I didn't think I could ever become anymore of an addict to the sport of fly fishing...

Three months ago I made the plunge into two-handed or spey style fishing. After three months and probably a dozen outings, I don't know how I'll ever go back to traditional fly fishing.
In fact I am considering selling off all of my traditional gear 5wt and up to acquire more two handed rods. I'm barely a novice at this point, one class and a few on the water lessons have allowed me to cast pretty good loops consistently in the 65-90 foot range. I've caught some fish which helps. The biggest thing is that it is relatively effortless to cast to points that I struggled with as a single hander. I don't have to wade as deep to cast to points, instead I just shoot more line. I don't spend near as much time retrieving my flies from trees and bushes behind me. I no longer require A5-3-5 for my shoulder after a 10 hour day of fishing. But the biggest plus...IT'S FUN. Sure I'll mess up a cast here or there, but when you can hit the opposite bank tight behind a log jam 75 feet away with a simple flick...that's money.

The spey virus...I've got it bad...real bad.

Advice, if you try a two-hander just know things will never be the same and welcome....

I have been fishing the great lakes area from my home base of southern Ontario for the last 25 years.  Eight years ago I made the transition from traditional spin/cast fishing to fly fishing and have looked back.  Last year I added fly tying to my addiction and this fall I made the transition to my first couple two-handed rods.  "Spey" fishing is seriously making me consider selling off lots of gear to buy more two-handers.  It has a whole new element of fun added to the overall fishing experience.

Obsessed...currently I can't stop doing all thing steelhead.  What a year to catch the bug.  Horrible low water conditions in Ontario have forced me to pack the miles on my truck to the US in search of chrome.  By my last count I am now somewhere in the mid to upper teens as far as border crossings in search of steelhead and Browns.  I now own the US state fishing licenses and have plans to add a forth. 

Before my introduction to two handers and swinging flies, I really didn't enjoy nymphing egg patterns for Steelhead.  Swinging streamers has introduced a new rush or high to the sport I love, I feel there is no turning back now.

all of the Steelhead pics on my site are from this fall.

That's enough for now.

Chris Crane

"Cranefly"