Spey Casting - Managing Running Line

[@jeffreyleslie6222]

Great info! I would love to see a shooting line "shoot out." Would love to see your opinion of some of the new lines on the market vs. the trusty Big game!

[@jamesfritch2822]

Just got my 1st Switch rod in the mail today (Fenwick 6/7 weight 11' 1'')! I can't wait to get to the river and work on my two handed casting techniques. Thank you for sharing (with us) what you have learned.

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Awesome James. Great choice! Let us all know how it goes and holler if I can be of any help! Thanks for the comment buddy!

[@MarkHous]

After a couple of months I suggest pinching the barbs and wearing a buff to protect your neck. I gave myself a nice welt last weekend while practicing. And as LSJ says, “low and slow”. As soon as I go big it all goes to hell.

[@kd7066]

Thanks for all the videos

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Your so welcome, I really appreciate the acknowledgment!

[@alkinceratfafterthefly6284]

Hey, I'm finally getting the snap T on the micro skagit. It's not commando. I made it by cutting a 30 feet shooting head from maxcatch and shortened it up to about 13 feet. And it does pretty good. Using 30 pound trilene big game and it's doing surprisingly good too. I guess I'm building my casting up to when I do break down and purchase the OPST micro skagit and lazar line. Hopefully it will be a pleasant transition when I do.

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Hey Alan, that'es great. I have done that quite a few times myself. I've made some real screamers buy chopping up lines like that. Even shorter and heavier to match the Rio Skagit trout max, Works really great and saves money for other stuff! Great comment buddy

[@alkinceratfafterthefly6284]

LineSpeedJedi now if I could catch some bass on it. I've caught nothing but catfish on the fly. It is fun. I call the cats the trout of the south because we don't have trout around here.

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

@@alkinceratfafterthefly6284 That is awesome! I didnt realize catfish would eat a fly until recently. That is so cool. Hope you catch some big bass! That would be a hoot!

[@jackwrademaker7430]

Great tips on line control

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

thanks Jack!

[@christophermuise5067]

Revisting running lines and options would be good 2024

[@codyunczur7527]

I let my mono running line lay in the water, as long as the situation allows. Gives just enough drag to keep the loop stable. If I need to hold loops, I keep it to 2 loops, 6 strips each max. I've tried more loops with fewer strips, progressive loops (5 strips, 4 strips, 3 strips, etc.) and even twisting coils like climbing ropes, but all tend to cause more tangles than just keeping it simple.

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Great advice Cody! My findings are pretty much the same. Keep it simple! Thanks for weighing in. Great info for new casters!

[@alkinceratfafterthefly6284]

Every now and then I get a good shoot with the berkley big game 30 pound test on my 9'6" five weight. But I get a tangle every so often right at the first strip guide.

[@lesterma1608]

Great vid as usual!

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Thank you Lester. Glad you enjoyed it and thankyou for always watching buddy!

[@laurieharper1526]

I find mono running line also tangles due to twists (which seem to be there straight off the spool, no matter how you wind it onto the reel). It's a bit of a pain to do, but I like to pull it off the reel in a straight line (over grass, not water) and spend a few minutes taking the twists out.

[@SeriousAthletes]

Laurie Harper doesn’t it get twisted from fishing?

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Thanks Laurie! excellent suggestion, I will make a point to try it! Thank you very much for watching and weighing with a good tip!

[@laurieharper1526]

@@SeriousAthletes It does. I've found full fly lines get twisted, too. Perhaps it's the way I cast, but I find I have to straighten/untwist them after I've been fishing for a while. I'd expect that with a spey rod - it seems reasonable that bringing the rod round in a semi-circle before launching the cast would put a twist in the line. Perhaps the action of larger sunk flies or lures in the water on the retrieve/swing adds to the problem. However, I find it happens with my single handers as well. Very annoying, having made a decent cast, to have the line lying on the water in spirals.

[@SeriousAthletes]

Laurie Harper agreed Laurie, I have the same problems with my running mono and regularly have to untwist it by rotating the rod in my hand (see Ed Ward video on untwisting line). I’ve had little luck keeping the excess line in my fingers and releasing during the forward stroke but I guess I need more practice if the Jedi can do it 😌

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Hey Laurie and SeriousAthletes, I do not have a problem with twists in running line because I rarely if ever do a circle C cast or similar! I like to Perry Poke and Double Spey and single Spey and rarely experience twists. Circle C after Cricle C after Circle C may the reason for the twists. Its just my preference. Play with it and see ir that helps. But I understand its not everybodies cup of Tea. Thank you both Very much for weighing in !!!

[@lesterma1608]

Managed line works great! My problem is the line is low on the cast and doesn’t have the high flight! The head lands first, then the sink tip and leader. Should I stop my forward cast earlier?

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Lester Ma hmmm. Not sure. I would have to see it. Send me a video and I’ll take a look [e-mail]

[@frenchcleat]

great instruction

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Thanks much! 🙏

[@joek.9581]

Wondering if a microswivel would help prevent twisting in the running line.

[@amberTrichome]

Should the running line be stretched each outing? Thank you for the super informative videos!

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Yes if needed. Sometimes if my mono running line is still wet from the previous outing it does not need much stretching if any. it absorbs water and that limbers it up quiet a bit!

[@seatroutsilveronthefly5996]

Which running line do you use? I hold my running line with my upper hand on the rod instead. Or sometimes i use a Flexi stripper! Most of the cast it runs out perfect. I use Guideline Compline as a running line.

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Thanks! I use Varivas Airs for special occasions but normally 40 pound Berkley big game. It shoots good and its cheap but rides deeper in the water than Varivas!

[@briantalbot7929]

Tim question, what weight head would you use 50 pound mono running line with?

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Probably heavier shooting heads for bigger fish but it should work on lighter heads as well although you might loose a little distance but it will be easier to handle. I generally use 40 but 50 should be fine for all practical purposes.

[@briantalbot7929]

@@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins i have a 400 grain shooting head so i was curious cuz i had a spare spool of 50 laying around so I wanted to know if it would work instead of going out and buying 40 pound

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

@@briantalbot7929 absolutely!!!! You’ll be just fine with 50lbs!!!

[@briantalbot7929]

@@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins thank you Tim

[@niall441]

I'm using a Rio Powerflex Max shoooting line.030 and that's blazing out!! i just use finger loops 5, 4 3 or what ever down.Mono jedi seems a bit harsh on the fingers and i can't get a proper grip on the line but different strokes for different folks! 'one mans meat is another mans poison!!' but there is nothing worse than running line flowing down the river in fast current , might just use a line basket for some places . But i need 150m of run line now days at least!!

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Thanks niall441 I agree. go with what floats your boat! I will have to try the Rio Powerflex Max sometime! Sounds like great stuff. Thanks for the great advice for people looking for the perfect running line.

[@fishingreporter2784]

Interesting the competition casters seems do not hold run line in loops. I don't use mono anymore. it is hard to manage the coils all the time

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Yes, comp casters use Varivas running line which floats or stays high in the water column. Normal mono absorbs water and sinks. Varivas Airs is better, that is untill it wears out! And its expensive! But shoots like a mutha! But coated lines are nice! I agree! Thanks for weighing in. Good advice! Thanks!

[@fishingreporter2784]

@@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins I will try a big spinning reel with a bunch of 15lb powerpro as running line one day.

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

@@fishingreporter2784 Hey buddy, I did that. the results were ok but nothing really earth shattering. Give it a go and share your findings with the rest of us~ Thanks for weighing in buddy!!!! Good to hear from you.

[@tysonseafoot7834]

Fishing Reporter 30 - 40 lb mono works good as running line

[@octobergold5356]

Do you ever use coated running line? I understand it’s a disadvantage for casting distance. It was recommended to me here in mi for handling in freezing temps, wondering if it tangles less also

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Yes I do. All running lines seem to tangle some. Keeping it clean and using dressing will help it shoot and keep it from tangling too much. I love mono though!

[@watersprite7983]

I only use the coated running line in the winter as it is easier to grip, the mono just seems to be so much harder to hold on to. And yes, it doesn't cast as far as the mono, but none of mine go very far anyway. Ha! Oh yeah, it does tangle less for me, but I am constantly spinning out the coiling/twists that occur. Seems I have enough handicaps without wanting to add that to my casting.

[@jensebert8721]

Is a open Line Basket not better for Linemanagment ?

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Probably!

[@MrGreegor69]

I hate mono running line because of the handling of it. I use Rio connect core in .42 & it’s great. Probably doesn’t shoot as far but a lot easier to handle..

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Sounds like great stuff ! Thanks for the recommendation

[@watersprite7983]

For me, there is a time for each of the running lines. I prefer the mono for casting my 7 wt. in the better weather, but turn to the connect-core when I switch to my bigger 9wt. and the sloppy, cold weather of Fall and Winter. The mono shoots so much better and is great for Spring and Summer, when my hands aren't frozen and numb, but it is a dog in the Winter as I keep losing/dropping it as I coil the line in preparation to cast, partly due to the thinness, partly due to the sinking of it and the drag created, and partly because my hands are so numb. In Winter the coated line is sooo much easier to handle, it's thicker and floats. Doesn't cast as far for me but I'm not all that concerned with distance.

[@steveevans424]

Good morning, I'm on my way out the door with my switch -scandi to the upper Rouge river "winks"

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

U dog

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Any luck on the upper Rouge today Steve?

[@steveevans424]

@@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins 1 lost take down (( dull hook )) lol.

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Yup! Guilty of the same thing! I pack a little file. I'm getting better at using it. But I get in a hurry and a bit compulsive when I fish!!!! Thanks Bro.

[@MarkHous]

I am traveling from CO to Bellingham tomorrow for my first attempt at river fishing with my switch rod. I will be putting all of LSJ’s wisdom to use on the Skagit, Sauk, and a few other rivers for next two weeks.

[@colinchisholm300]

If he wants to learn how Spey cast he should come to Scotland. Video is utter tosh.

[@LineSpeedJediTimRawlins]

Cant argue with that. Those Scotts are studs!