March 01, 2013
By Fly Fisherman
One of the most complicated aspects of two-handed rods is line selection. There is such a wide variety of choices for switch and Spey rods that the process often leaves fly fishers feeling confused and discouraged. And if you don't have the right line, the best two-handed rod in the world won't do you a bit of good.
There has been a rapid evolution of lines for two-handed rods in the last ten years. Historically, Spey lines were designed with a long belly and a taper that was similar to a double-taper line. This style of line was mainly used to fish a fly on or near the surface, and to be cast using a long two-handed rod with slow, methodical casting movements.
Today, lines are manufactured for more specific fishing situations. Head lengths are generally shorter and designed in a manner similar to a weight-forward taper.
Top Spey Line Options
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Airflo ---Skagit Compact — 540 grain $55
The Skagit compact varies in head length from 22.5' to 27' depending on the grain weight. I used the 540-grain, which is 25 feet. All Airflo lines have a marking printed into the tip loop denoting the type of line and grain weight. This makes it easy to keep multiple lines and heads organized. Airflo heads are packed in a Ziploc sleeve with two reinforced holes that can be placed in a two-ring binder for storage. The Airflo compact Skagit is an impressive and versatile line. While it casts smoothly with tight loops when using lighter tips, the head is also capable of maintaining tight casting loops with a heavy 15-foot length of T-17 and a weighted fly. Airflo also has a Skagit line with an intermediate front taper to assist in avoiding the effects of uneven surface currents, and for attaining even greater depth.
Cortland ---Precision Tri-Color Spey Medium Belly — WF8F $65
The Precision medium belly line has a rather long head for a 'medium ' line — at 65 feet it requires a longer rod and more precise casting movements. The good news is that it casts fine even when the entire head is not out of the rod tip. It has a slick coating and is a good line for covering big water on or near the surface while keeping line stripping to a minimum.
Orvis ---Hydros 3D Skagit Multi-Tip Line — 400 grain $160
The Orvis Skagit Multi-Tip is a full line with an integrated running line. It is available in grain weights from 360 to 640 and has a head length which varies by grain weight from 20' to 25'. I used the 400-grain line on a switch rod, and found it loaded easily and created a smooth loop with little effort. The line type and grain weight are printed on the line. The Orvis Skagit Multi-Tip includes four tips ranging from floating to Type 8 although it handles even heavier tips. The running line has the Hydros 3D microtexture, but the head does not. This gives the handling line a rough feeling, but it also reduces friction in the guides so you can shoot farther.
Hardy ---Mach Spey 55 Intermediate Tip — 8 $100
Hardy produces a wide range of Mach Spey lines in both 55' and 65' heads. I used the 55' and found it generated significant line speeds and easily put a deep load in the rod. The clear intermediate head on this line is a stealthy way to present the fly below the surface, however it took a little time and sometimes an extra roll cast to bring the entire head to the surface to make to next cast. The Mach Spey 55 and 65 is offered in full floating, full intermediate and a range of full sinking heads as well as intermediate tip and a range of sinking tips.
hardynorthamerica.com
Rio ---Skagit Flight Head — 525 grain $50
The Skagit Flight Head varies in length from 22' to 31' depending on grain weight. I cast the 525-grain head, which is 25.5'. The Skagit Flight represents the next generation in Skagit design, with a more subtle front taper and a very smooth feel for a Skagit line. The Flight is capable of small, tight loops but has all the benefits of a Skagit line, and handles heavy tips and weighted flies with ease. The grain weight of the head is printed on the line for easy organization.
Scientific Anglers ---Skagit Extreme Head — 520 grain $54
The Skagit Extreme Head varies in length from 18' to 29' depending on grain weight. The 520-grain version is 23'. Scientific Anglers was a little slower than some line manufacturers to offer shorter-head lines, but have made up nicely as this line clearly hits the mark, and loads the rod deeply for powerful casts. The head handles a wide range of tips and weighted flies. The printed SA ID on the line denotes the type of line, grain weight, and indicates which end to loop to the running line and which to the tip. It's the best line ID system on the market. The Skagit Extreme Head is sold floating or as an intermediate head for attaining greater depth.
Vision ---Slide Spey Tip $130
Vision is a company from Finland that not many fly fishers in North America have heard of. They have a full line of fishing products from boots and waders to rods and reels — and they are quickly becoming famous for their Spey lines, which have excellent applications on this side of the pond. The Slide Spey Tip is a midlength head line with four interchangeable tips — floating, clear intermediate, Type 3, and Type 7. The head varies from 44' to 54' depending on the line weight. The Slide Spey is a smooth-casting line that feels good on short casts as well as over long distances. It generates good line speed and small loops, and is an excellent example of a modern line that can literally do it all.
