Two-hand Overhead Casting Discussion and Demonstration

Andrew Moy discusses setting up a two-hand rod for overhead casting, it's uses and effectiveness, and demonstrates the cast. Two Hand overhead rods are extremely efficient at accomplishing long casts with minimal effort for a variety of fishing situations in both fresh and saltwater. These rods and casts are ideal for stripers, blues, albacore, snook, tarpon, roosterfish, freshwater bass, and a multitude of other species.
www.TightLinesFlyFishing.com
Thank you for watching and please subcribe!

[@patricksharimccarthy9495]

Another great video! Always love visiting tight lines In Parsippany!!

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi Patrick. Thank you! We appreciate your support!

[@fmrphoto]

Thanks for the very informative video. I would love to see a video on line management in use with a stripping basket. Cheers.

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi, thank you. We are going to be doing an on the water video in regards to line mangement with and without a basket, hopefully soon. Thank you for watching.

[@justinshilton5411]

@@TightLinesinNJ I second that! Would love to see more beach videos and stripping basket techniques would be awesome.

[@DylanWOWilliams]

I use mono on my trout Spey and light steelhead, but stick with coated line when fishing for bigger species after I had a big steelhead burn my fingers in the mono before I could get him on the reel. I’m really interested in beach fishing as I visit the west and south coast often. I also live near the fifth deepest lake in North America and I want to try casting from the shore line and give the boat a rest(gets me home quicker, makes my wife happier, haha). So, thank you for this video. I’ve found it helpful.

[@TightLinesinNJ]

THANK YOU. I appreciate your interest and feedback- Andrew

[@jklavarta53]

Your videos are very helpful thanks for sharing your knowledge on two handed rods. I have been using a Spey rod for about ten years and recently purchased a switch rod mostly for overhead casting and was surprised to find that it’s going to take some real practice to get my timing right . My 7 wt. switch is lined with OPST running line and 30’ of t14 and about every 7 or 8 th cast it feels right and shoots over a 100’ but I am not consistent but I am determined again thanks for sharing.

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Thank you for watching and great to hear you're enjoying. What are you using the setup for? Do you need 30' of T-14? (sinks very quickly). I'm not suggesting that you don't need or shouldn't use T-14, I'm just curious to know what you're using it for. I know many people suggest T-14 as a shooting head, but maybe for the fishing application it isn't right. Also, you may find it nicer to cast a true fly line or a head setup like we talked about in the video. The problem with something like T-14 in a straight length, is that there is no taper and they tend to not fly as nice as a true tapered line or head. I find that the taper of a fly line is important because there should always be more mass pushing less mass. This will make the fly line "fly" nicer and make the cast feel more smooth and turn over better. For example I can rememeber using 10 feet of T-8 as a tip one time and it was too thin with no taper and it just wouldn't turn over well at all. Switched to a poly leader that was similar in diameter, but with a taper and what a difference! The performance jumped immediately. So, I'm wondering if your fishing situation is one that you could switch to a head with a taper that might fly better for you. In terms of improving the cast (and you mentioned how some go out far and feel right), I would consider what I mentioned to C Matt below, and that is to slow down and focus on making one slow fluid cast with the most powerful part of the cast the end of the forward cast. Power is a relative thing; you want to make sure you are focused on stopping and not pushing through your forward stroke, because you must "end" in order to release the energy built into the rod. So smooth short strokes with focus on a short powerful ending to your forward stroke may help. Please fell free to call or message me with questions 973 979 7600. Thank you, Andrew

[@cinnamonchallenge1030]

What skagit line do you use

[@cliffords9422]

I have found when beach casting that oftentimes the stripers will come in very close to shore following a fly. Especially at night. Using an integrated shooting head is easier to deal with in terms of stripping in line and recasting , sometimes you can strip almost everything into the stripping guides. You do lose the flexibility of changing to different weighted heads but it does make life easier.

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Thank you for the response Clifford. Yes, stripers are often in the wash or right at your feet, so it is important to strip all of the way in. I have found most of the loops today come into the guides well without getting hung up. At night I like the loops because I can feel and hear when the loop is just outside the rod tip when recasting. The issue with integrated lines is two fold. One, there are not many good integrated lines made in high grain weights and two, as you suggested, you loose some flexibility in terms of being able to chage from say a floating head to an intermediate, etc. If someone was to decide they don't like the loops, there is also the option of splicing the two together.

[@MarcTelesha]

I actually like the audible sound when I am night fishing. When night fishing I tend to never look at where I am actually casting so it is a benifit for me.

[@LouisianaSpey]

I salt water fish for 30lb bull reds in South west louisiana. I wouldn't dare use my 5wt switch rod, I have been using a 8wt TFO and it's great. But because of all the beach goers the back cast is difficult at times. I'm looking for a fast/extra fast action spey rods.

[@jimelmore9728]

I use a 6wt for slot red and trout in Fla. I can’t imagine a 30 pound bull picking up my fly. But this 2 handed 10 wt would be fun.

[@TightLinesinNJ]

There are several rods that would be good for spey casting for bull reds. An 8 weight spey will have much more power then an 8 weight single hand, so if your TFO single hand is good for your reds, then an 8 weight switch or spey will handle them well. A rod with too stiff of an action would end up being a better overheading rod, then a spey rod. I would look for a rod that has a moderate-fast action, that has plenty of power for reds, but will also load easy with a spey style cast. If rods are too stiff they tend not to spey cast as well. For this type of fishing (similar to our striper fishing in the NE), I like rods that are 11-12 foot or so because they are lighter and easier to handle and with the shorter heads used for this fishing, have plenty of length for making long distant spey and overhead casts. Examples of good rods for this application: (moderate price points) TFO LK Legacy 12' 8wt, Echo Compact Spey 12' 8wt, Echo Beach 12'2" 8 or 9wt, (higher end) G Loomis NRX Switch 11' 8wt, Beulah Opal Surf 11' 7-8wt (more powerful then it sounds, the 7-8 is like a 10 weight single hand in terms of fish fighting power. While the 9-10 is a great over-heading rod, it is a bit too stiff for spey casting unless you really overload it). If you have further questions you can also call me at 973-979-7600 or email [e-mail] Thanks for watching! Andrew

[@MarcTelesha]

I am looking for a muskie two hand rod to fish the Susquehanna near Harrisburg. I have a 7 wt 11' 6" Dully. A shorter rod seems to make sense for figure eights and large ovals near my canoe. I am looking to throw some large flies and using intermediate heads. I am also looking to fish some rivers in northern West Virginia and just see two handed overhead casting as just making sense for Muskey.

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi Mark, Thank you for the inquiry and I'm sorry for the delay in my response as I was traveling with limited wifi. There are a few options out there in the Musky world that fit the bill you are talking about. These rods are under 10' and will both one or two hand casts very well at distance with heavy grained lines for big flies. The shortness of them make them ideal for figure 8ing. The 2 rods that stand out are the Echo Musky and the G Loomis Musky. We were just casting with the 8'8" 11 from Echo and throwing well over 100 feet with 2 hands matched with a 510 grain intermediate skagit. They also make this rod in an 9'4". Loomis makes a 9' 11wt and 12wt that are also very nice. You can also call or text me on 973-979-7600 or email [e-mail] to discuss further.

[@hereticwinter07]

Very informative. You probably already said in the video but I may not have caught it, can you use this with a trout Spey from the front of a boat?

[@jeroldharter]

I enjoy these videos, so thanks for making them. They are very instructive! However, none of the two handed overhead casting videos I have seen discuss in any depth at all the line management. Looks like you use just the forward hand, some use two hands. I find it difficult to grasp a mono running line against the weight of a heavy shooting head. Also struggle a bit getting line out to start the cast with good control of the running line. Could you do a video on line hand or line management? Thanks.

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi Jerold. Thank you for the post and feedback. Here is a video on line management we have just posted kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIPad4mvmMmJj7M Thank you! Andrew

[@hannesgumundsson866]

Thanks for this good video im using sage one swits 4 weight and im fishing stillwaters what grein weight is best for me im mostly casting over hed casting all the best from Iceland Hannes

[@leestackle273]

Nice video, I’m new to fly fishing in saltwater and I picked up a 14’ 9w for casting from the beach. What lines would you use to setup it up to get passed the breakers? Thanks

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi sorry I missed this question. I would put a heavy 600-650 or so grain intermediate skagit head. We like the Sci Angler head for this application. Use an Airflo intermediate running line and Airflo extra heavy poly leader to finish the head and adjust your sink rate. These poly leaders come in 4 sink rates starting at intermediate. Thank you for watching!

[@benjamindavis2948]

Andrew! Love your videos they have been super helpful. I just bought a 9wt 12' 2" Echo Boost Beach and paired it with Orvis Hydros V reel and Orvis Ignitor 9wt fly line. I plan on fishing the beach in Florida where I'm from on the gulf coast and also thought maybe I could throw it from the front of some larger boats, 20 ft Mako to be specific. What are the difficulties of using a rod like this from a boat and overall thoughts on this setup?

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi Benjamin. Thank you, great to hear you like the videos. The setup sounds great, except the line may not be quite right. Ideally, that rod likes 400-500 grains. I believe the line you mentioned is a single hand line and may be light for the rod. Personally, I have cast that rod with skagit heads of 450-480 grains and found it to load and cast great. I know Airflo says lighter, but the 9 in that model likes a higher grain weight of what I suggested. Also, the only issue will be that the longer the rod, sometimes a bit more difficult to land fish from a boat. You should be ok though, just take your time and let someone help during the landing process. If you need help with selecting a line (try the one you got first) please call me - 973 979 7600. You should be able to cast well over 100 feet with no effort if the line is right. Thank you, Andrew

[@TightLinesinNJ]

I would like to fully answer your question. Please call me 973-979-7600 or 973-970-8482. thank you

[@benjamindavis2948]

@@TightLinesinNJ dude you’re the man and absolutely correct, I’m gonna switch the line on it. Sorry it took so long to get back to you I’ve been in the process of moving.

[@santisportfishing]

Love the video I am looking for something to get some roosterfish from the beach against some wind what you suggest? What's the rod and fly line configuration you are using on this video?

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi, thank you very much! sorry for the delay in my response as I was traveling with limited wifi. I would very much suggest the Beulah 9/10 Surf. This is an 11' compact surf rod with a great backbone for fighting big fish. The designer of the rod often fishes for roosterfish with it. I would line it with an intermediate skagit head and tips in various sink rates. A floating head could also be purchased for the ability to switch around, however in surf conditions we generally like an intermediate sink. You can call or text me as well on 973-979-7600 or email [e-mail] Thank you, Andrew

[@wirotsanti835]

What if I use regular dubbel hand rods like 7wt 13” rod that have 510-620 grain as usually, what grain should I use if I want to overhand cast with it? Same wise with an trout Spey 3wt 11” (225-270 grain) ??

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi, the grain window for the 13' 7wt seems high, unless it is a very stiff rod. For a 13' 7wt, the window should be approximately 425-525. With overheading, you're completely arializing the head, so your grain window can be even a bit lower. I like your grain window for the trout spey, that is about right. Thank you for watching and the question. Andrew

[@nategroshek]

I’m a musky guy up in Wisconsin.…. Do you have the whole head outside the tip when shooting? Have you seen people shoot 2 hand style with single hand rods with any success?

[@tailerschasers9176]

Great video Hello from Ontario Canada I’m trying to set up my 10wt Spey rod the echo king 13ft to cast overhead for muskie and river pike, however I am having hard time getting it right & I believe it might be the line. Do you have experience with this rod and what do you recommend for line same as Spey or lighter etc? Thanks

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi. Yes I have a lot of experience with this rod. It is a very nice blank and very powerful. That rod likes a heavy head of around 600-650 grains. The lines I like are the Rio Launch for a floating head option or the Sci Angler Intermediate Skagit for a slow sinking option. Finish these heads with extra heavy 40 pound poly leaders from Airflo which come in 4 sink rates starting at intermediate. Thank you for watching!

[@tailerschasers9176]

@@TightLinesinNJ hello Ok sound great Thanks for the info keep the good work with videos

[@Gus48]

Amazing video and great explanations. One question please. For beach on the sea, do you think is adecuate for a Beulah opal 9/10 the fly line rio Switch chuker 9 (570 grains) ? Thanks so much.

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi. The Switch chucker would work. It would not necessarily be my first choice, however. Most anglers choose an intermediate line for the surf. I personally like intermediate skagit heads for surf conditions attached to a running line. These heads, like the Rio Switch Chucker, will be completed with a tip, which gives even more flexibility for change of depth. With all of that said, if you're looking for a floating application the Switch Chucker would be a pretty good choice. Thank you, Andrew

[@Gus48]

Thansk so much Andrew. Yes, my aplication will be floating (poppers) for Leerfish, wading on the beach. When I will go for sea bass and bluefish with streamers i will choose your recomendation (intermediate skagit heads for surf conditions attached to a running line). Thank you for your advice.

[@mg3127]

How are the different fly lines connected to each other to pass through guides smoothly?

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Most running line to head connections are loop to loop. If you find your connection is not smooth, a thin walled, low temp section of heat shrink can be put over it. Hope this helps. Thank you. Andrew

[@ramrod766]

I have a Beulah Opal two hand 9/10 weight surf rod. I'm using a 500 grain Serum line recommended by Beulah. I'm having a little difficulty getting any distance casting from the beach. I know a 500 gr. has to be heavy enough, but the rod doesn't feel like it loading properly. Obviously, the problem must be me. Any suggestions? I'm a transplanted trout flyfisher and this beach casting with a two handed rod is a different game! Learning all over again.

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi Thank you for the question. It could be a combination of the line and the casting. Personally, I like the performance of the skagit or scandi lines attached to a running line more then the Beulah Serum lines. It could also be a little bit of over rotation or maybe trying to cast too hard. I find if I can get people to slow down and try with less effort, that is a good starting point. Try to make one fluid motion with the most powerful part of the cast the end of the forward stroke. This will help ensure you're properly accelerating. If you're trying too hard often the stroke becomes a deceleration which will make the casting frustrating because the focus will become "technique" rather than "tempo". Slow down and focus on finishing the forward stroke smooth and powerful in a strait line. Also, I tend to use 525-575 grain range on the 9/10 Beulah and usually 475-525 on the 7/8. Please fell free to call or message me with questions. 973 979 7600. Thank you, Andrew

[@ramrod766]

@@TightLinesinNJ Thanks Andrew, I'm familiar with most of that, but it's good to be reminded to go back to the fundamentals, will do!...Also, if overhand casting from the beach (and fighting the wind) what line or lines would you recommend specifically for this Beulah 9/10 two hander? Do you sell them?

[@jeffc6398]

@@ramrod766 I just picked up the same rod a few weeks ago at the fly fishing show in Edison, and just had this same fly line conversation with James at Beulah a few days ago. (He was great, by the way.) He ultimately recommended the 12wt Rio Outbound Short Intermediate for this specific rod. I have yet to rig it up and cast it, but expect to experience some of the same growing pains when I get started! Good luck and hope you catch lots of fish this season.

[@ramrod766]

@@jeffc6398 I discussed this with Andrew Moy and he recommended The Sci Angler Skagit Intermediate in 510 or 540 grains for my needs (I went with the 540). I went with the Rio .031or .032 fly line running line, much thinner than what came with the Beulah Serum. I opted for the Airflo poly leaders (intermediate and extra super fast sink) in 40lb core. I haven't been out to the beach yet, but I've noticed a big difference in casting distance (needed with the surf winds) in my backyard. Thanks for the advice Andrew!

[@sagavio]

@@ramrod766is 540 gr the total head and tip weight?

[@decapfish4714]

what line would you recommend for the Beulah opal surf 7/8 ? I'm fishing the surf exclusively so i need a very long cast

[@nancymoy4685]

I own the store, BTW, I didn't realize I was signed in under my wife's account.

[@vladd5291]

Can you recommend an intermediate coated running line for west coast striper beach rod?

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Thank you for watching. I like the Airflo Ridge Running Line in intermediate. If you can't find one, we have them in stock and can ship - 973-244-5990. Thank you, Andrew

[@MrKveite1]

Just remember that you lose a lot of length on your casts with a coated runningline compared to a reg runningline because the resistance in the guides are a lot stronger with the coated runningline.

[@mg3127]

Are you associated with a fly shop? If so which. Would like to get one of your set ups.

[@TightLinesinNJ]

Hi, yes, we are www.TightLinesFlyFishing.com Tight Lines Fly Fishing in Parsippany, NJ. Thank you for watching and we would be happy to help you.

[@mcolisekim]

how is that not a single spey cast?

[@TightLinesinNJ]

A single spey cast involves anchoring the tip of the line on the water and forming a d-loop. The cast I am doing in this video is an overhead cast or a spin off of a Belgium cast. The line is fully extended behind me in these casts, where as in a spey cast, the line is never fully extended, but formed into a d-loop with an anchor. Here is a video demonstrating a single spey: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH-8i3aGpb1obqM Thank you for watching. Andrew