Chris' Take:
Hello all. Christopher with the Caddis Shack guide service here. Those who know me know that I am a huge two-hander fan. I started this journey about 15 years ago and now this style of fishing lays at my core! I used to primarily fish them for lake run fish (salmon, browns and steelhead), but my passion for two-handers and the swing has now found home with my trout and smallmouth fishing as well.
Sage's Trout Spey HD 4113-4 Fly Rod is yet another tool to feed the swing addiction. After several conversations with my product rep at Emergence Angling Services, as well as Will at Sage, I came to the conclusion that the Sage Trout Spey HD 4113-4 was the model for me. Being a self-proclaimed streamer junkie, this rod has the backbone needed to throw the larger flies such as Zoo Cougars and DDs, as well as larger deer head flies. I am using the 325 gr Trout Spey Short Head Skagit line on this rod and it turns over with ease -- this is a baby rocket launcher!
I am brand new to the trout spey game, so it took a few casts to get use to the more compact cast as the head on the trout spey is only about 15 feet. I've used floating lines to type 8 sinking lines and again this rod rolls the line right over and shoots the line beautifully. The versatility with this rod is also a plus, as it throws streamers and will double up as a magnificent nymphing rod. Bottom line, this is a must have for any fan of two-handers or even someone looking to change up their traditional streamer game.
A few side notes/after thoughts: This is the largest trout spey rod in the line-up, and I was worried it wouldn't have much feel, especially with smaller fish. Man was I wrong. The first fish landed on this rod was a 15 inch brown in moderate current and it was incredible! I'm also really excited because this rod is going to make and absolute fantastic river smallmouth rod!
Will's Take:
The "trout spey" wave has caught me, as well as many across the country. Not that long ago, trout spey was still very much in its infancy. But a rise in the popularity of switch rods brought about the idea of a small weight trout two-hand rod. For the most part these trout spey rods were nothing more than a small switch rod and the result was that many felt like a jack of all trades but master of nothing. There were a few shining stars, but most of the offerings were pretty weak. Until now. The Trout Spey HD has come on the scene and redefined what a trout spey rod can be.
The design, taper and feel of the Trout Spey HD rod is truly special. These rods will single hand cast and are they light enough to use as an ultra-nymph stick. However, this rod really shines when spey casting and working bigger waters. The Konnetic HD graphite provides an ultra-light swing with tons of feel throughout the cast, as well as hidden power and an infectious springiness. I love these rods because I can cast all day long and walk away from a day on the river feeling fresh not worn out. Sports have taken their toll on my shoulder and the spey cast helps to eliminate most of the fatigue the traditional overhead casting motion causes. Spey casting lends itself to covering a lot of water and working from spots where there is very limited back casting space (a common problem in the forested waters of the Midwest).
Streamers, smallmouth bass and big browns have always been passions of mine. The Trout Spey HD 4116-4 paired with a Skagit is right at home throwing big meat and covering water for these hungry river beasts. For those seeking to throw moderate streamers, smaller wets, or even dries, the 2- and 3-weight offerings make extremely versatile choices across the country. And for the person that is ready to take the full plunge into the lightest spey rod on the market, there is even a 1-weight to work brook trout or panfish. There are some great options for any species you want to target.
Thanks for visiting
Caddis Shack Guide Service
Guiding Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Since 2002
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We specialize in fly fishing trips for Steelhead, Smallmouth and Trout near Escanaba, MI in the beautiful Upper Peninsula (Upper Michigan). Float or Wade. Expert or Beginner.