2 handed rods on the beach

[Jim B. Hawes]

I'm suffering from acute casting envy, and wondering what experiences folks may have had using a 2-handed overhead fly rod casting from the beach.

I fish mostly in the Puget Sound area from the beaches and frequently notice fish rising in the rips, usually beyond reach of my 70' casts. The thought of using buzz bombers gives me lower GI cramps. I've been hearing much ado about east coasters using 2-handed overhead fly rods and regularly getting 100-120' casts. Anyone on the West Coast have any experience with 2-handed rods? how long a rod, what lines cast best, and how long is it going up the learning curve to be competent with the rig? Any experience shared, good bad or indifferent, is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[wittich]

i have been using a 2 handed rod for a couple years on the tx jetties. it is pretty amazing how easily you can whip out a 100 foot cast. I got a loop black series rod for 200$ and it casts great. one huge advantage of a 2 hander is that you can quickly pick up a lot of line and shoot without any false casts.
ps: be prepared for a lot of strange glances while you are walking down the beach with a 15foot fly rod.

[Jim B. Hawes]

thanks for your reply, I bet you do get a lot of stares with a 15 ft long rod, and wow, 100' casts!! that would make me stare too. That is what I'm looking for. If I understand you right, the 15 footer ("loop black series rod"), is this designed for overhead casting, or is this a spey rod you are using overhead? I have certainly heard of 'Loop' rod company, but mostly in connection with quality spey rods. What type and weight of fly line and / or tips are you using, any special leader/tippet and what length? Have you tried other lines, was this the line recommended to you when you purchased the rod. As you can see, a lot of real basic questions here, but you gotta start some place to go up that long learning curve. Also, what reel are you using: do you think that you would make the same choices in rod and reel now after you have used them for awhile (how long you been using them?)?

I appreciate you taking the time to reply, hope you will be able to respond to a few more questions. Thanks,
Jim

[wittich]

I think the loop black series rod is meant is a traditional spey rod. you would have to contact loop to be sure. I usually use a overhead cast from the jetties. I am very happy with the rod. I did not expect that type of quality from the black series as this is an entrance model. Regading the line and the reel: i am using a 10wt cortland line and a tioga reel. Both work well on the 9/10 rod. I would probably get a large arbor reel and a spey line.
wittich.

[blueYak]

I use a TFO 14' 9wt 2-hander. My first experience was at night, casting on the cape cod canal. Being dark, had no idea how far (or good) i was casting. Hooked a bass after 1/2 hour and feel backing in my fingers seconds later. Holy **** - must have been casting 100'. There is some learning curve, not bad for me cause i used to 2hand a 9' rod due to an injury.

jay

[seatrout]

I've been using two handers when needed for about eight years, and had a 15 foot IMX which was great... until it did the usual for that type (at least for me) and broke on a fish.

I've tried several others since then, and like the TFO line more than any now available that I've used. There is a learning curve, but the performance is amazing.

[Doug Jowett]

I have been using Diamondback Salmon/Steelhead (http://www.diamondbackflyrods.com/) for 15 years and find them the proper action while doing more overhead casting than pure Spey casting. Diamondback Double Handed/Spey rods cast very well and are most durable. See their web site for what they offer. --127-3- --127-3-