Was able to get out last week with Eric Ishiwata and
Connor Murphy despite the breezy conditions we had a great time. Eric is very proficient with a 2 handed fly rod or spey rod as they are commonly referred to. The best part about this trip was Eric took the time to walk me through the techniques of spey casting. It was shocking to see how effortless and easy this style of casting is. Needless to say, I am hooked!
The worst part was not even the fact that I am going to have to buy a whole new setup, it’s that I will need new tying equipment and materials. I have heard a lot about tube flies and their effectiveness, but did not know much about these flies. Well once again Eric opened another chapter for me.
For those of you who do not know what tube flies are, they are exactly what they sound like. They are tied on tube instead of hook. Tubes are generally thicker than a standard hook. Tube flies have the most popularity with salmon and steelhead fisherman, but have quickly gained ground with many other species. Tube flies give the angler more options in the fact that you can change your hooks out long before the fly needs to be retired. Another benefit of a tube fly is that your fly and hook are two separate parts. With this set up you have more leverage as compared to longer shank hooks allowing you to have better hook ups along with being able to hold onto fish longer.
Fishing with a two hander has changed my perspective on fly fishing and how I would fish all together. It seems to me that there is an allure of a swung fly with the hopes of “grab” that keeps you out on the water looking for your next fix! If you ever have the opportunity to take this up I will caution you that this is very addicting and habit forming. You have been warned.
