why not, spey casting is an enjoyable, engaging process. Sure, it can be frustrating, but those drawn to this sport are typically energized by the challenge as well as the tactical advantage of a cast that allows for ultimate efficiency in changing direction […]
Great Lakes Run Timing
Understanding the nuances of when and how the various species migrate on Great Lakes rivers can directly impact the quality of the fishing experience.
A Swing The Fly Tribute To Lani Waller
A tribute to the late Lani Waller by friend Rick Kustich
Spey Nation 2024
with Spey Nation combining with Swing the Fly, the focus is on refining the mission while expanding the educational content of the full event. This year is just another step in the future growth of Spey Nation.
An Argentine Adventure
In many ways, the seed of this trip had been planted over 40 years ago.
Playing in the Mud
Rick Kustich gives us hope when the water turns muddy. Check out this article and perhaps you will have new strategies when other fly fishers are staying at home.
Controlling Running Line
One of the key aspects of modern Spey casting is that great distance can be attained by casting the head with enough speed and force to pull the running line that has been stripped from the reel through the guides of the rod. Practicing the forward Spey provides the perfect time to work on shooting […]
Spey Terminology and Rigging
Entering into the world of Spey and a swung fly can be daunting. The terminology and various equipment/rigging options act as a deterrent or even barrier for some new anglers beginning their Spey journey. But developing a strong working knowledge of the basics allows for a deeper understanding of Spey fishing while helping new anglers make proper equipment and rigging choices for a given situation.
Two-Handed Overhead Casting for Musky
For a number of years before I took to the two-hander for musky, my fishing partner Nick Pionessa utilized two hand casting to effectively deliver big flies in a range of wind and weather conditions. After hanging on to the single-hand approach for too many years, I finally saw the light and moved to two-handed casting. And I will never go back.