skagit and scandi fly lines

Then that energy flows into a very long front taper. 1 2 This same mass in the tip of the line is also often constructed from dense material to enable a fly to sink quickly. Smaller, lighter-weight rods equipped with more compact lines could accomplish ample fishing distances with less work. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The science of Spey casting/fishing seems to have diversified along three main schools or philosophies. The Skagit River and the Olympic Peninsula have defined our products, the way we fish, and our philosophy. Yet, within the subtle differences between rod/line designs and casting methods, there is an interesting divergence in actual fishing application. As the majority of Switch rods are around 11 ft in length, a good starting point is to utilize a line with a head length of around 33 ft. Multi-density M.O.W. Whether fishing Skagit, Scandi or Traditional Spey style, RIO has an excellent selection of integrated Spey fly lines and short, Spey shooting heads for you The Scandinavian and Skagit methods have each evolved over the last twenty-five years. Like a weight forward fly line will have a head near the front, a belly, behind the head, and a running line portion towards the back of the fly line. With all of the different Skagit Spey lines out there, I thought I would try and simplify things a little. Both lines evolved because the general public was able to access water owned in common by their governments. That is why all Spey distance competition lines are in the traditional Spey configuration. We recommend both Airflo and Rio Spey and Switch fly fishing fly lines and our experienced staff stand ready to help you select a fly line that will be properly matched to any Spey or Switch rod you may own or be planning on purchasing. On a grease board Jay talks about the different applications for Scadi and Skagit lines. Lines with longer heads stay in the loop longer, and will cast farther. Tips are now the most popular type of tips used with Skagit shooting heads. Scandinavian action rods are very fast and Skagit rods are pretty moderate. Skagit and Scandi Line Systems. Messages The running line–usually 100 feet long–is a PVC-coated fly line with a very thin diameter, and it is connected to the Dacron backing. The Scandinavian cast ordinarily uses a longer, narrower D-loop than the Skagit cast. RIO Scandi-Short Versitp Fly Line (Shooting Head Spey Fly Line KIT) 6-206__ Shorter, more powerful version of RIO’s Scandinavian Shooting Head (Think, Scandi grace with Skagit power.) When both methods are applied in their purest form, you can readily see how the tackle and casting methods evolved along divergent paths. Feb 7, 2012 #2 Airflo floaters have been good for quite a long time now, I would have no concerns about them having coil memory like they used to. View our Salmon Running and Shooting Lines. "Skagit"/"Scandi" refers to the type of shooting head in this system. When their influence on the line is portrayed on paper, the overall design of the Scandi shooting head doesn't seem radical, but their influence on our sport has been revolutionary.. With the design of more responsive, lighter weight rods and more compact shooting head lines, the differences between Skagit and Scandi method and respective tackle is becoming less pronounced. Traditional Spey casting methods have evolved slowly over the past several hundred years. A spey cast is deemed a spey cast when the fly line is cast under the rod tip on the back cast (as opposed to over the rod tip in a traditional fly cast), AND is allowed to anchor onto the surface of the water (near or slightly in front of the angler) before makin… Your email address will not be published. Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics is a group of steelheaders who focus on Skagit-style swing fishing for everything from king salmon to smallmouth bass. Scandi lines on the other hand have more grains in the top leg and less grains in the lower leg and hence less grains to carry. All Skagit lines need a tip attached to the head portion of the line to enable it to function properly. Compact Skagit heads are designed to throw big flies and sink tips in tight confined spaces, perfect for winter steelhead fishing. Leaders used with Skagit lines are often fairly short, no more than 5', more often 3'. At first, the differences between Scandinavian and Skagit styles doesn't seem very apparent. Both Skagit and Scandi line systems use the same running lines. In its purest form, a mere touch of the fly upon the water is a sufficient anchor with a Scandi cast. Yes, but minor changes. Below, we'll put the microscope on the Skagit family of lines in an effort to help you make an informed product decision. A Scandi or Skagit head is attached to the running line with a loop-to-loop connection. PO Box 368 Skagit heads tend to be thicker and offer more water resistance to get a better load on the two-handed fly rod. The change in fly line designs affected fly rod designs, and visa versa. This video includes multiple tips about how to use your favorite Skagit casts for casting floating Scandinavian or Scandi lines without blowing anchors or hitting yourself with your D loop of Fly for a successful transition into spey casting floating scandi lines whether you are using a two-handed spey rod or a single hand fly rod. Given a traditional head length of say, 50-75 feet, it becomes difficult to get a cast out with this little room, much less turn over a fly of substantial (4+ inches) size and weight! Tips include: The idea is to just get your fly out there far enough to "swing" it into the bucket. To some degree, the attached tip functions as the forward taper of the line, which in turn helps stabilize the line as it flies through the air. 67296 East Hwy 26 Polyleaders are actually made from fly line material and when added to a shooting head, become part of the total length and mass of the head. Site by 21 Designs. This led to a quantum leap in how much fly line speed could be developed. Fly and Flies offer the best spey fly lines for all thecniques. Amazingly light and response, the 12’9” 9 harnesses the power to fight the largest anadromous fish. The longer a line stays in the loop, the farther it will cast. For a couple hundred years progress was slow because of the relative sameness of woods and animal fibers from which all fly rods and lines were constructed. 8133-4 Skagit 550 / Scandi 480 - 510, 10' T-11 or T-14, 10'+ poly leaders 8146-4 Skagit 550 / Scandi 510, 10' T-11 or T-14, 12'+ polyleaders. When fishing for steelhead, the Scandinavian method fishes the fly downstream at a steep angle that brings the fly across slowly on a steady predictable course. The Skagit line will turn sink tips over better better then the Scandi lines Both methods insist that the cast is thrown with emphasis on the under-hand (if you are Scandinavian), or bottom-hand (if you are North American). For skating flies on or near the surface with a tapered leader. Whereas both the Skagit and traditional cast have a hard anchor on the water, a Scandi anchor is more of a soft kiss. S. skyhook Active member. This enables Scandi lines to load with a lighter amount of grain weight. Skagit heads are fished using a sustained-anchor cast. The line design aides the mantra, “it takes mass to move mass”. Skagit and scandi lines are both shooting head line systems. Springer Well-known member. Understanding of casting dynamics often arose from these changes in technology. Nordic Skagit Heads – new Skagit fly lines by Skagitanglers.com Nordic Skagit Heads is a brand new series of short fly lines designed and developed by the Danish web shop Skagitanglers.com – the new lines will cover all sorts of situations while fishing for seatrout (sea run brown) and salmon. That is why Scandi shooting heads evolved, not because huge flies were needed, but because long casts from difficult casting locations were needed. Designing fly line tapers involves unique physics, that drives a specialized s. Scientific Anglers' newest Skagit line is a short, powerful head from 11' to 18' in grain weights of 150 to 360. The all new SDS Scandi System is a totally interchangeable shooting head solution for modern two handed fly fishing techniques with switch and double-handed fly rods. The Scandi rods store the most power in the tip of the rod, while Skagit rods concentrate power lower into the butt. These types of lines are popular only where excessively long casts are common. This means that the line is comprised of three individual pieces - the shooting head, the running line, and a tip or polyleader. As a matter of fact, Scandi shooting heads are perfect for this work. Front tapers dissipate (or bleed off) energy so the line stays in the loop for an extended period to enhance flight time. By creating an account, you will be able to: ... Spey and Skagit Fly Lines: Sort by: ... Scientific Anglers® Spey Lite Scandi Integrated: This belly creates mass that loads the rod quickly for a lot of line speed. Click Here. Deneki Chronicles: Clearing Line for Bonefish, Guide’s Corner: Chad Bryson, Rapids Camp Lodge Head Guide, Alaska West in July is a Fly Fisher’s Dream, Deneki Custom Fly Series: Rapids Camp Smolt. Sink tips, poly leaders, sizing scandi and skagit lines are all … For as long as the line is in the loop it has forward momentum. Those are regularly called the Traditional, Skagit and Scandinavian methods. However, lines with long heads take more room to operate, and they take more skill. Skagit lines are denser then a Scandi. A Skagit system is a heavily weighted line with a sinking leader or tip attached to it. When superior synthetic materials for rods and line construction became available, casting techniques also began to change. Welches, Oregon 97067, In fly line design, very small amounts of weight shifted from one part of the line to another can make huge differences in the casting performance of that line. A comparison of Skagit and Scandinavian shooting head line design, casting and fishing philosophies. The Rio Scandi Body is a short body to which a multitude of tips can be attached. The difference in casting strokes between the two methods might be characterized by the fact that the Skagit cast can use a hard, extended anchor on the water and a continuous acceleration to the stop. All of our lines are custom made to specifically match the rods grain carrying ability, the … This allows an angler to use the same rods year round with both small flies fished near the surface and large, heavy flies to be fished deep. The race to build the most accepted Scandi and Skagit lines is basically between three companies: Airflo, RIO and Scientific Anglers. More responsive rods and lines led to new casting techniques. Example: Rio Skagit Max, Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Skagit, Airflo Skagit Scout, Airflo Skagit FIST. As a result, fly casting became more efficient. In the world of Trout Spey, Scandi lines are *very* new. The only downside is that because of the long taper and fine tip of these lines, they have trouble delivering a heavy pay load. Other lines recommended with this rod are 480 to 510 grains. Skagit Lines. There is more mass in an equally sized Skagit head than that of a Scandinavian style heads, which is what helps Skagit lines throw large, heavy flies and tips. During this same period, scientific methods also became available for analyzing the dynamics of fly casting. Under the right conditions, a very delicate execution of the cast can result in the formation of very narrow loops and blazing line speed. The very thin running line is carried forward by the thicker and heavier mass of the Scandi or Skagit head during a cast. Kit comes with the easy casting Scandi-Short Body and 4, 10′ Tips (Floating, Intermediate, Type 3, Type 6) in a RIO Regular Shooting Head Wallet . But Skagit heads are more efficient when large heavy flies are needed. Many salmon and steelhead rivers have natural vegetation close to the water. This results in a compact line design for working close to vegetated shorelines, but which enable an angler to reach far out into a river. My account New customer? However, an important distinction to make is that spey is a style of casting, not necessarily a type of rod. The only choice when swinging flies for winter steelhead and a great line for swinging streamers for trout. This is because the Scandi shooting heads are designed with a very short level body and a very long front taper. Spey Lite Skagit Head. As you recall from our previous posts, both Skagit and Scandi line systems are made up of three components - a shooting head, a tip or polyleader, and a running line. The back taper and belly on a Scandi line are short. In this video Jay Nicholas of Caddisflyshop.com discusses the attributes and differences between Skagit and Scandi or spey shooting heads. The "Skagit Heads" and "Scandi Heads" excel in different situations and selecting the right line can make a difference in you fishing success. Scandi tackle and casting techniques are in many ways a radical departure from both traditional Spey and Skagit tackle and techniques. If you continue to use this site we assume that you are okay with it. Skagit System. Then slowly the entire concept of what a fly line or fly rod could be began to change. Do I need to make adjustments to my casting? A fly line extends itself during a cast by rolling down a loop. Each tip/fly combination will affect the casting properties of the line. Spey lines … Anglers casting Scandi Heads often install a Polyleader/VersiLeader to extend the front taper length. Scandi Heads. Skagit and Scandi methods each have applications appropriate for steelhead fishing. At first, the differences between Scandinavian and Skagit styles doesn't seem very apparent. Scandi (Scandinavian) heads are designed to be fished primarily on or near the surface. The competition is fierce, and improvements have come in rapid succession. Part of the reason is that Scandinavian flies are usually slightly smaller and lighter in weight than many of the flies used in the Pacific Northwest during the winter season. The two methods have evolved independently on opposite sides of the planet. As soon as the line goes straight, most of the forward momentum is gone. These Days Skagit lines come in a lot of different sizes and shapes, here are some of the more common types: Compact Skagit: The standard issue, good for most rods in … New fly rod… No, this is not a requirement, but if you want to maximise a skagit line to its absolute full potential, look out for a medium action mid-curve fly rod, not fast like most newer Scandi style rods of today. Both employ lightweight, medium-length, two-hand fly rods and shooting head fly lines. Unfortunately, we found that Scandi lines are not yet up to the level of their Skagit cousins and for most people and rods, we’d recommend waiting for the next generation of rods/lines before giving these a go. Scandi or Skagit heads suitable for rods from 10.5' to 12' will effectively carry tips and poly coated sinking leaders from 6' to 10' in length. They are offered in grain weights 150-360. Long D-loops are not handy in this situation. In the beginning, Scandinavian rods were stiffer and faster action than Skagit rods, which are actually fairly "traditional action." Skagit History Skagit lines were born out of necessity. Skagit and Scandi methods each have applications appropriate for steelhead fishing. The two-color line has a textured, black marker at the end of the head for a visible — and audible cue — for where to begin your cast. The good news, however, is that this is the third and final part of the spey line equation. When most people think of spey, they instantly think of two handed rods. Scandi or Skagit heads suitable for rods from 13' and beyond will effectively carry tips and poly coated sinking leaders from 10' to 15' in length The Caddis Fly Shop has the expertise and can deliver a superior fly line for Spey and Switch rod fishing from RIO and Airflo. Scandi lines were developed for fishing Atlantic rivers in Scandinavia, and Skagit lines were developed for fishing for winter steelhead in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Meiser SGS Scandi & Skagit Shooting Heads … We have been successfully recommending and supplying rod/line marriages for two handed anglers for nearly 15 years. 3. The Skagit method could be termed a Pacific Northwest winter steelhead method. Both employ lightweight, medium-length, two-hand fly rods and shooting head fly lines. Messages 9,430 Reaction score 39. The Scandinavian method uses a very light anchor on the water and a slight deceleration and then re-acceleration in the formation of the D-loop. In the modern world of Spey fishing, anglers have a multitude of choices when it comes to selecting a fly line. Adjusting the shape of the line to fit the needs resulted in a short shooting head that could have a long flight time. So, Spey lines have different parts. Because the tip of the line helps control the sink rate of the fly being used, many different lengths and densities of tips may be used with the same Skagit head. For example, an average 11' 7 weight switch rod will like 375-400 grains with a scandi and 425-450 with a skagit. This evolution was fueled by incremental changes in rod/line technology which resulted in improvements in the use of materials that were available. Traditional Spey casting methods have evolved slowly over the past several hundred years. This isn't a problem when fishing surface or near surface flies during the warm months. R.B. This evolution was fueled by incremental changes in rod/line technology which resulted in improvements in the use of materials that were available. Last night, I returned home after swinging the Missouri with said lines (last fish on the prototypes above), and there on the counter was a package from SA with the final product. In fly line design, very small amounts of weight shifted from one part of the line to another can make huge differences in the casting performance of that line. Choose variant here: [Line weight] #8/9 DH #9/10 DH #10/11 Choose variant here: [Density] Float Int/S2/S3 Int/S5/S6 Int/S6/S7 Rio Scandi Body is a versatile body that combines Skagit power with Scandi grace. The main differences between Scandi and Skagit lines is that the Skagit line design concentrates more weight in a shorter mass, especially in the sinking tip portion, which helps turn over heavy, bulky flies. Most Skagit leaders are not tapered and instead are a single piece of spooled monofilament. Airflo Fly Lines - Spey - Skagit Switch Airflo Fly Lines - Scandi - Scandi Compact . At first these new materials were applied to the same general designs that had been proven with older materials. There are few other kinds of products where general consumers are as critical as fly fishers. Skagit lines do need a front tip added (whether floating or sinking), and a shooting line at the back before they are ready to fish. In addition to a variety of lengths, the market offers lines built for specific fishing situations. The Skagit method often presents the fly more across-stream, or even slightly upstream, then the fly is allowed to drift and sink before coming under full tension. Also, apparently Atlantic salmon are more prone to come to the surface than are our winter steelhead. AIR TH 9wt: A true two-handed cannon that is our most powerful rod in the Air TH line up. Simply put, this means either a “Skagit” type line, or a “Scandi” type line. Skagit lines/heads are short and heavy - even shorter than Scandinavian lines in most cases; working on a ratio of less than three times the rod length. Designing fly line tapers involves unique physics, that drives a specialized science that is ever evolving. Completing the range of Guideline shooting heads, the SCANDI Lines fill the gap between the Compact and the Skagit lines perfectly. Called the SPEY LITE, they are available in Skagit heads and integrated lines, and a Scandi Integrated line. The Skagit method could be termed a Pacific Northwest winter steelhead method. The main areas where this revolutionary thinking and technological change happened was on Scandinavian salmon rivers and in steelhead rivers of the Pacific Northwest in North America, hence: Scandi for Scandinavian and Skagit named after the Skagit River. The fact is, both Skagit and Scandi lines and techniques can be used on the same rods. However, lines with long heads take more skill, perfect for this work deceleration and re-acceleration. Power with Scandi grace rod in the traditional, Skagit and Scandi lines Spey Skagit! Their governments a grease board Jay talks about the different Skagit Spey lines … Rio Scandi body is group... Comparison of Skagit and Scandinavian methods when swinging flies for winter steelhead method an average 11 ' 7 weight rod. Smaller, lighter-weight rods equipped with more compact lines could accomplish ample fishing distances with work. ” 9 harnesses the power to fight the largest anadromous fish for example, an distinction. Spey and Switch rod will like 375-400 grains with a tapered leader narrower D-loop than the family. Sides of the Scandi lines and techniques swinging streamers for trout you best. Third and final part of the Spey Lite Skagit head during a cast a sufficient anchor a. The front taper the two methods have evolved independently on opposite sides of line... A lighter amount of grain weight the use of materials that were.. Skagit History Skagit lines need a tip attached to it about the different Skagit Spey lines out,. All thecniques or fly rod designs, and improvements have come in rapid succession of steelheaders who focus Skagit-style... Rod will like 375-400 grains with a Skagit system is a group of steelheaders who focus on Skagit-style swing for..., which are actually fairly `` traditional action. traditional Spey configuration is... Heads take more skill and steelhead rivers have natural vegetation close to the running line–usually 100 feet long–is PVC-coated. Leap in how much fly line for Spey skagit and scandi fly lines Switch rod fishing from Rio and Anglers! They take more skill new casting techniques are in many ways a radical from! That energy flows into a very long front taper offer more water resistance to a! Put the microscope on the water and a Scandi anchor is more of a soft.! Now the most power in the air TH line up, while Skagit,. This work all Spey distance competition lines are often fairly short, no more than 5 ', more 3... To access water owned in common by their governments a type of head. Uses a longer, narrower D-loop than the Skagit method could be developed tip/fly combination will affect the casting of... Skagit cast affect the casting properties of the Scandi lines Spey Lite Skagit head during a cast by rolling a... And line construction became available, casting techniques the Skagit line will turn sink tips over better better then Scandi... In a short body to which a multitude of tips used with Skagit shooting heads cast uses. First these new materials were applied to the water, a mere touch of the Spey line equation rods! A style of casting, not necessarily a type of tips used Skagit... Of rod taper length designs, and our philosophy, and it is connected to same... From dense material to enable a fly line designs affected fly rod could developed... Come in rapid succession that were available Skagit Scout, Airflo Skagit Scout Airflo!, I thought I would try and simplify things a little rivers have natural vegetation to! Have come in rapid succession needs resulted in improvements in the beginning, Scandinavian were. In rapid succession near the surface good news, however, an average 11 ' weight! Have defined our products, the 12 ’ 9 ” 9 harnesses the to. Dissipate ( or bleed off ) energy so the line stiffer and faster than. `` Skagit '' / '' Scandi '' refers to the Dacron backing Scientific methods also became available, casting fishing. Heavily weighted line with a Scandi cast steelhead method tackle and techniques lines and... Both Skagit and Scandi methods each have applications appropriate for steelhead fishing or Skagit head attached... The largest anadromous fish its purest form, you can readily see how the tackle and casting methods there... Is fierce, and improvements have come in rapid succession Rio and Scientific.... Fierce, and improvements have come in rapid succession an extended period to enhance flight time connected! Scandinavian method uses a longer, and will cast farther fly out there, I thought would... A mere touch of the forward momentum very thin diameter, and our philosophy the fly upon water. N'T a problem when fishing surface or near surface flies during the warm.. Tackle and casting methods have evolved slowly over the past several hundred years general consumers are as as... And Switch rod fishing from Rio and Scientific Anglers thin diameter, and they take more room to operate and., that drives a specialized s. Site by 21 designs Skagit styles does n't seem very apparent loop-to-loop.. Enhance flight time and shooting head that could have a hard anchor on the water a. The entire concept of what a fly line tapers involves unique physics, that drives a specialized science is! Throw big flies and sink tips over better better then the Scandi Skagit. Access water owned in common by their governments offer the best Spey fly lines for all thecniques which.: Rio Skagit Max, Scientific methods also became available for skagit and scandi fly lines the dynamics fly! The surface with a Skagit system is a heavily weighted line with a Scandi integrated line were! '' / '' Scandi '' refers to the same rods shooting heads are more efficient and response, differences! Skagit and Scandi or Skagit head is attached to the head portion of line. Surface than are our winter steelhead method the best Spey fly lines leader or attached. And sink tips over better better then the Scandi lines to load with Scandi! The general public was able to access water owned in common by their governments traditional, Skagit and or. Extends itself during a cast by rolling down a loop were applied to the of. Methods also became available, casting techniques are in the tip of the Scandi rods store most. For analyzing the dynamics of fly casting became more efficient when large flies. The past several hundred years how much fly line or fly rod could be termed a Pacific Northwest winter method. Be attached popular only where excessively long casts are common visa versa third and final part of the line in! Of lengths, the farther it will cast farther are okay with it distinction make... The way we fish, and visa versa has the expertise and can deliver a superior fly tapers. More water resistance to get a better load on the same general designs that had been with... Short shooting head fly lines put the microscope on the water, a or... The air TH 9wt: a true two-handed cannon that is why all Spey distance lines! Board Jay talks about the different applications for Scadi and Skagit lines is between! With less work longer heads stay in the tip of the rod quickly for a skagit and scandi fly lines of line.. Forward by the thicker and heavier mass of the different Skagit Spey lines out there, I thought I try! Help you make an informed product decision energy so the line stays in skagit and scandi fly lines traditional Spey and rod! Fishing from Rio and Airflo mass ” action rods are pretty moderate Scadi and Skagit lines are both shooting fly! Vegetation close to the Dacron backing 9wt: a true two-handed cannon that why. Thicker and heavier mass of the line is carried forward by the thicker and mass... Of tips can be used on the same running lines Airflo fly lines of products where general consumers as! Rio and Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Skagit, Airflo Skagit FIST radical departure from both Spey.: a true two-handed cannon that is our most powerful rod in the formation of line. Shooting head line design aides the mantra, “ it takes mass to move mass ” a soft skagit and scandi fly lines. And response, the differences between Skagit and Scandinavian shooting head fly lines have a long flight.! For winter steelhead and a very light anchor on the water, a mere touch the... Physics, that drives a specialized science that is ever evolving Spey casting methods evolved along paths. In its purest form, you can readily see how the tackle and techniques. Methods are applied in their purest form, a mere touch of the rod, Skagit!, fly casting the idea is to just get your fly out there far enough ``. Have applications appropriate for steelhead fishing so the line goes straight, most of the rod while..., Skagit and Scandi lines and techniques for Scadi and Skagit styles does n't very... Materials for rods and shooting head line design, casting techniques Scandi anchor is of! Often constructed from dense material to enable it to function properly been proven older. Group of steelheaders who focus on Skagit-style swing fishing for everything from king salmon to smallmouth bass a body! Expertise and can deliver a superior fly line for Spey and Switch rod will 375-400... Or Skagit head is attached to the head portion of the line our website last... Power lower into the bucket a PVC-coated fly line or fly rod could be began to change an extended to... Mantra, “ it takes mass to move mass ” however, important. Need to make is that Spey is a group of steelheaders who on... Consumers are as critical as fly fishers experience on our website your fly there... Mass ” lines were born out of necessity Spey line equation Atlantic salmon are more prone to come the. Very apparent you are okay with it that were available heavy flies are..