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.
Episode 91 – Kate and Justin Crump
On this episode of The River Rambler I’m joined by Kate and Justin Crump, owners of The Lodge at 58 North. We had a great time talking about Volkswagen buses, humility and poaching, GPA requirements, clusterfucks, Alaska, salmon, deciding… Become a member of Swing the Fly To read this article and receive other special member-only […]
The Way of Winter
While other anglers are fumbling in the parking lot with size 24 flies on 6x drop-shot rigs, the swung fly angler can tie on a single size 18 fly to a gargantuan 4x leader and still have plenty of time to sit on the bank and drink coffee before the hatch begins.
Icons: Dec Hogan
Icons, a web series from Swing the Fly, looks at the most influential figures in spey casting and swinging flies from North America and beyond in the 21st century. This installment looks at Dec Hogan, an authority in spey casting instruction and one of the most revered steelhead anglers, guides and authors of our time. His 2006 book, A Passion for Steelhead, has been the portal taken by legions of anglers in learning the pursuit of sea run rainbows.
Off the Cuff: Kaptain Kanudia on the Lever
Our favorite friend from north of the border is back with some thoughts levers, fulcrums and which hand does what in spey casting.
Guide Gossip #12: When Do You Go Subsurface?
As a guide or avid angler, you start to learn the river intimately and eventually figure out what works. What you are left with is “well… I know this works, but will this?” You find yourself down a long dark rabbit hole that is twisted and sometimes hilarious. The journey is what keeps me feeling connected and curious.
Icons: Mike Kinney
Mike Kinney, known as the “Godfather of Skagit” to many, is quietly and humbly one of the most respected legends of Pacific Northwest steelheading.
Approaching Conservation Through an Angling Culture
If you’re reading this, you probably know what it is like to hold one of these amazing fish. It can be a transcendent experience. It’s one I hope my kids will be able to experience someday.
One-Hand Spey
One-hand Spey combines the elegant rhythm of Spey fishing with the versatility of a light rod that can be enjoyably controlled and fished with a single hand.
Linespeed Jedi Exclusive: Creating Tension
Mr. Linespeed is back with some really valuable help on creating and using tension in your spey casts.
Guide Gossip #11: The Most Difficult Thing About Steelhead Fishing
I believe people who chose to fish for steelhead with a swung fly choose more than just the species itself. It is about the connection with the river, with the community of stewards and friends, the moments of laughter and pause, the difficult chase at hand, the long days of slow fishing, and the new zest that the river life brings to you.
Adding Movement to the Swung Fly
Controlling fly speed and depth through casting angle and line manipulation typically provides the presentation enhancements that result in success.