I learned single hand spey when I was a fly fishing newbie and don't know how to overhead cast. But when I reach to intermediate, I found it is a low cost alternative solution for singlehanders who mainly use overhead cast. If somebody don't want to any overhead cast, a double hand rod is better point to start. I own 2 DH rods now, and also use my 3wt short single hand rod ,cast a 150grain scandi or skagit head for fun,mostly cast 50feet ,maximum distance maybe 65 feet with double haul, far enough.
Double handed rods are incredible! Overhead casting and double hand casting do have a lot of similarities and if you can do either proficiently, than learning the other takes no time! 50-65 is a great range and am sure you get on fish no problem! Cheers
Yet again great video,now speaking of Single Hand Skagit very versatile for larger size streamers,simply add a Scandi Head to your arsenal & all bases covered,soft hackles,small streamers yes even nymphing with a idicator if you want to,the versatility of a single trout/mirco spey system is mind blowing & not just trout either,tight lines 🤙🇺🇸
I just came across your channel and immediately subscribed. I just ordered a skagit setup for a moonshine 4wt. Thanks for the info! Curious about your sling pack. What make and model is that? I like the accessibility! Thanks!
My first fly rod was a 9' 5wt Moonshine Drifter and my casting suffered. Sold that rod and now have a 10' 3wt Echo Shadow II and a 9' 6wt Redington Wrangler. The Moonshine was like a wet noodle compared to either of those rods. Moral of the story is to stick with the trusted and proven, core fly rod manufacturers. The included extra tip and burl wood reel seat of the Moonshines are nice, but that won't do anything for you if the rod blank is garbage. Moonshine is all marketing imo. edit: Umpqua makes a similar sling pack to the one he is wearing with molle webbing and an integrated net holster that isn't too costly. 👍
It’s getting warm and slow and when you start asking for the Trico hatch you’re getting close to therapy. The speed of that stream could hide an elephant. I’m so jealous. Back home in the east, I farted it spook three fish. I think it’s time to barbecue.
Love this content. I have been thinking about jumping into the single handed skagit with my 4wt. My question is: is there any advantage to using the mono and shooting head method vs the opst integrated head?
Integrated pros: smooth transition, can strip right to the sinktip, great for tighter spots. Cons: cannot interchange heads ie switch from skagit to scandi or different Skagit density heads, once running line gets nicked(and it will), the line needs to be repaired (blood knot) or thrown out OR cut off and weld the back end of the skagit head which basically makes it like a shooting head with a running. Shooting head/running line: Pros, versatility of changing different heads and running lines, casts further, easier to repair running line if it gets nicked. Cons: clunky through guides, not ideal for tight bushy locations, can’t strip all the way in. Hope this helps🙂
@@greenhornflyhorn Thanks that's very helpful. I think was going to the shooting head route, in part for the economy of it. My next question tip length. I am mostly interest in this system because I find myself bank fishing most often. I also primarily fish for Bass, Carp and panfish. looking at the OPST tips what is the reason for choosing a long or shorty tip section?
It’s an integrated Opst skagit line meaning the skagit head and running line are all in one. I personally prefer mono running line , berkley big game 30lb to 40lb is great! The color you choose is up to you.
@ Have you tried using something like the orvis tactical nymph line for a running line? It has virtually no memory and is easier to handle than mono. Just curious if it would work.
There’s a reason for it but won’t go on record why……..😉 Also, I am using a 250Grain head but I highly recommend you follow OPST’s guidelines. My line is for a specific use that i won’t share but the use of skagit is awesome!! Hope you smash!
The idea is correct; however, the weight of your skagit line is too much. With 250 grain skagit head you can cast to 80-90ft with a 10ft switch rod. For that creek I would get a 2-3wt 7-7.5ft rod and build at most a 100-110 grain (including the tip) line (10ft thin skagit head+8ft polyleader.= very short skandi line) Your game there is in 30-40ft. You can just build your own lines from scraps.
There is a very very BIG reason I use 250grains but unfortunately cannot share that secret on this channel(too many eyes know where I am ;) ). You can use whatever you feel comfortable with. 150’s to 210’s are great for single hand. Making a head is fun(I really enjoy splicing and wielding lines) but this is beyond most Greenhorn’s capabilities. Also, most newbie anglers don’t have heavier weight spare lines kicking around. Anyways, I wish you good luck and hope this video helped you discover techniques for skagit lines🤘
@@greenhornflyhorn half the articulated streamers you talk about are essentially hair jigs I could cast them with just a leader no fly line needed. Stop misleading beginnings because you know a little about spay fishing.
I think the information supplied here is excellent. I fish a lot of small streams in Michigan and the back cast is always a problem.I would sure like to try this keep up the great videos. Tight lines to you.
Sold! My new commando smooth comes in tomorrow. I’m fired up. Thank you so much for the info.
When the 6X tangles around the double surgeon knot tag ends… I slowly melt inside and realize I chose to put myself through this.
I learned single hand spey when I was a fly fishing newbie and don't know how to overhead cast. But when I reach to intermediate, I found it is a low cost alternative solution for singlehanders who mainly use overhead cast. If somebody don't want to any overhead cast, a double hand rod is better point to start. I own 2 DH rods now, and also use my 3wt short single hand rod ,cast a 150grain scandi or skagit head for fun,mostly cast 50feet ,maximum distance maybe 65 feet with double haul, far enough.
Double handed rods are incredible! Overhead casting and double hand casting do have a lot of similarities and if you can do either proficiently, than learning the other takes no time! 50-65 is a great range and am sure you get on fish no problem! Cheers
Yet again great video,now speaking of Single Hand Skagit very versatile for larger size streamers,simply add a Scandi Head to your arsenal & all bases covered,soft hackles,small streamers yes even nymphing with a idicator if you want to,the versatility of a single trout/mirco spey system is mind blowing & not just trout either,tight lines 🤙🇺🇸
Absolutely!! I just need a little more room on the river to open up with a scandi but I completely agree with you🤘🤘
Great info! Yes i agree with you 100% skagit is so fun
I just came across your channel and immediately subscribed. I just ordered a skagit setup for a moonshine 4wt. Thanks for the info! Curious about your sling pack. What make and model is that? I like the accessibility! Thanks!
G’day,
The sling pack is from maxpedition, can’t remember the model name but they only have a couple slings to choose from.
My first fly rod was a 9' 5wt Moonshine Drifter and my casting suffered. Sold that rod and now have a 10' 3wt Echo Shadow II and a 9' 6wt Redington Wrangler. The Moonshine was like a wet noodle compared to either of those rods. Moral of the story is to stick with the trusted and proven, core fly rod manufacturers. The included extra tip and burl wood reel seat of the Moonshines are nice, but that won't do anything for you if the rod blank is garbage. Moonshine is all marketing imo.
edit: Umpqua makes a similar sling pack to the one he is wearing with molle webbing and an integrated net holster that isn't too costly. 👍
It’s getting warm and slow and when you start asking for the Trico hatch you’re getting close to therapy. The speed of that stream could hide an elephant. I’m so jealous. Back home in the east, I farted it spook three fish. I think it’s time to barbecue.
Hahah!! I wish you the best of luck🙂
Love this content. I have been thinking about jumping into the single handed skagit with my 4wt. My question is: is there any advantage to using the mono and shooting head method vs the opst integrated head?
Integrated pros: smooth transition, can strip right to the sinktip, great for tighter spots. Cons: cannot interchange heads ie switch from skagit to scandi or different Skagit density heads, once running line gets nicked(and it will), the line needs to be repaired (blood knot) or thrown out OR cut off and weld the back end of the skagit head which basically makes it like a shooting head with a running.
Shooting head/running line: Pros, versatility of changing different heads and running lines, casts further, easier to repair running line if it gets nicked.
Cons: clunky through guides, not ideal for tight bushy locations, can’t strip all the way in.
Hope this helps🙂
@@greenhornflyhorn Thanks that's very helpful. I think was going to the shooting head route, in part for the economy of it.
My next question tip length. I am mostly interest in this system because I find myself bank fishing most often. I also primarily fish for Bass, Carp and panfish. looking at the OPST tips what is the reason for choosing a long or shorty tip section?
Also, what running line are you using with the OPST?
It’s an integrated Opst skagit line meaning the skagit head and running line are all in one. I personally prefer mono running line , berkley big game 30lb to 40lb is great! The color you choose is up to you.
@
Have you tried using something like the orvis tactical nymph line for a running line? It has virtually no memory and is easier to handle than mono. Just curious if it would work.
Hmm. Not sure why the 6wt for the small stream but I’m going to grab an opst head and give it a try up here in the Sierras.
There’s a reason for it but won’t go on record why……..😉 Also, I am using a 250Grain head but I highly recommend you follow OPST’s guidelines. My line is for a specific use that i won’t share but the use of skagit is awesome!! Hope you smash!
Ohhhh reel in the sand? Ouch bud
The idea is correct; however, the weight of your skagit line is too much. With 250 grain skagit head you can cast to 80-90ft with a 10ft switch rod. For that creek I would get a 2-3wt 7-7.5ft rod and build at most a 100-110 grain (including the tip) line (10ft thin skagit head+8ft polyleader.= very short skandi line) Your game there is in 30-40ft. You can just build your own lines from scraps.
There is a very very BIG reason I use 250grains but unfortunately cannot share that secret on this channel(too many eyes know where I am ;) ). You can use whatever you feel comfortable with. 150’s to 210’s are great for single hand. Making a head is fun(I really enjoy splicing and wielding lines) but this is beyond most Greenhorn’s capabilities. Also, most newbie anglers don’t have heavier weight spare lines kicking around. Anyways, I wish you good luck and hope this video helped you discover techniques for skagit lines🤘
Literally a standard weight forward line is better for every technique beside swinging.
Nahh man. Nothing beats skagit for streamers in tight conditions.
@@greenhornflyhorn half the articulated streamers you talk about are essentially hair jigs I could cast them with just a leader no fly line needed. Stop misleading beginnings because you know a little about spay fishing.
@@Housecats_customs if you have a complaint about the information presented in this video, please send your concerns to the HR department.
I think the information supplied here is excellent. I fish a lot of small streams in Michigan and the back cast is always a problem.I would sure like to try this keep up the great videos. Tight lines to you.
@@Housecats_customs Haha.. weird flex but ok