Rod Recommendation for beginner spey

[jbarns]

I'm interested in getting a spey set up for fishing the Vedder, squamsih and local rivers. What would be a good weight and length to get started? I have an opportunity to buy a 9/10 14" rod...is this too big for smaller rivers like the vedder?

Thanks
J.

[Fish Finder]

I found starting out on the double hander, a 14' 9 weight did me just fine.

Finder

[professori]

I started with a 14' 9wt loop Blueline and Rio Windcutter versa-tip. I have since changed over to a Rio Skagit line, much easier casting and my recommendation for a starter set up. I, however, am by no means a Spey casting master, just barely adequate.

[chromebar]

the rod you described probably wouldn't be most guys idea of a perfect FV winter steelhead rod .bot most definetly capable..winter rods on smaller rivers are usually shorter 12'6"-13' powerful rods capable of throwing big tips and flies,that said those probably aren't the best beginner rods but im no instructor so take it or leave it .

[SalaR]

the rod you described probably wouldn't be most guys idea of a perfect FV winter steelhead rod .bot most definetly capable..winter rods on smaller rivers are usually shorter 12'6"-13' powerful rods capable of throwing big tips and flies,that said those probably aren't the best beginner rods but im no instructor so take it or leave it .go to speypages .com and post rod specifics and re ask your question. sorry mods if i 'm nopt allowed to name drop just tell me and it wont happen again

14' rods are excellent beginners rods.....not only do they fall under the category of a Long rod, they actually are or can be great casting and fishing tools. The 14' rod makes the traditional "Spey Casts" a bit easier and if useing a shooting or Skagit system these can be managed very easily and definitely effectively...the shorter rods now coming into popularity are also great tools but demand a shorter stroke for better performance...If you had ever watched Mike Maxwell cast and fish with his 14' very slow action rods you would soon recognize the sweet art of fishing Spey rods. I have fished 14' rods off sport boats off the West Coast of Vancouver Island ,have fished 14' rods on small rivers and even off the beaches for Coho and Pink Salmon....and there are times when I realize that this is a very good thing!
It is a great place to start and you will likely always have or own a 14' rod!

[chromebar]

14' rods are excellent beginners rods.....not only do they fall under the category of a Long rod, they actually are or can be great casting and fishing tools. The 14' rod makes the traditional "Spey Casts" a bit easier and if useing a shooting or Skagit system these can be managed very easily and definitely effectively...the shorter rods now coming into popularity are also great tools but demand a shorter stroke for better performance...If you had ever watched Mike Maxwell cast and fish with his 14' very slow action rods you would soon recognize the sweet art of fishing Spey rods. I have fished 14' rods off sport boats off the West Coast of Vancouver Island ,have fished 14' rods on small rivers and even off the beaches for Coho and Pink Salmon....and there are times when I realize that this is a very good thing!
It is a great place to start and you will likely always have or own a 14' rod!

sorry I wasn't clear .the rods I said probably weren't beginner rods are the shorter more powerful rods many prefer for smaller winter flows

[jbarns]

Thanks for all the input! The rod I'm looking at is a Loomis GLX Roaring River Dredger 14' 9/10. I was thinking if the rod didn't work out for our locals then I could easily sell it for what I paid. I'm kind of jumping into this one blind and trial by fire.

[Rick Baerg]

Just curious as to why you chose the Gloomis? The are so many great rods on the market and most of them are much nicer to cast than a loomis, IMO.

[SalaR]

Just curious as to why you chose the Gloomis? The are so many great rods on the market and most of them are much nicer to cast than a loomis, IMO.

Rick...those were my thought as well...however,I have a friend whom I did introduce to Spey Casting , he did the deed as well with that same rod...in fact it may be that same rod! Since that time he has understood the need to have several lines to cast...One for learning the casting style( Medium length floating spey 62'head) and a tip system..he also changed the rod style to a lighter faster action rod more tip sensative....and he uses it on very small rivers..My thoughts

[jbarns]

No real reason other than I wanted a rod for Salmon and winter Steelheading...and the rod was up for sale. This is good feedback. What is so wrong with that specific rod? I have another loomis rod I'm happy with so thats where my interest came from. What is the most popular rod out there for the lower mainland?