Meiser 1507S Spey Rod

I found and bought an old Meiser 1507S blank, and though this series of blanks has been discontinued, I have and still like (very much) how they cast and fish. My first Meiser S, a 1264S for trout, remains a goto.

.

I found this rod to be flexible and forgiving, so my choices of reels and lines include:

• for dry-line and top-water with mono-filament leaders: Henshaw Platewind Reel at 13 ounces with a Bridge Tributary 78 44′ at 575 grains
• for winter and using tips: Nautilus 12S with the NextCast Stealhead Finder 89 30′ at 550 grains + RIO Replacement tips.
  .
  and
  .
• for fine and long, the Nautilus 12S with RIO Spey Long 78 64′ at 620 grains

Depending on the river and mood, I will pick the line I want.

This is my second long rod that I have built, and the differences from the previous build, a Quantum 16’7″ 7wt:

• Butt: I do like a “large” round half ball butt, but the transition is less extreme. One reason for this was practical, as the black rubberized cork was not behaving well as I shaped it – irrespective of what technique or tool I was using. I have since marked the few black discs that I have left as “use only if need is an absolute”.
  .
  If this finishing issue did not exist, I would have a sharper radius going into the butt, maybe a little less aggressive than the Quantum though.
  .
• Reel Seat: From Snake Brand, but I turned my own insert from a double dyed resign wood block that I bought from the Ukraine (via Etsy) and finished with Super Cyanoacrylate.
  .
• I have also added a little more colour with the thread wraps, but not shown.
  • Dark saturated blue on the Guides
  • At the ferrules, Graphite Grey with blue trim (dark and light blue)
    .
    In future, I will to return to adding colour trim on the guides.
    .
• Guides are Snake Brand (older Black Series) and Fuji Guides for the Stripper.

And what did I continue with:

• The other handle transition in-out of the reels seat is continuous, to allow the hand to easily slide against the reel.
  .
• The swell at the top of the rod is small. Allowing my hand to slide over, but also provide some feedback I am at the top end.
  .
• Small-short rear handle, to help with using lighter reels to achieve a balance point on the top cork.
  .
• Ends have rubberized cork for improve wear.
  .
• Use quality natural cork in the top 2/3 of the upper handle, with the remainder being a burl cork.
  • And though both corks are finely finished, with wet hands I notice a difference, and prefer the natural cork,
    .
• Thread:
  • Main Colour on Guides, and Trim Colour on Ferrules: ProWrap ColourFast 455 Blue Size A
  • Main Colour on Ferrules: Prowrap Graphite Grey 841Size A
  • Trim Colour: ProWrap Colour Fast 404 Size A.

.

Will I build another spey rod?

Well I have several really nice 7wt and 8wts – enabling winter-fishing, travel and long line – from Meiser, Burkheimer and Bruce-and-Walker, so the right answer is no.

I want to finish up a variant update on a James Green 10′ 5wt, but I think my time should start looking to another task, is est return to bamboo trout rods.

.

	B 7134	M136-6CX	M1507S	Q167	BW136-6	BW166
OEM	Burkheimer	Meiser	Meiser	Godshall	B & Walker	B & Walker
Model	7134-4	13668CX-6	1507S-4	Quantum	Walker 8wt	Walker 8wt
Role	Winter	Travel	Universal	Far & Fine	Salmon	Salmon
Grain Min	420	450	450			
Grain Max	570	750	750			
Reel	Nautilus 12S . .	Nautilus 12S Henshaw .	Henshaw Nautilus 12S Nautilus 12S	Nautilus 12S . ,	Stewart 300 . .	Saracione . .
Default Line	Ga ESH 8	NC STF 89	Tributary 78	RIO Long 78	Wintertide	Boss 89
Weight	37′ 462g	29′ 550g	44′ 575g	65′ 660g	32′ 550g	65′ 740g
Tippet	Polyleader	7 15′ 95g	Mono	Mono	7 15′ 95g	Mono

.

.

🙂

Meiser 15’6″ 5wt with Petrevan Reel

.

.

Received a new reel Thursday to match to me Meiser 15’6″ 5wt, from Wayne Petrevan (Canada Reels). Empty reel weight is 12.7 oz. I have at least 150m of 30lb backing and a SRO Vector 390 grain line on.

Pictures from Wayne, just before he shipped it.

.

.

🙂

Meiser 15’6″ Trout Spey

I recently received a custom build Meiser Trout Spey Rod made. And after a few days playing with it, here is my summary:

• Far, fine and fun! touch-n-go rod
• Line: SRO Express Vector 56 at 45′ 390 grains.
• Reel: Looking for one with an empty weight of 12oz

Ok, are there limits? Absolutely, as this rod is at the edge of what possible in graphite and lines, there are limits, which I understood before I went into this.

• Line selection is limited, so unless you are a mad-scientist into welding your own lines, et cetera, this is a touch-n-go rod. Both Steve Godshall and Bob Meiser pointed me to the SRO Vctor.

If I wanted to go deep, thisis not the rod I would go for.

My suggestion if you want to go deep for trout spey, select the line first from your preferred supplier, and then match to a rod.
.
Example: If I pick a NextCast Steelhead Finder with sinktips, then I see their lightest line is 470 grains at 25′ supporting 12′ sink tips. Keeping to the variant who back taper is “all” float, I would looking towards at a rod no longer than 13′ and listed wanting to throw 470 grains skagit style. If the rod supplier was Meiser, I would made an enquiry about the 13’0″ 6wt (listed as S2H13057CX-4 or S2H13056MKX-4). Shorter would be okay to, if it is there.
.
My trout rod for pulling the fly down is a Meiser 1305S-5pc, where I would use NextCast Winter Authority 2 WA35 – Green – 420 grains at 34′ – MultiTip (7 10′ 75g)(6 15′ 84g). I also have some other 3D heads to.

Back to the post, this is my fun long trout rod, and well suited for many of the waters I wade, where pulling the fly going deep is not required (or can be a problem).
.

.

.

.

.

And what was requested? besides the rod.

• Blue, Gold and Yellow theme. Think of the traditional colours in the south of France.
• Modern components, no agate or mildrun stripers.
• The standard Meiser grip shape, but natural cork in the middle of the lower and upper grip.
  .
  Acknowledge that a wood butt could also for a lighter reel for counter balance, but I like a natural cork when my hands are wet. (Yes, the lower section is rarely held).
  .
• Suggest (and agreed) with the marine brass and using a light (yellow) Maple wood space.

.

🙂

Trout (and Steelhead) Spey Rods

I do not know how many years I have been fishing with Trout Spey Rods, but it is now a lot more popular and often discussed in forums. As such, I have been answering similar questions (in forums and in emails), so here are my consolidated notes, about what I am using, going from light to heavy.
.
As in previous blogs, this blogs is also for me to help collect and absorb my learnings.

When I talk about the matching reel, a primary component is the weight, so as the fly is out and on the dangle, the natural balance point is near the top. This is as much as to reduce stress on the wrist (trying to force the tip up-down), when swing the fly, conversely I do not find a reel’s weight important when casting – single hand or double hand.

ACR 1173 NOVA – 11’7″, 240 grains- fun

I use this rod for lighter flies, such as wet-flies, spiders, skaters and size 10 muddlers. I am not using this rod to throw chickens or baby chickens, but use this on smaller rivers (sections), et cetera for trout less than 1kg. I like to think of this as for far and fine – small flies and control presentations.

I am have settle on the Hardy St Aiden as my reel (<6oz) empty, and the original line supplied is perfect – RIO Scandi Short, 240 grain at 24’. I experimented with OPST (nope, took the joy out of the light cast) and the Airflo Scandi Compact (240 grain), which felt clunky, but acceptable.  

There is 20lb 3M green backing and I used the Airflo Miracle braid as a shooting line.

And I only use this rod with handmade leaders, and adjust fly depth the traditional ways of line management and fly-hook weight.

ACR 1173 with a Hardy St Aiden and 240 RIO Scandi Compact

.

Q: Could you use Polyleaders with this rod? Answer is yes to the lighter Polyleaders (not the Super Fast Sinking), but I rather play around with a heavy fly in the need to go deeper.

ACR 1173 Recommendation: Hardy St Aiden Reel and RIO Scandi Short – 30′ 240 grains. And keep it simple with a hand-tied mono leader. If you wanted an open modern large arbour reel, then look for a Danielsson F3W 4seven; it will hold shy of 100m of backing, but when do you need 100m of backing on a 3wt with small wet flies in a trout river.

.

20231218 Update – Why I liked the RIO Compact Scandi versus the Airflo

Though the leaders are listed as having the same weight and length, the following measurements show that the RIO head has more authority in top section that helps create the D-Loop. I suspect a heavier Airflo could compensate for this, but why bother, unless I wanted to throw heavier flies.

.
.

Meiser 1264S – 12’6”, 324 grains – a goto

Bob lists the grain window as 250-400 grains.

Big and small, this trout spey rod does it (almost) all with a smile. I am going to use this rod for big rivers or when I want to throw some weight, including bigger muddlers, small mouse and smaller wet “tube bunnies” to the opposing bank. 

It was provided with a SGS 324gr at 31.1′ line and a set of 10’ RIO Versileaders (Tip Wallet ID: m4), which always felt perfect with no need to experiment. This was my fourth spey rod and my first Meiser rod, and it remains a favourite a “decade” later,.

My supporting reel is an old Nautilus CF10 (empty weight 9.2oz), with an Orange 30lb ELF backing and 30lb Orange 3M backing.
.

Meiser 1264S-S with a Nautilus 10 and SGS 324 grain “Trouter” Scandi Line

.

Meiser 1264S-4 Recommendation: 10oz (empty weight) reel of your choice with a Godshall SGS Trouter Scandi Line with 7′ or 10′ Trout RIO Versileaders. 

You can use Airflo Polyleaders as a substitute, but I would avoid the Super Fast Sink.

Alternate lines I would consider, but have not tested: Gaelforce ESSS 5/6 with a listed weight of 325 grains at 33′.
.
.

Meiser 1305S – 13’0″, 420 grains – travel or deep

Bob lists the grain window as 350 to 500, though I see this is more of a 6wt, 400 grain rod. I get more out of this rod, by being on the heavy side.

This rod I acquired for airline travel, but also well suited for throwing big trout flies or going deep.

.
Meiser 1305-S 5pc 420+ grain with my original Danielsson L5W

.

Meiser 1305-S 5pc with the Nextcast WA 35 420 line on a Nautilus 12DD

.

Updated in late 2022, I switched to a heavier reel, a Nautilus 12DD at 10 ounces weight empty, and move the Danielsson to Saltwater duty (for barracuda and permit).
.

Meiser 1305S-5 Recommendation: Reel with an empty weight of 10-12 ounces and my cast sings with a NextCast WA35 420 grains that has a 21′ head weighing 355 grains and then add a 65 grain 6wt RIO replacement Tip to get a 31′ at 420 grains (length)

I would note that sample NextCast Floating Tip (was 10′ at 70 grains) and is a very nice tip, but the RIO 6wt Replacement Tips make a good substitute.

One morning, I put on SRO Ballistic Vector 56 390 grain , and it felt nice.

Alternatives Lines:

• Guideline 4D (Mutli-tip) DH 78 with 7 12′ Gram Tips, for a 29′ at 417 grains,
• For fine, I would try a Bridge Tributary 56, 425 gains at 38′.

Time to declare a bias, I have more fun fishing my flies on the top or close to, and I do not care for short Skagit lines. My objectives when fishing, in order are

• Relax
• Experience the water, the river and the surroundings
• Enjoy the mechanics of fishing
• Land 1 fish

With this recognition, I would reserve Skagit Lines for Winter Steelhead, but usually I like using 3D Scandi lines for depth or some of the multi-tip lines like Bridge’s Wintertide.

20220710 Update. When I bought this rod, Bob did not have a travel 4wt trout rod, but he has several now. Today, I would buy his 12’3″ 4wt 5pc >S2H12335CX-5.

Though, the 1305 just fits in my old DB Dub Travel Case, it does not fit in my newer Sage Travel Pack, which is 1″ shorter.
.
.

20210903 Update – Meiser 1565

Meiser 1565CX-5 – 15’6″, 450 grains – long & fun

A far and fine fun rod.

Bob lists the grain window as 350-550.

Acquired in late August 2021 a Meiser 1565CX. I started with a Vector 56 45′ 390 grain line, but choices are few, as this represents the edge of long light rods and I am using hand-tied leaders. This line match is good, and I see no need to experiment (but I did anyway).

Meiser 15’6″ 5wt with my initial Nautilus 12DD Reel and a Ballistic Vector 390 grain

.
A year later, I received a custom 12.7oz reel from Wayne Petrevan (Canada Reels) to match this rod.
.

Meiser 15’6″ 5wt with my final reel, a Wayne Petrevan Spey Reel.

.

Updated image from the summer of 2023

.

Meiser 1565-5 Recommendation: 12.5oz (empty weight) reel of your choice with a SRO Ballistic Vector 45, that is 45′ at 390 grains, with a long hand-tied leader.

The alternative available now (and in my kit) is a Vector XL 56 with a 50′ head at 450 grains.

20200703 Update: I did find and buy a lightly modified CND GPS 55′ at 432 grain, which increases line to rod ratio to over 3.5, but as the head has the typical CND slow taper off, I use less dangle, so effective distance gain is closer to 6′ (without shooting), and has the typical for CND step in the belly.

In short, both cast well, but I find the Vector XL friendlier, but for the now I am going to keep the CND GPS on.

.

.

the trout spey summary

OEM	ACR	Meiser	Meiser	Meiser
Model	1173 3wt	1264S 4wt	1595 CX 5wt	1305-5S 5wt
Role	Wet Flies	Streamers	Skaters	Travel
Reel	Hardy St Aiden	Nautius CF10	Petrevan	Nautilus 12DD
Default Line	RIO C Scandi	SGS Trouter	SRO Vector XL	NextCast WA2 35
Weight	24′, 240 grains	31.1′ , 324 grains	50′, 450 grains	355 grains +tips
Tip	Mono-Leader	10′ VersiTips	Mono-Leader	RIO 10′ 6wt, 65 grains

.

.

Burkheimer 7134, 470+ grains – steelhead

Kerry has a stated casting window of 420 to 570 grains, arguably a light 7wt.

I have several shooting heads that I have used (infrequently) in wallets identified as 470 and 520, and ready to experiment with a Airflo Delta 6/7 (460 grains at 46′) and 7/8 (530 grain at 51′).

Currently reeled up, for the is Gaelforce Equalizer ESH 8, 37′ at 462 grains that I use with 10′ Polyleaders, Behind the line, I have a 30lb RIO Connect Core an SA 30lb Orange Dacron Backing.

Original Test: I am currently using a Nautilus 12DD, but it is a little light and a 12oz reel would be nicer. At 10oz, the old Nautilus 12DD reel balances well with a high top hand, but if you are keeping your hands lower for a heavy line-fly water-borne cast, a reel just under 12oz would be best. As I am in no rush, I am hoping to see a good used Einarsson Invictus 10-12 become available, but if I was buying new and need a reel now, I would buy a Seigler BF or a Mako 9500.

20230407 Update: Found a old-used Nautilus 12S, so I have moved Gaelforce ESH 8 to this reel.

Burkheimer 7wr 13’4″ with a Nautilus 12DD Reel and a Gaelforce Equalizer 8wt

.

Burkheimer 7134 Recommendation: Reel with an empty weight of 12-13 ounces with a Gaelforce Equalizer ESH 8wt (37′ at 462 grains) with 10 or 14′ Polyleaders (not the Super Fast sink).

As my focus is to use this rod in Winter, I would also carry 3D lines (see Line Wallets 470 and 520 below) to get down, including 3D lines from Guideline.

Aside, as Tim at Bridge Lines made a prefect recommendation for my Walker, it is worth noting his recommendations for this rod:

My favorite Wintertide on that rod is the 6/7. Some folks like the 7 weight 475 as well but I seem to get better results with the lighter weight. I think if you tend to like your lines on the heavier side then the 7 would be a good choice and if you prefer lighter then the 6/7 would be a great option too.

.

.

Meiser 13668CX-6 13’6″ 550 grains – travel and a solid 7wt

Bob lists the casting window as 450 to 750, and I have received this rod in 2017. Where as the Burkheimer is a light line 7wt, I consider this a heavy 7wt.

I found the original supplied line to be light, and after a discussion with Bob, I did get a NextCast line that was ~ 40 grains heavier, which was the charm for me. Hence, I prefer the Nextcast Steelhead Finder FF 89 30′ 550 grain and using my old Airflo 12′ 7wt 75 grains Tips (Wallet ID: 7 12′ 75g)

For this 6 piece Steelhead and Salmon travel rod, I was using a Nautilus 12DD but this reel was a little light. In late 2022, I migrate to Nautilus 12S.

As this time in 2023, I will fish either

• Dry-line: Henshaw Platewind Reel at 13 ounces with a Bridge Tributary 78 44′ at 575 grains
• General: Nautilus 12S with the NextCast Steelhead Finder 89 30′ at 550 grains + tips.

In backup is a Beulah Tonic 550 grain at 26′ using either MOW Medium Tips (or even the 8wt 15′ RIO Tips, as above). As an observation, I found this line works well, but just a little on the heavy side.

I will often carry the 520 and 570 shooting head wallets.

Meiser 13668-6 with the original Nautilus 12DD Reel and a NextCast Steelhead Finder Line

.

Meiser 13668 in 2023 with Chris Henshaw Platewind Reel

.

Meiser 13668-6 Recommendation: Reel with an empty weight of 12 ounces with Nextcast Steelhead Finder FF 89 30′ 550 grain and using the Airflo Tip 7wt 12′ 75 grains .

.

.

Meiser 1507 S – another long rod

My 7wt long rod.

.

I have found this rod to be flexible and it likes the same setup as above:

• Dry-line: Henshaw Platewind Reel at 13 ounces with a Bridge Tributary 78 44′ at 575 grains
• General: Nautilus 12S with the NextCast Stealhead Finder 89 30′ at 550 grains + tips.
  .
  and
  .
• Fine and long, the Nautilus 12S with RIO Spey Long 78 64′ at 620 grains

.

.

Quantum 16’7″ 7wt – the long and fine steelhead rod

.

In that Steve Godshall only made 5 rods, this rod is an unicorn. I find it light and responsive, but the challenge is finding a long line.

To support a light reel balance, I made a smaller lower handle with burl cork on the bottom half, and in the end the best balance was a Nautilus 12S reel.

My line choices are

• BOSS Long 8/9 – 65′, 740 grains (ok, but I found it heavy)
• Gaelforce Equalizer Spey 8/9 – 83′, 818 grains
• Gaelforce Equalizer Spey 8/9 – 73′, 756 grains
• Gaelforce Equalizer Spey 8/9 – 63′, 708 grains
  .
• SRO Vector XL 89 – 65′ 660 grains – 2nd favourite
• RIO Spey Long 78 – 64′ 620 grains – 1st favourite.

.

.

Bruce & Walker – Walker 13’6″ 6pc 8wt – Received in April 2022

Recommended line from Gene Oswald was NextCast Winter Authority 55 89 – 650 grains at 51ft, but I started with a Gaelforce EEMT 89 Shooting Head that is slightly heavier at 679 grains at 47ft, which did not feel right. The lines – at the top level description are similar – so the reasons for my dislike maybe subtly (core, shape) or I was simply having a couple of bad sessions.

As a point of reference a US Penny is defined as weighing 2.5grams (~38 grains) and a dime is a little lighter (closer to 35 grains), so my dislike is possible something other than weight.

What have I tried that I really like, and sticking with …..

• from the 570 Head Bag – Guideline 3D+ 910 Scandi – 38′ and 570 grains
  • this bodes well, as I many other options in this kit, such as as the Steelhead Finder.
    .
• Bridge Wintertide 89 + 10+’ Tip – 32′ and 550 grains for the main line +75 grains for the tips.

I have a Stewart 300, which at 13 ounces is the lightest reel I would recommend, and would even suggest a heavier Stewart 400 at 14 ounces would have been a better choice.

.

.

Walker 16’6″ 89

Boss 89 Line (65′ 740 grain) with a Monic shooting line on a Sacarione Mark V 4 ½” 2x Multiplier.

.

The right reel for this long rod. Right now it has 240m of SA 30# Pink backing, but I should remove 40m to reduce am jam risk when landing a fish.

.

,

the 2H “sevens” rod summary – because I have too many rods

	B 7134	M136-6CX	M1507S	Q167	BW136-6	BW166
OEM	Burkheimer	Meiser	Meiser	Godshall	B & Walker	B & Walker
Model	7134-4	13668CX-6	1507S-4	Quantum	Walker 136	Walker
Role	Winter	Travel	Far & Fine	Far & Fine	Travel	Salmon
Grain Min	420	450	450
Grain Max	570	750	750
Reel	Nautilus 12S . .	Nautilus 12S Henshaw .	Henshaw Nautilus 12S Nautilus 12S	Nautilus 12S . ,	Stewart 300 . .	Saracione . .
Default Line	Ga ESH 8 . ,	NC STF 89 Tributary 78 ,	Tributary 78 NC STF 89 RIO Long 78	RIO Long 78 . .	Wintertide . .	Boss 89 . .
Weight	37′ 462g	29′ 550g	44′ 575g	65′ 660g	32′ 550g	65′ 740g
Tippet	Polyleader	7 15′ 95g	Mono	Mono	7 15′ 95g	Mono

.

.

And what Scandi heads do I take with these rods?

.

.

.

My collection and thoughts on tips

• OPST – Micro Skagit – for use with the lighter rods, when I want to extend the leader, like the James Green 7wt.
  
  I am not so fond of the Commando Heads, but really do like their trout floating tips, and I do not have a wallet for them. I just keep them with my leaders.
  .
• Airflo Polyleader 5 – Used with the Scandi 3D, when I need/want a longer line for the presentation. Though these Polys are available, I usually used short tippets with just mono, so as I am not detracting from the advantage of a sinktip 3D Scandi. 
  .
  405 – Though Polyleaders are not a constant weight tip, but based on my measurements, I consider them a 4 weight 5′ 20 grain tip, so if I named them, it would be “4 5′ 20g”.
  .
• Poly 10 (aka 4 10′ 40g) – For long floating-intermediate lines, like the Gaelforce ESH 8, if I am not using a hand-tied leader, then I am using a Airflo 10′ Polyleader, excluding the Super Fast Sink.
  .
  410 – Though Polyleaders are not a constant weight tip, but based on my measurements, I consider them a 4 weight 10′ 40 grain tip, so if I named them, it would be “4 10′ 40g”.
  .
• Airflo Polyeader Connection – The core of these lines are 0.0155″ in diameter, so a good final tippet is anything from Maxima 12 to Seaguar Blue 8.
  .
• m4 – with RIO 10′ Versileaders for the Meiser 1264.
  .
• RIO Replacement Tips – The current standard for Multi-Tip lines, but I have a mixed stock of old and new, but either works. The older set have a faster sink option and the intermediate line is transparent.
  .
  Gaelforce appears to be using RIO Replacement Tips, with such lines as the EEMT.
  .
  Finer tips in my collection include the discontinued Airflo tip, but I think the best were the old Nextcast tips (before 2022, which I believe we also made by Airflo). 
  .
  NextCast current production tips (2023), based on internet information only look to be made by Airflo and look really nice for heavier lines.
  .
  Guideline has a smaller selection made by Airflo for them, to support there 3D-4D lines. I have paired a Compact 4D 12” 108 grain line with my 8 Wintertide, and it is a great fit. So Guidelines selection is much smaller than RIOs. As of the start of 2024, your choices are: 
  • 4D Compact Tips – 10′ to 12′ suitable for most 8 and 9 wt lines
  • 4D Tips – 15′ 138 grains suitable for most 9wt lines
  • ULS Compact – 10′ 61 grains suitable for most 6-7wt.
    
    If money was no object, as these are the most expensive of the lot, I would consider buy all of the above ULS and 4D Compacts Guideline with the idea of using them to replace my RIOs.
    .
• RIO MOW Tips
  • MW li – MOW light – RIO MOW/iMOW tips – Base on T-8, approximately 10′ 90 grains
  • MOW m – MOW medium – RIO MOW/iMOW tips – Base on T-11, approximately 10′ 120 grains
    .

.

.

Single Hand Spey Capable Rods

James Green with a Danielsson 3W with an Airflo Spey Switch 360 grain

.

James Green 7wt with a Danielsson 3W

.

• James Green 1005 Loop-Danielsson 3W Reel with Airflo Spey Switch with integrated running line and a head of 26′ 330 grain. I am using 20lb Green Backing.
  .
  Sadly with Airflo’s change in ownership, their commitment to spey has diminished (Airflo USA office also moved to Colorado). Though I really did like Airflo and Mr Rajeff was a good person (who appears to be gone), given this acquisition; I will likely jump ship. Based on my updated survey (conducted on August 24, 2021), I would likely goto Guideline.
  .
  As far as the tip is concerns, I guess I can use Airflo polyleaders, but I really like the OPST Commando Micro Tips, which adds another 30 (5′) to 50 (10′) grains.
  .
• James Green 1007 with Loop-Danielsson 3W Reel with Airflo Spey Switch with integrated running line and a head of 26′ 360 grain. I am using 20lb Green Backing.
  .
• Scott ARC 1007 with Loop-Danielsson 2W Reel with an old Airflo 7wt MultiTip (7 12′ 75g) with 30lb 3M Orange Backing.
  .
• Scott ARC 9069 with Loop-Danielsson 2W Reel with a RIO 9wt MultipTip with 30lb 3M Orange Backing, with the 9wt 15′ 129 grain tips.
  .

The Scott’s was my original summer-winter steelhead setup from 20+ years ago. As noted in other posts, early in my pursuit (before 2000), winter steelhead “school’d” me on retrieve rate and icing. After this, I went to large arbor reels and avoid drags that can ice up.
.

.

the SH Spey Rods

	Green 1005	Green 1007	ARC 1007	ARC 9699
OEM	James Green	James Green	Scott	Scott
Model	Fiberglass	Fiberglass	ARC 10′, 7wt	ARC 9.5′, 9wt
SH Rating	5wt	7wt	7wt	9wt
Role	Trout	Trout Streamer	Light Steelhead	Heavy Steelhead
Reel	Danielsson	Danielsson	Danielsson	Danielsson
Model, Tag	3W (5S)	3W (OP)	2W (7m)	2W (0m)
Line OEM	Airflo Streamer	Airflo Streamer	Airflo 7wt MultiTip	RIO 9wt VersiTip
Weight	330 grains	360 grain	120 grains @30′	174 grains @30′
Tip	Mono	OPST micro	12′ 75 grains	6wt 15′ 84 grains

.

.

Backing and Shooting Line

Post release update – 2021-07-11+

My expectation for a supporting setup for traditional spey trout would be:

• For 5wt or less
  • Minimum of 70m of backing, 20lb backing – usually green
  • Minimum of 20m of shooting line, if there is a shooting head
• For 6wt or more
  • Minimum of 120m of backing, 30lbs backing – usually pink
  • Minimum of 20m of shooting line, if there is a shooting head

Reasons

• The opportunity to land the fish typically becomes un-realistic at 100m (or before), as structure and river current is likely to break your fly off. Maybe in the large rivers in Montana and Alberta (the Bow), you may have longer runs with less structure, but you are fighting the river then (and not the fish).
• I am not able to shoot 20m of the line, so 20m is more than enough.

And if the reel is to support Steelhead, then the backing increases to 120m of 30lb, and for 9wt, I will consider going to 50lb braid.

.

.

Review of 2023 Shooting Lines

As I do not like holding onto to monofilament, especially in winter, I tend to use a coated line. I do have 50# OPST for a 9wt Salmon Road, so as to keep trying and see if I change my mind. I also do not like the starting ritual of pre-stretch, as this line remembers every coil.

• RIO Gripshooter – I like this line, but coated section is a little short for long rods and even mid-length, so I would use
  • 50# yellow with a 19′ head for a 14′ or less rod, with a holding diameter of 0.045″
  • 35# green with a 17′ head for a 12′ or less rod, with a holding diameter of 0.040″
  • I note these details, as RIO currently does not provide the details on their website, which happens to be on their physical packaging.
    .
• Monic GSP – my first choice on long rods and good for any rod – strong, fine, shoots well
  • 70# and a fine holding diameter of 0.030″.
    .
• RIO PowerFlex Ultra – feels nice, shoots better than their older line, and the choice if you fine the Monic too fine in winter.
  • 50# Aqua at 0.045″
  • 35# Yellow at 0.040″
  • 30# Blue at 0.035″
  • 25# Green at 0.030″
  • 25# Orange at 0.025″
  • Again, I note these details, as RIO currently does not provide the details on their website, which happens to be on their physical packaging.
    .
• my old SRO running line was nice, but they since change it, and I have not bought their new running line, but the running line in their integrated Vectors is slick.
  .

Salmon Fishing

Yes, I have a Salmon Rod, a Loomis GLX 15′ 910. It does not come out much as Salmon means an extended trip, and Judy does not care for Salmon fishing or Two-Handed Casting (unless it is for Trout).

Maybe after when I retire, it will see more water, but for now, this rod and the associated Nautilus 12S is generally keep in storage.

In late 2023 – I have added two long Bruce Walker Walkers, both at 16’6″ in 89 and 910. The 910 is the Salmon rod.

.

20240323 Update – Summary Tables

The rod and reel with the default lines

.

The reels in my case

.

The bench-made reels, kept separately

,

The Scandi lines, I take out if I want a change up

.

But I am likely to sell off the Airflo Compact Scandi and the SA UST.

.

For Multi-Tip lines, what I have and size of line at the junction.

.

I have a mixed of old and new. The green block signals the tips that I have and yellow signal tips I do not have. Not presents are 3 other tips

• SGS Floating ~75 grains, 10′ – nice
• NextCast Floating ~ 75 grains, 12′ – really nice
• Guideline 4D Compact Tip FHI – 108 grains, 10′ – a favourite

But as I survey what I am really want to use, these are the kits getting attention

• RIO 6wt 10′ 65 grains – used with the Meiser 1305S and WA35
  .
• RIO 6wt 15′ 85 grains – used with Scott ARC 9699 and RIO VersiTip SH 9wt
  .
• Airflo 7wt 12 75 grains – used with the Scott 1007
  • I really like their floating tip.
    .
• RIO 7wt 15′ 95 grains – used with the Meiser 13668 with the NextCast SF
  • and BW 136 8wt with the Bridge WinterTide.
    .
  • Also use the Guideline 4D Compact 12′ and 108 grains (Float and HI)
  • and my NextCast Floating Tip 12′ and 75 grain
    
• RIO 9wt 15′ 129 grains (may add in 8wt floating tip) used with the Scott 9699 and BW 136 8wt if I go back to the Gaelforce EEMT

.

Airflo Polyleaders and RIO Versileaders

For Airflo, excluding the 10′ * Super Fast Sink, these are usually easy adds to the end of a Scandi or mid-belly line, and where as the heavy Versi-Leader have a consistent weight, but suited for a line with a stout tip.

.

🙂

.

Meiser 13668CX-6 and Tips

Now, as I have adjusted my casting stroke to suit this rod, enabling me to launch my fly, I feel I can comment (and add value) about this new rod.  With the high water this summer year, it has seen little time in my local water and more time on the grass, but I am looking forward to get this rod out this fall and winter.

Handle and Balance Notes

• Handle Length – just over 24″
• Lower Handle – 6″
• Downlocking Reel Seat
• Reel – Nautilus 12DD, which is listed as being 10.1oz (when empty)
• Balance Point – Just under 20″

Observation and Comments:

It is listed as a progressive rod, and I can feel it more in the butt than my Meiser-S – which is too be expected.  After I adjusted my stroke accordingly with the line provided, I have had no issue to launch my fly with the line provided.

It is definitely lighter than my Burkheimer – 7134 – and I do not yet fell comfortable to put in a comparative analysis of the two.

As a 6 piece rod, it does fit in my travel rod carrier, but it consumes the volume of 2 rods. So planned accordingly, but other than this, I do not believe I am sacrificing anything for a 6pc rod.

If there was one change, it would be to add weight to the lower handle and be able to use the new lighter reels available. It was too light for my Danielsson Reel, so after some changes of lines and heads, I found the Nautilus 12DD a good fit.

Line

Meiser lists the grain window from 450 to 750 grains.

The rod came with a SGS Line of 502 grains at 35.7′ and a note to add 10′ 70 grain tips.  This translates to RIO 7wt 10′ Replacement Tips.

I am going to experiment with different lines.

TIP Reference

My collection of lines and rods, started needed some organization, but in doing so, I needed to learn a little more.  So I pulled out my scale, did a little research and have the following notes and observations.

Observation 1 – Leaders: Consistency in marking and identification of Airflo PolyLeaders and RIO VersiLeaders is just not there. I believe there is also some variability in the weights as well, but I cannot rule out error in mixing up lines, so this is just a suspicion.

Observation 2: I will continue to wisely use PolyLeaders-VersiLeaders for fine tip Scandi Lines, such as GuideLines’ Scandi 3D

Observation 3 – Leaders: Airflo Polyleaders are usually lighter and back-end loaded, where RIO Versileaders keeps the weight and mass closer to the tip.  Both are good, but I am incline to keep with Airflo as my default, for what I fishing, but this is just a preference.

Observation 4: Weights of ‘*Leaders’ – Some measurements of mass, by Poppy   (hyperlink to Poppy’s posting on SpeyPages fails, so not provided) , and by default I to Poppy’s.

1. Airflo 5′ Steelhead Polyleaders – I will use with Guideline 3D lines
   1. Floating – 20 grains
   2. Hover – 20 grains
   3. Intermediate – 23 grains
   4. Slow Sink – 20 grains
   5. Fast Sink – 28 grains
   6. Super Fast Sink – 38 grains
   7. X-Super Fast Sink – 77 grains
2. Airflo 10′ Steelhead PolyLeaders – Guideline 3D lines, longer anchor or light OPST Lines
   1. Floating – 24 grains
   2. Hover (0.5″ (ips)) – 25 grains
   3. Clear Intermediate (1.5)- 26 grains
   4. Slow Sink (2.6) – 30 grains
   5. Fast Sink (3.9) – 32 grains
   6. Super Fast Sink (4.9)- 56 grains
   7. X-Super Fast Sink (6.1) – 76 grains
3. 14′ Airflo Steelhead PolyLeaders – Use with Bealuh Elixir lines
   1. Floating – 40 grains
   2. Fast Sink – 50 grains
   3. Super Fast Sink – 98 grains
4. 10′ RIO Spey VersiLeaders – Provided with my Meiser 1305S-5 with a SGS 411 grain line at a length of 32′
   1. Floating – 40 grains
   2. Sink 1.5 – 52 grains
   3. Sink 2.6 – 66 grains
   4. Sink 3.9 – 72 grains
   5. Sink 5.6 – 86 grains
   6. Sink 7.0 – 118 grains
5. I have  a set of RIO 10′ Trout VersiLeaders, which are no longer provided, which I use with my Meiser 1264 with a 311grain Scandi Line. What I have left in my “wallet” and measured is:
   1. Clear – Sink 1.5 – 25 grains
   2. Red – Sink 2.9 – 68 grains
   3. Blue – Sink 5.6 – 70 grains
   4. Black – Sink 7.0 – 73 grains.When these expire, I will replace them with Airflo Trout Leaders.

Observation 5: For Scandi lines with a stout tip, I use RIO Replacement Tips 10′ or 15′ – a consistent length tip with a consistent weight for all tips. In the RIO line up, you have:

1. RIO Replacement – 10′ Tips
   1. 5wt – 55 grains
   2. 6wt – 65gr grains – may be used with Winter Authority WA35
   3. 7wt – 75 grains – used with the SGS Line with the Meiser 13668CX-6 Rod.
   4. 8wt –  85 grains
   5. 9wt – 95 grains
2. RIO Replacement – 15′ Tips
   1. 6wt – 84 grains
   2. 7wt – 95 grains
   3. 8wt – 109 grains – used with my SRO Ballistic Express 470gr Line.
   4. 9wt – 129 grains – may be used with Winter Authority WA55, but its acquired with my Airflo MultiTip Line (Single-Hand) and most frequently used with my Scott ARC 9wt 9’6″ 4pc rod.
   5. 10wt – 150 grains

Airflo does not provided replacement tips, but I have a set of tips for my 7wt Multi-Tip line used with my Scott ARC 7wt 10′ 4pc rod.  The tips are 12′ and weight 75 grains, and very nice.

Though, I noted lack of consistency in marking, of the two provider vendors – RIO and Airflo – I would contend Airflo is the better of the two.

And of course there are Skagit Lines and Tips

Observation 6: When you want to go deep and-or throw some chickens, consider a thick Skagit line, which would have a thick tip.  To match, I use a mix of10′  RIO MOW for floating and full sink lines, and 10′ iMOW lines from RIO for the mix sink lines, either in T-8 (light) or T-11 (medium).

Observation 7: We make this so complicated for ourselves, and a stick of dy*** would be so much simpler, but this is the essence of fly-fishing.  And the proof, my working table that cross-references tips to lines and rods.

.