Rémi Brien
Passionate fly fisherman, Rémi Brien runs the Salmo Nature Shop and dedicates his life to sharing his expertise and the joy of fishing with respect for nature.
SPEY CASTING DEMYSTIFIED: CHOOSING YOUR TWO-HANDED ROD FOR QUEBEC’S RIVERS
The Elegance and Power of Two-Handed Casting
Since the spring of 2020, Rémi from Boutique Salmo Nature has been sharing his passion and knowledge through a series of informative and humorous video clips, breaking down the often complex aspects of our favorite sport. Following in that tradition, we’re tackling a topic today that both fascinates and intimidates: the famous Spey rods.
You’ve likely seen them on our rivers—those anglers effortlessly wielding “long rods that touch the sky” with striking grace. You were drawn in by those seemingly effortless casts, unfolding perfect loops that cover incredible distances. The appeal is undeniable—but where to start? Switch, Full Spey, Scandi, Skagit… the vocabulary alone can feel overwhelming. The goal of this guide is simple: to demystify the world of two-handed casting and give you the tools to choose the right setup so you can fully enjoy the elegance and power of this technique.
The Two-Handed Rod Triumvirate: Which One Is Yours??
Choosing a two-handed rod starts with length, which largely determines its use and character. While a 7wt or 8wt is generally a great compromise between finesse and power for salmon, there are three main families of rods that cater to different needs.
Switch Rods (~11′): Versatility Personified
Switch rods, measuring around 11 feet, are the shortest and lightest in the Spey family. Their name “Switch” comes from their ability to switch between two casting styles: Spey casting with a water anchor, and conventional overhead casting.
This versatility makes them ideal for smaller rivers where space is sometimes limited, or for anglers looking to enter the two-handed world without fully giving up their traditional techniques. It’s an excellent choice for beginners and for those who fish a wide variety of waterways.
Full Spey Rods (13’+): Long-Distance Power
Full Spey rods are the longest, generally starting at 13 feet and reaching up to 14 or even 15 feet. They are the tool of choice for seasoned salmon anglers. Their extended length offers exceptional line control, facilitates long casts, and allows you to cover wide rivers with remarkable efficiency. A 13’6″ rod is an extremely popular and versatile choice, capable of adapting to most conditions encountered on Quebec’s salmon rivers.
Compact Spey Rods (12′ to <13′): The Strategic Hybrid
Positioned between Switch and Full Spey rods, Compact Spey rods range from 12 to just under 13 feet in length. They represent a strategic hybrid, offering the benefits of a longer Spey rod (easy, effective long-distance casting) without the bulk of the longest models. They’re lighter in hand than a Full Spey and provide greater reach and easier casting than a Switch rod. This makes them the perfect choice for anglers seeking a high-performing, comfortable tool for medium to large rivers.
Whether you’re drawn to the versatility of a Switch rod, the power of a Full Spey, or the balance of a Compact Spey, we have the perfect rod to match your style and your rivers. (Switch/Spey Rods)
Building Your Spey Setup: The Art of Balance
Success in Spey casting doesn’t rely solely on the rod. It comes from a system where each component — rod, reel, line, and leader — works in perfect harmony. Thinking in terms of a “system” is the key to building a setup that’s both high-performing and enjoyable to use. Each element must be chosen in relation to the others to allow for smooth and efficient energy transfer, from the angler’s motion all the way to the fly. It’s this synergy that makes casting feel instinctive and consistent.
The Reel: More Than Just a Line Holder
In two-handed fishing, the reel serves two critical functions. The first is obvious: storing the line and providing reliable drag. The second is more subtle but just as important: acting as a counterweight to balance the rod. A long Spey rod requires a reel with enough mass so that the balance point sits comfortably near the angler’s upper hand. While a standard reel can do the job, it often needs to be “upsized” (choosing a model rated for a higher line weight) because Spey lines are bulkier. Ideally, a reel specifically designed for Spey casting will offer both the capacity and the weight needed for optimal performance. A great rod deserves a reel that balances it perfectly. (Spey Reel II)
Scandi vs. Skagit: The Battle of the Lines, Simply Explained
Line choice is arguably the most confusing aspect for newcomers—but it’s also one of the most crucial. Spey lines have a tapered, “teardrop-shaped” profile, with most of the weight concentrated toward the rear to easily load the rod during casting. There are two main types of shooting heads:
- Scandi (Scandinavian): These heads are longer and lighter. They’re designed for the most delicate presentations and allow for the longest casting distances. Scandi lines are the go-to choice in most summer fishing conditions, especially when using small to medium-sized flies and floating leaders.
- Skagit: These heads are shorter, heavier, and more powerful. They excel when casting large, heavy flies, sink tips, or fishing in high and cold water conditions early in the season. Their power makes it easy to lift and cast bulky setups out of the water with minimal effort.
- Choosing your line is just as important as choosing your rod. Scandi for finesse, Skagit for power. (Switch/Spey Lines)
The Secret to a Great Cast: The Critical Importance of Polyleaders
The final link in the casting chain—often overlooked—is the leader. In Spey casting, anglers use polyleaders (also known as versileaders). These aren’t just regular nylon leaders; they’re made of polymer with controlled density. Their role is crucial: during the cast, when the leader touches the water to create an anchor point, the polyleader “grips” the surface far more effectively than a standard leader. This added traction helps retain all the energy within the casting loop, allowing it to unroll with greater power and control. Floating and intermediate polyleaders are the most commonly used, but sinking versions are available for deeper presentations.
- Don’t overlook the final link in the chain. A quality polyleader is the secret to perfect energy transfer. Complete your setup with our salmon and steelhead polyleaders.
Building a Setup for Gaspésie
To make all this more tangible, let’s imagine you’re preparing for a fishing trip on a large, clear river in Gaspésie, such as the Bonaventure or the York. These conditions call for long casts and delicate presentations.
- The Rod: A Full Spey rod is the ideal choice. A model like the Sage Spey R8 in 13’6″ for an #8 line would be an outstanding option, offering maximum versatility to handle the types of lines and flies the season demands.
- The Reel: To balance this rod, a well-sized reel like the Hardy Spey II would be perfect, providing the necessary weight and line capacity.
- The Line: For the finesse required, a RIO Elite Scandi Launch Shooting Head is the logical choice. It allows for smooth presentations and long-distance casts with ease.
- The Polyleader and Tippet: Complete the setup with a 10-foot RIO floating Polyleader, paired with a fluorocarbon tippet of appropriate strength.
There you have it — a perfectly balanced Spey setup, ready to take on the salmon of Gaspésie.
Spey Casting Within Your Reach
The world of Spey casting is rich and fascinating. While it may seem complex at first, it quickly becomes intuitive once you understand the logic behind the system. The key is not to stay alone with your questions. Our passion is fly fishing—but just as strong is our commitment to helping anglers make the most of their time on the water.
- The best way to choose is to feel the gear in your hands. Or, if you’re ready to dive in, (Switch/Spey Rods).
Once your Spey setup is selected, it’s time to stock your fly box…(See our products)