Spey for Shad on the Potomac?

[Brookes Outdoors]

I’m pretty new to spey casting, but any thoughts from the group on being able to use a 4-wt spey rod (7-wt single hand equivalent) from shore for shad on the Potomac?

Thx,

Pete

[Tom Steeley]

Have always wanted to do this.  In fact, from the bank of the Potomac, a 9 foot rod is a struggle at times.  Even a 10'6"+ switch would work.  4wt spey sounds ideal.

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[Rob Snowhite]

I prefer a 11’ 6wt for rolling a longer cast into the current on the Potomac. I’ve seen people go up to 15’ rods. Though nothing much lighter than a 6. There is always something bigger below. 

Maybe the OG Godfather if TPFR Dan will chime in with an answer. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 20, 2024, at 9:45 AM, Tom Steeley <tstee...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[John Bilotta - Obassociates]

If that is what you have give it a whirl.

If I had a choice  I would prefer a 5-7 wt two hander in the 11-13’ range. Like Rob said bigger rods are used. I think the issue is more the weight of a sink tip you choose to try and get deeper into the column.  I would generally use a T11 or bigger tip on a skagit head and for that I would like at least a 6-7 weight rod to help lift that tip. 

John

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 20, 2024, at 10:03 AM, Rob Snowhite <r...@robsnowhite.com> wrote:

I prefer a 11’ 6wt for rolling a longer cast into the current on the Potomac. I’ve seen people go up to 15’ rods. Though nothing much lighter than a 6. There is always something bigger below. 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/tidal-potomac-fly-rodders/E2DE69B1-C946-4DAD-BD33-2A3D08D0ACE1%40robsnowhite.com.

[Todd Ringler]

I have fished a 11ft 7wt, 12ft 6 wt, and 11ft 3in 4 wt — all of these rods have the ability to reach the fish from the bank.

Last weekend i fished the 4wt with a 325 intermediate skagit head and 10 ft of T11. Worked great. and was getting plenty deep for hickories.

need the 7wt when I am up closer to Chain Bridge and think I have to use a full sinking head like the Game Changer w/ a tip in order to get down quick enough. If I am throwing streamers with a shad dart dropper, then also the 7 wt.

when spey casting from the shore, it is easy to pretend I am steelhead fishing!

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/tidal-potomac-fly-rodders/92A148E3-688B-453C-8B84-5389BBB60780%40obassociates.net.

[Brookes Outdoors]

Thanks, All!

Sounds like I need to tell the wife I need a new Spey rod!

Pete