Great advice, I started with a Sage one 11”6’ 7wt switch for silvers and steelhead took me a while to get dialed in , then went to a Echo 11’6’ 4wt trout Spey made me slow down my cast but once dialed in is a sweet rod . Then went big for Atlantic salmon and pacific salmon but didn’t want to spend a lot knowing that I would only be doing this like once a year so I opted for the Maxcatch 13’7” 8wt again know that most of the places I would be fishing would have other rods available. To my surprise it turns out it’s a great rod for this . That all being said if I had to pick one for everything it would be the 11’6’ Sage one I’ve used it for trout ( maybe a little over gunned ) and all salmon and in some cases a little under gunned . To me the secret for all of these is the line weight you use to make them the most effective. My friend let me use his 7wt Ignitor a couple of years ago I liked it . Very interested in the Redington and TFOs . Any thoughts on TFO for trout Spey ? Thanks for sharing
Great education. I trout fish the Northeast and wouldn't need anything this powerful but Steelhead are a difference story. I've fished winter Steelies here with spinner rods and was very successful but fly fishing them was always my dream. I think it's great advice to start with a looser rod and focus on shorter casts to improve casting technic. I've used both in trout fishing and developed timing over the years so; a faster rod is my go to (euro nymphing is the opposite IMHO). It looks like the Chromer might be my speed to start. Thank you so much for this very clear narrative!
I really enjoy your videos and appreciate the knowledge shared. I have an older Anderson Custom Rod, 13’ 9” 7wt. Love the feel but it is really heavy. I fish the American River in Sacramento and would primarily go for winter steelhead, shad and summer half pounders. We do get Chinook but I’ve never fished for them. Anyhow I’m looking at the Sage X, Sage Igniter and the Winston Air TH all in 13’ 7 wt. I’m fairly new to Spey casting. Appreciate your thoughts on the 3 rods. Thank you.
I use acr rods but if you’re looking at one of the sages go igniter all day. I too fish the American and am a local to the area. I’ve gotten to swing that igniter and that things an amazing rod to throw.
Pardon my ignorance I am new to fly fishing. How is your line set up? Do you have backing to fly libe, to a leader, to a line strike indicator to a tippet? I like that large orange segment on the reddington.
Happy to help. So on the reel we run backing, then a thin line called a running or shooting line. Then we have a Skagit head that is loop to loop connected to the running line. The run sink tips off the Skagit line and about 3-4" of tippet off of those. This system is designed for swinging flies, doesn't work well with strike indicators. And the orange line you're referring to is the Skagit line.
I have a LTS 13.6 #9 weight who i use inn a smal salmon river, i think its a little overkill. Some kind of a smaler switch rod be nice i think. Good info videos
Please recommend a rod weight and length for Northern California Surf Stripers and river Steelhead (like the Eel river). Thank you for your explanation.
Probably have to go with a 7wt. You might consider a switch rod at 11' 6" , but a 12' 6" full spey would do the trick as well and probably be more comfortable on the eel. 👍
Thanks for all the great videos, the reel you have on that rod appears to be Sage Spey, is it a 6/8 or a 7/9? Does that reel balance well on the Chromer?
It's a 6/8 reel. It balances well on the Chromer. Typically the 13' 7wt mark is where you'll want to consider getting the 7/9 reel. A 13' 8wt rod would fit well with the 7/9 reel - for example. But a 12'6" 7wt Chromer pairs pretty darn well with the 6/8 reel.
In terms of spey, it is a fast rod. But relative to a single hand rod no - you will find a good deal more flex through the blank than in the single hand version.
Which rod would you recommend for the upper Delaware river system. I was looking at the Pieroway Renegade rods. Largest fish rarely exceed 24" and the average is between 14" and 18"
I have a question for you I live in British Columbia and I'm looking to get into space fishing I fly fish Lots but normally when I fish steelhead and salmon I've used a baitcaster but I'm giving up fishing with that kind of gear now and I fish like the Fraser turn on Vancouver Island Campbell River what length of Rod should I go with
7/8 weight, 13’ to 13’3. Medium Fast to Fast action. On a budget, I would recommend an Echo TR, 7130 or a used Winston BIIx. if money is no problem, go with Sage, Winston or Burkheimer. (generally, I buy used and have had great luck). Tight Lines!
Great video, thank you! There are several other kinds of double handed rod brands out there. Moonshine rods make a real good brand with an extra tip section and a lifetime warranty with a good blue collar price!! Anyway.. two questions for you.. one.. on your Sage, what exact lines do you have loaded on your reel, and two....I have a Winston Nimbus, 13'-9". 8wt. Med/fast action, paired with a 9/10 wt Sage, large arbor reel. I've been fly fishing my whole life (41 now) but I'm new this year with a double hand and having difficulty getting down a proper single Spey cast or snap t. I've watched all the videos. I have a Skagit set up on my reel now. Mono green laser line, with commando shooting head, slow sinking line and leader/tippit. I live in Maine and fish mostly for Stripers and landlocked Salmon. First...is the line set up I have appropriate and also, what is the best way to learn these casting techniques besides just standing in the water doing it.. doing it wrong. I did notice it was a little easier without the sinking line attached. But my cast still sucks. I know this is a bit loaded but I'll take whatever tips I can get.. thanks!
Hey Dylan! I am fairy new to the Spey game but definitely have some thoughts on your comment. First, if you had your local fly guide recommend your rig it’s probably well balanced. When I started I wondered forever if there was something wrong with my setup. There isn’t. Many enjoyable hours of practice and some eurika moments are required. I also started with a skagit setup (now that I understand more about Spey skagit as a learning rig makes sense). But I began with a 7wt switch rod and the 20’ 350 gr vision hybrid with 10’ tips (for pacific salmon). A 8wt full Spey sounds a tad large for landlocked salmon and stripped bass (I am from New Brunswick just north of you FYI). But in Spey I think the water your fishing on matters more. If you are fishing big coastal rivers your set up would be a lot of fun. I am from the east but living/fishing in the Yukon and SE Alaska now.
But you NEED your sinking tip. It adds a lot of the stick you need for not blowing your anchor. If it’s a really heavy tip you may need to roll cast it to the surface before setting up with snap T. Start with small flies. I also exclusively started with snap T. The biggest mistake I made was setting a snap T and trying to cast out 90 degrees. It doesn’t work. You must (roughly) obey the 180 rule. Learn the Perry poke!! Its more moves to set up but it’s sets your cast for 90 degrees and A LOT more distance.
Actually, now that I reread, the commando heads are known to be a bit short. If its loop to loop might be cheap to grab a longer skagit head for learning purposes. The commando smooth?
@@rossstorey2750 ps... I've been thinking about wanting to move to New Brunswick. Mainly for being able to fish more salmon lol. But how is living up there? And I got this particular double hand rod because I've never had a "high end" rod before and I got a deal for this one.. 400 bucks! 300 for the reel! Not too shabby if you ask me. Lol
Great review but what I’m missing is the line part . Do these rods do equally good with both scandi and Skagit heads ? Or is another part that needs to be factored in ? The reason I ask is I have two switch rod a 7wt sage one and 4wt Echo trout Spey both are 11”6” and I have them set up with OPST Skagit heads and they cast great I tried a scandi on my 7wt and find it difficult to cast . Please enlighten me on what these rods cast best with . It seams to me in my limited experience line weight and type are very important to how the rod preforms .Thanks for the video it was very informative.
Ah! Hey Mike ! Apologize for the late reply!! Great question. The Dually is a good stick for both Skagit & Scandi for sure. Not really another part that needs to be factored in, just make sure you are using the correct line weight to match the rod. I have a line to recommend for your 11 foot switch rod & Trout spey that you will absolutely love! It's a very compact scandi and is a dream to cast on shorter rods.
❓ YOU ❓ GUYS ❓ AND ❓ YOUR ❓ PROPER ❓ OUTFITS ❓❓❓❓😂 I'VE NEVER SPENT OVER $100 FOR A ROD.....QUIT TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BUY 2,3,4,5, AND $1,000 RODS 👎👎👎😡😡😡...
I made the mistake of buying a 14’ 10wt for my first spey rod. Wish I had this advice 25 years ago.
Great video bud. I fish the Dually every October in the Kenai and it is a solid rod. Keep these super simple, informative videos coming. Thank you
Thank you!
Great advice, I started with a Sage one 11”6’ 7wt switch for silvers and steelhead took me a while to get dialed in , then went to a Echo 11’6’ 4wt trout Spey made me slow down my cast but once dialed in is a sweet rod . Then went big for Atlantic salmon and pacific salmon but didn’t want to spend a lot knowing that I would only be doing this like once a year so I opted for the Maxcatch 13’7” 8wt again know that most of the places I would be fishing would have other rods available. To my surprise it turns out it’s a great rod for this . That all being said if I had to pick one for everything it would be the 11’6’ Sage one I’ve used it for trout ( maybe a little over gunned ) and all salmon and in some cases a little under gunned . To me the secret for all of these is the line weight you use to make them the most effective. My friend let me use his 7wt Ignitor a couple of years ago I liked it . Very interested in the Redington and TFOs . Any thoughts on TFO for trout Spey ? Thanks for sharing
Great education. I trout fish the Northeast and wouldn't need anything this powerful but Steelhead are a difference story. I've fished winter Steelies here with spinner rods and was very successful but fly fishing them was always my dream. I think it's great advice to start with a looser rod and focus on shorter casts to improve casting technic. I've used both in trout fishing and developed timing over the years so; a faster rod is my go to (euro nymphing is the opposite IMHO). It looks like the Chromer might be my speed to start. Thank you so much for this very clear narrative!
Take a look at the Claymore if you are zeroing in on a spey rod. It is the evolution of the Chromer series. Great rod for the money!
I really enjoy your videos and appreciate the knowledge shared. I have an older Anderson Custom Rod, 13’ 9” 7wt. Love the feel but it is really heavy. I fish the American River in Sacramento and would primarily go for winter steelhead, shad and summer half pounders. We do get Chinook but I’ve never fished for them.
Anyhow I’m looking at the Sage X, Sage Igniter and the Winston Air TH all in 13’ 7 wt. I’m fairly new to Spey casting. Appreciate your thoughts on the 3 rods.
Thank you.
I use acr rods but if you’re looking at one of the sages go igniter all day. I too fish the American and am a local to the area. I’ve gotten to swing that igniter and that things an amazing rod to throw.
@@bfarebro308 Thanks for the feedback. What rod/reel do you use on the American?
Pardon my ignorance I am new to fly fishing. How is your line set up? Do you have backing to fly libe, to a leader, to a line strike indicator to a tippet? I like that large orange segment on the reddington.
Happy to help. So on the reel we run backing, then a thin line called a running or shooting line. Then we have a Skagit head that is loop to loop connected to the running line. The run sink tips off the Skagit line and about 3-4" of tippet off of those. This system is designed for swinging flies, doesn't work well with strike indicators. And the orange line you're referring to is the Skagit line.
I have a LTS 13.6 #9 weight who i use inn a smal salmon river, i think its a little overkill. Some kind of a smaler switch rod be nice i think. Good info videos
Please recommend a rod weight and length for Northern California Surf Stripers and river Steelhead (like the Eel river). Thank you for your explanation.
Probably have to go with a 7wt. You might consider a switch rod at 11' 6" , but a 12' 6" full spey would do the trick as well and probably be more comfortable on the eel. 👍
Thanks for all the great videos, the reel you have on that rod appears to be Sage Spey, is it a 6/8 or a 7/9? Does that reel balance well on the Chromer?
It's a 6/8 reel. It balances well on the Chromer. Typically the 13' 7wt mark is where you'll want to consider getting the 7/9 reel. A 13' 8wt rod would fit well with the 7/9 reel - for example. But a 12'6" 7wt Chromer pairs pretty darn well with the 6/8 reel.
Great info in your videos, thank you
That was very helpful and awesome casting, BTW. Thank you.
Is the Igniter as stiff as its single-handed counterpart?
In terms of spey, it is a fast rod. But relative to a single hand rod no - you will find a good deal more flex through the blank than in the single hand version.
Ashland FlyShop Thank you. I own a 9wt Igniter although haven’t cast it yet. Bought it for saltwater...
Which rod would you recommend for the upper Delaware river system. I was looking at the Pieroway Renegade rods. Largest fish rarely exceed 24" and the average is between 14" and 18"
The renegade rods would be great! I'd probably go with the 6wt
Whats the difference In spey and switch rods and how can you tell the difference
Switch rods are shorter in length, typically 10-12 feet long. Spey rods are 12' and up.
@@ashlandflyshop770 what about anything shorter?for example a 8 wt 9 foot orvis Clearwater setup
@@po3014 That would be a singlehanded rod.
Marcus Great Review thank you
The Vermonter
Thank you! Glad you liked it!
What would you recommend for michigan steelhead and salmon.
How big are the fish you are catching out there?
I have a question for you I live in British Columbia and I'm looking to get into space fishing I fly fish Lots but normally when I fish steelhead and salmon I've used a baitcaster but I'm giving up fishing with that kind of gear now and I fish like the Fraser turn on Vancouver Island Campbell River what length of Rod should I go with
7/8 weight, 13’ to 13’3. Medium Fast to Fast action. On a budget, I would recommend an Echo TR, 7130 or a used Winston BIIx. if money is no problem, go with Sage, Winston or Burkheimer. (generally, I buy used and have had great luck). Tight Lines!
I'd recommend a 12'6"-13' 7wt as your first rod for those rivers.
Imagine spey casting in space, so elegant and swirly!
7:07 “Let’s get right in that!”
Hahaha
What head are you using with the igniter?
RIO Skagit Max 525gr
lmao - i was about to go all out on you untill you said spey rod's where as i thought you where showcasing Trout spey rod's.
Great video, thank you! There are several other kinds of double handed rod brands out there. Moonshine rods make a real good brand with an extra tip section and a lifetime warranty with a good blue collar price!! Anyway.. two questions for you.. one.. on your Sage, what exact lines do you have loaded on your reel, and two....I have a Winston Nimbus, 13'-9". 8wt. Med/fast action, paired with a 9/10 wt Sage, large arbor reel. I've been fly fishing my whole life (41 now) but I'm new this year with a double hand and having difficulty getting down a proper single Spey cast or snap t. I've watched all the videos. I have a Skagit set up on my reel now. Mono green laser line, with commando shooting head, slow sinking line and leader/tippit. I live in Maine and fish mostly for Stripers and landlocked Salmon. First...is the line set up I have appropriate and also, what is the best way to learn these casting techniques besides just standing in the water doing it.. doing it wrong. I did notice it was a little easier without the sinking line attached. But my cast still sucks. I know this is a bit loaded but I'll take whatever tips I can get.. thanks!
Hey Dylan! I am fairy new to the Spey game but definitely have some thoughts on your comment. First, if you had your local fly guide recommend your rig it’s probably well balanced. When I started I wondered forever if there was something wrong with my setup. There isn’t. Many enjoyable hours of practice and some eurika moments are required. I also started with a skagit setup (now that I understand more about Spey skagit as a learning rig makes sense). But I began with a 7wt switch rod and the 20’ 350 gr vision hybrid with 10’ tips (for pacific salmon). A 8wt full Spey sounds a tad large for landlocked salmon and stripped bass (I am from New Brunswick just north of you FYI). But in Spey I think the water your fishing on matters more. If you are fishing big coastal rivers your set up would be a lot of fun. I am from the east but living/fishing in the Yukon and SE Alaska now.
But you NEED your sinking tip. It adds a lot of the stick you need for not blowing your anchor. If it’s a really heavy tip you may need to roll cast it to the surface before setting up with snap T. Start with small flies. I also exclusively started with snap T. The biggest mistake I made was setting a snap T and trying to cast out 90 degrees. It doesn’t work. You must (roughly) obey the 180 rule. Learn the Perry poke!! Its more moves to set up but it’s sets your cast for 90 degrees and A LOT more distance.
Actually, now that I reread, the commando heads are known to be a bit short. If its loop to loop might be cheap to grab a longer skagit head for learning purposes. The commando smooth?
@@rossstorey2750 The commando IS a smooth loop to loop, but I've thought about getting a longer shooting head. This one is 8-10 feet long I believe
@@rossstorey2750 ps... I've been thinking about wanting to move to New Brunswick. Mainly for being able to fish more salmon lol. But how is living up there? And I got this particular double hand rod because I've never had a "high end" rod before and I got a deal for this one.. 400 bucks! 300 for the reel! Not too shabby if you ask me. Lol
Great review but what I’m missing is the line part . Do these rods do equally good with both scandi and Skagit heads ? Or is another part that needs to be factored in ? The reason I ask is I have two switch rod a 7wt sage one and 4wt Echo trout Spey both are 11”6” and I have them set up with OPST Skagit heads and they cast great I tried a scandi on my 7wt and find it difficult to cast . Please enlighten me on what these rods cast best with . It seams to me in my limited experience line weight and type are very important to how the rod preforms .Thanks for the video it was very informative.
Ah! Hey Mike ! Apologize for the late reply!! Great question. The Dually is a good stick for both Skagit & Scandi for sure. Not really another part that needs to be factored in, just make sure you are using the correct line weight to match the rod.
I have a line to recommend for your 11 foot switch rod & Trout spey that you will absolutely love! It's a very compact scandi and is a dream to cast on shorter rods.
what reel is on the igniter
That's a Hardy Bougle 4"
www.ashlandflyshop.com/products/hardy-bougle-fly-reel
Yes I would like to be in your world, 1200 for your first fly rood 🤣🧐
Just get the best rod you can afford. That is all . 👍
❓ YOU ❓ GUYS ❓ AND ❓ YOUR ❓ PROPER ❓ OUTFITS ❓❓❓❓😂 I'VE NEVER SPENT OVER $100 FOR A ROD.....QUIT TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BUY 2,3,4,5, AND $1,000 RODS 👎👎👎😡😡😡...
Buy an expensive rod. Cast it. Catch with it. And then edit your comment.