Spey, Fly Line & Fly Fishing Product Reviews: Spey Doctor

“In 2012, I configured a Mid-Spey Line combination from over counter products by RIO and Airflo. With its rapidly growing popularity throughout the Great Lakes and mid to larger trout rivers, it became the go to hybrid line combination for many spey casters, that’s until Airflo’s line was discontinued. Finding nothing that could take its place, I was determined to find or create a better idea and specs for a practical line combo that’s readily available, over the counter and easy to use. After comparing multiple tapers, lengths and tips I had an idea and approached RIO with it. They were interested and with further R&D, they decided to prototype a few. I soon received three prototypes and just as I expected their performances exceeded my original hybrid combo. Needless to say, RIO’s R&D nailed it! With more refining and testing, from prototype to finality, The RIO Scandi Launch is now available.”

What line combinations for swinging and tracking flies for Spey Rods and Spey Casting on mid-size to large rivers do I prefer now? It’s RIO Scandi Launch and VersiLeaders!
Without Versi-Leaders; for floating line presentations, an 8-12’ tapered or knotted leader, with appropriate sized dry and sub-surface flies, you’ll achieve accurate, smooth and delicate presentations.
Using RIO VersiLeaders; I suggest 10' VersiLeaders on spey rods 12’6” and longer. Rods shorter than 12’6”, I suggest either the 10’ or 7’, which may depend on your casting ability, fishing conditions and your personal preferences.
These lines, with or without the VersiLeaders, are aerially dynamically balanced when it comes to turn over, line flight and tight loops. The New RIO Scandi Launch, offering 32’ to 43’ foot heads, matched with the rod and looped to 7’ or 10’ RIO VersiLeaders will make for a smooth casting mid-plus length line configuration that’s easy and enjoyable to cast. Find yourself effortlessly firing out longer and smoother casts with accurate delicate presentations with both floating and sinking leaders.
Whether swinging sub-surface patterns or dry fly fishing, you be pleased to find these lines will push the distance envelope beyond your rod while presenting the fly into those previously unreachable targets.
The RIO Launch is available to fit all your needs from a 5wt 320 to 11wt 675 grain head.
Important Grain Weight Note: When combining these heads and leaders, you may need to consider the total grain weight of both to properly match your rod.
Shooting Lines; diameters are another critical connection in creating a well-balanced line combination for gaining distance and accuracy.

RIO Replacement Tips:
Floating to Fast Sinking Type 8 Sinking Tips Available:
The RIO Versi Tips are available in 10’ for 4 to 9 wt. rods ideal for rods under 13 feet. The 15’ RIO Versi Tips are more compatible with 13 feet and longer rods and are offered in 7 wt. to 11 wt.
RIO Versi Tips are the same grain wt.; example a 6 wt. 10’ floater, intermediate, type 3 and type 6 sink are 84 grains each, which allows the casters to maintain their same forward cast stroke every time. Each sinking tip is also density compensated which allows for the tip first sinking while offering a better and more precise presentation.

RIO’s PowerFlex Ultra Shooting Line is designed with the two-handed caster in mind and are the popular choices among fly fishers.
The low stretch core allows for longer line hook ups.
Available in 5 diameters to fit all your line combinations.

ENDURA Line Care:
Keeping your floating heads and shooting lines clean and well-dressed will add to its performance and long line life.
ENDURA Fly and Spey Line Dressing is what outperforms and out lasts the competition by a long cast.
For retail and wholesale information on these products and more:
Contact: Malinda’s Fly and Tackle Shop: 315.298.2993

Written 2008, Revised 2023
© Copyright 2023 by Walt Geryk. All Rights Reserved.

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What’s all the craze about 2D and 3 D lines, well here’s a little insight as to how they will increase your hook ups by getting fly into the zone and keeping it there in nearly all water currents.
By Walt Geryk 2017

The need to keep a swinging fly in the zone in heavy currents & deeper runs has just become easier!

Comparing RIO’s InTouch Scandi 3D (Float / Hover / Intermediate) to a 2D (Hover / Intermediate).
Tested Swinging Flies for Steelhead & Salmon on New York’s Salmon River.
SAGE 13'-14' 8 and 9 weight spey rods
RIO Connect Core Shooting Line .042
RIO Replacement Tips 8 & 9weights in both10' and 15' Lengths

I had the opportunity to compare a Hover / Intermediate 2 D line, which is currently only available in the U.K., to the Float / Hover / Intermediate RIO InTouch Scandi 3D Head.

Fishing them both extensively this fall I determined both fished quite well when looped to or without the RIO’s Density Compensated sink tips.
(You may want to read up on the advantages of density compensated tips and how they work.)

With or without the tips, the 2 D lines cast well in most conditions, while RIO’s 3D is noticeably smoother compared to the slightly clunkier 2D.
Importantly, I also experienced that the RIO 3D moved and lifted out of the water with less considerably effort when compared to the 2D.

Both lines fished well in lower fast water. I noticed the 2D to be less forgiving in staying in touch with the fly and during the swings the 2 D had a tendency to want to hang up much more. From my observation, it may be due that the 2D combined integrated sinking lines acts more like level sinking lines.
With this 2D design I can see it may be better suited to lake vs. river fishing, but can still work effectively in both.

RIOs sink like a density compensated line with the 3 shorter sections compared to the longer sections of 2D line. The 3D Line has three configurations that will adapt to nearly every fast and deep water situation including lake fishing. RIO’s Low Stretch Core adds sensitivity for those lighter grabs and allows for easier and more hook sets.

Another huge advantage to the 3D is that when fighting a fish it is much easier to lift the line to the surface and out of the water to quickly eliminate that heavy underwater tippet breaking line drag.

Both these lines are heads only and I’d prefer to have an integrated shooting line, but this will not stop me from using these RIO Lines.

Take the RIO's InTouch Scandi 3 D to the 4th Dimension by utilizing RIO's D.C. Replacement Tips for even more versatility.

In conclusion, I prefer the RIO 3D line with and without the tips. I especially like the added versatility of RIO's 3D when looped to the appropriate RIO Replacement Tips. Noticeably, there is more line control to the fly with 3D, giving even more depth when needed by adding RIO Replacement Tips that have a faster sink rate than the 3D Tip section.

“RIO's 3 D is effective, versatile and adapts to nearly every sub-surface condition. Whatever your fishing conditions, I am confident that that there is a RIO InTouch 3D Scandi configuration that will work superbly, get your fly into that sub-surface strike zone and keep it there!”

Floating/Hover/Intermediate: The ideal head for swinging flies in the top three feet of the water column. The floating back portion makes mending and pickups easy, while the hover midsection and intermediate tip keeps the fly fishing below the surface.

Hover/Intermediate/Sink 3: This head is built for deeper presentations or heavier currents, swinging the fly, on average, two to five feet below the surface. The Hover back section allows for easy casting and line control, while the intermediate mid-section and Sink 3 tip hold the fly at fish level.

Intermediate/Sink 3/Sink 5: When you really have to get down to the fish, this is the fastest sinking, deepest-fishing head we make. It swings the fly, on average, between four and 10 feet deep, and yet the graduated density still allows for outstanding line control and easy casting.

Triple density head design for maximum fishing control
Ultra-low stretch ConnectCore for maximum performance
Effortless casting design for distance and presentation
RIO’s Easy ID to easily identify head size and density

A selection of heads, tips and leaders were used on the HARDY ZEPHRUS 8/9 and the NEW DEMON 8/9 SPEY RODS to determine these recommendations.

SAGE X Spey 8-9wt 13'-14'
3D F/H/I, 520 grain head / 10’ SPEY Versi-Leaders (65-75 grains)*
3D H/I/S3, 520 grain head / 10’ SPEY Versi-Leaders (65-75 grains)*
3D I/S3/S5, 520 grain head / 6’ SPEY Versi-Leaders (45-55 grains)

Always match rod wt. to tip wt. when substituting tips.
Maxima Chameleon 28”to 48”, 8#-15#
For Swinging; Adjust leader lengths and diameters according to flies used.

The Larger and Heavier the flies require a heavier diameter, 15#, with shorter lengths 28” to 36” which allows for turnover. Mostly all other flies can use 8#-15# accordingly, depending on water conditions. Example: An Alec Jackson 1.5 Spey Fly will turn over tight and straight with the preferred 8#-12# at 48”.
*I see little need for 15# on the lighter traditional spey flies.

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SWINGING AND TRACKING FOR WINTER STEELHEAD
HOW TO GET IT DONE IN COLDER WATER FOR LETHARGIC FISH

Cover the Water Effectively
Position yourself so a small angled tight line can swing into and hang in fishy waters. In higher flows, it's critical on how the traditional style spey fly tracks tightly down the edges of the seams then with a slow swing across into a resting spot, pocket or another run. Once the fly has tracked into the final spot, be sure to let it hang there with a tight line, remaining in touch with the fly, and give it a few soft twitches during a slow retrieve.
Remember, swinging traditional spey patterns effectively takes more experience and concentration to get the proper fly swim and correct presentation.
Fly Styles
The meatier articulating styles of bugger and intruders can be easier for those who like to drift and swing. These flies may be more effective in boiling deep pockets and are definitely easier to use and in many cases will be more productive in these areas. These styles of flies produce more articulating actions at various speeds and can offer other presentations and speeds that may be needed to increase your success. Both fly styles are needed and are both Fun!
Don’t be afraid of large bulky flies in the cold! These flies are very productive when presented properly at the slowest speed presented to allow for fly undulation. Be Ready for a Solid Pull!
Now there will be some fresh fish entering the rivers, these fresh fish can smash and run, so be ready.
Fly Lines and Tips
A good 3 D line and possibly matched up to a DC Tip is necessary to get and keep your fly in the zone, no water what the conditions are. I recommend the RIO InTouch 3d Scandi with RIO’s Replacement Tips or Versi Leaders. These lines and tips get the job done!

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Properly matched shooting lines to your heads is just part of the equation needed for longer accurate casts,
all around better performances with increased hook ups.
By Walt Geryk 2017

Searching for the latest shooting line, RIO has one, but is it better for all situations?

Let’s compare the latest Powerflex Max Shooting Line to the very popular ConnectCore Shooting Line.

Tested Swinging Flies for Steelhead 6 to 10 pounds and Trout in the 12” to 21” Range.
Shooting Line Lengths; under 25’ and up to 60’…reel to head (excluding head to fly)

I find both these shooting lines have unique advantages that can fit specific types of fly fishing.
First, let me say that shooting lines are very important to getting optimum distances with easy casting, which results in better performances that all anglers are searching for. After rigorous testing and comparing these two lines, I conclude that both are worthy of being on my reels, but for different species of and sizes of fish.

The Powerflex Max has a higher buoyancy and slickly comes off the water. With these two properties, easier casting and 10% and 15% added distances are achieved without any loss of accuracy. Now, this sounds great, but there is a definite notice in added line stretch with the Powerflex Max. This stretch results in less hook setting power at distances beyond the 25 feet of the shooting line on the water. When fishing for larger fish (5 plus pounds) at this distance and further, I find there are many more misses, even when there’s the feel of a strong pull. Powerflex Max shooting line also seems to tangle less in comparison to others.

The ConnectCore, on the other hand, with its low stretch property has much higher hook setting capabilities. Tested on steelhead, I had a higher rate of solid hook ups, 8 out of 10. Compared to the Powerflex Max of 4 out of 10. These comparisons were made with 30’ to 60’ shooting line lengths, reel to head.

Now for most of you trout anglers, you may find that the line stretch may not to affect your hook ups at all. With smaller fish and if needed to go long, I usually find that the drag of the line in and on the water with a subtlety motioned hook set is always more than enough to get locked up.

My conclusion is that with the higher floatability which allows for easier pick up off the water when shooting the line. The RIO Powerflex Max is a good choice for the trouter looking for added distances.
I like the Powerflex shooting line on my trout and shad set ups.
I prefer the ConnectCore for all larger species such as Atlantic salmon, steelhead and stripers. It all has to do with the least amount of stretch occurring with longer casts.
And I Like More Hook Ups!

The ConnectCore and The Powerflex Max Shooting Lines are offered in 4 diameters.
There's one that will fit your needs.

Keeping all fly, spey and shooting lines clean and well-dressed will add performance, extend line life, makes casting easier and allows for optimum distances.
I recommend Endura, the #1 Spey and Fly Lines Dressing.

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InTouch Single Hand Spey
Roll, Spey and Overhead Casting Versatility
By Walt Geryk 2016

Looking for a single hand fly line that offers versatility needed on streams with a brushy and with an over grown canopy? Need a line for fishing tight quarters where innovative spey and roll casts are needed to keep the fly out in front of you and the casts low to the water. The Single Handed Spey performs great, even on the shortest of fly rods and really bombs out long casts with pie plate accuracy. So when fishing some of those mountain streams that eventually open up into larger pools and runs, you’ll find this floating line fits the bill for all types of casts. For overhead casting, you’ll find it can really cut the wind with smooth tight loops and effortless strokes. This is the first line, that I have found, with the ability to shoot line while single hand spey casting effortlessly. With the ability to throw a haul into these roll and spey casts, you’ll be able to achieve unparalleled distances.

While casting a delicate dry or having the need to get down, swing a fly or drift a nymph, I find this line does it all. By adding an assortment of Versileaders you’ll be able to get down into the strike zones. On rods under 9 foot, I find tips from 7 foot and shorter perform effectively. 10 foot rods have the ability to handle tips up to 10 feet in length. The reason for the higher performance ability and versatility of this line is the designed loaded taper which is located on the back end of the head taper, which is similar to the performance tapers incorporated into the Scandi Lines.

Offered in 3 wt. to 8 wts. for trout, salmon, steelhead and more. I find this line to be the answer for adapting to the challenges of smaller streams and larger rivers with the need for innovative roll and spey casting with the ability to shoot out a long overhead cast.

An easy casting Traditional Short Head Spey Line,
Designed to be used with grain matched tips.
by Walt Geryk 2016

I always say, show me a product or a technique that will better my students, other fly fishermen and I will attempt to be the first to let everyone know about them.

Comparing to my hybrid line system, this shorter version makes sense for other applications.

For years, I have been using the AirFlo Compact Scandi heads with the Rio Versi/Replacement Tips turning these into a mid spey line that offers the needed versatility for Great Lakes Tributaries and more. Purchases of these multi branded lines, tips and shooting lines continue to be extremely popular for that mid-spey length.
For those seeking a shorter version spey line with easy casting tapers, with the ability to combine matched tips and an integrated running line was my thinking. After a few years of lobbying and discussions with four manufacturers, I apparently may have caught the attention of Simon and Zack at RIO and recently the introduced the New InTouch Short Head Spey Lines.
A spey line designed to handle multiple like grained weighed tips which match perfectly to keep your favorite spey rod performing at its maximum with each cast, regardless if you’re swinging deep pools or waking a bomber and especially in tight quarters and smaller rivers. You may ask how this is possible; once you match your rod with this line kit, the head and matching tips always equal the same total grain weight. Therefore, you are casting with the same tapers and grain weights every time. This equates to consistent performance without changing the rod load and without a need to change your comfortable forward casting stroke. This line also has an integrated ConnectCore low stretch running line, no more loop to loop connectors at the shooting line. No more annoying connections clicking. You will notice improved performance. Appreciate easier casting when the head may be needed inside the rod for even shorter in-close casts. Smooth retrieves while fighting and reeling in your trophies will become the new norm with this New RIO InTouch Short Head Spey Line.

“This New line is a combination of grain weighted matched tips applied to line tapers similar to those of a scandi taper, which has the load designed into the back end (by the rod tip). Combining the total head lengths with the matched tips now turns this line into an easy to cast short spey line and ready for nearly all spey fishing situations. When choosing this line combination, you must include the weight of the head with the tip. I recommend this kit for any spey application, but find it excels when used in smaller rivers and close quarter spey casting.” - Walt Geryk

Designed for Longer Two-Handed Rods & Big Rivers.
Performs best as full floating line.

What allows for the versatility of the InTouch Long Head Spey Line is its rear loaded taper design.
I find this line performs best when used as designed, a full floating line with monofilament tapered leaders of 7.5’ to 13’. With its low stretch core, I recommend and enjoy using these lines for fishing longer distances of 70’ to 120’ in conditions requiring floating lines.

Whether swinging, skating or dead drifting, you’ll find this series of lines at the top of its class, just like I have.

“For Spey Fishers who like to use a one piece full floating line, that’s forgiving and easy to cast, then this may be just what you have been waiting for.”- Walt Geryk

Long head length for the very best in line control and fishability
Ultra-low stretch ConnectCore
Sophisticated taper design for easy effortless distance
For peak performances & longer life, dress lines with Endura Line Dressing

What line combinations for swinging and tracking flies for all my Switch Rod use and specific Spey Fishing in tight quarters do I prefer?

RIO’s Scandi Body, used with matching RIO Replacement Tips and Scandi Versi Tip Short kits.
I find these lines to be aerially dynamically balanced when it comes to turn over, line flight and tight loops on both switch and spey rods. These shorter 23’ foot heads matched with the 10’ and 15’ tips will make nearly every switch and spey rod into a more versatile casting and fishing tool. With a possible slight modification to your forward cast, you will find the considerably smaller “D” loop allows you to cast while being up against a wall. Find yourself continuously firing out smooth and accurate presentations , in close and at longer distances.

For Swinging sub-surface patterns and dry fly fishing, I find these RIO Scandi Shorts and Tips to fill my expectations for precision casting, accurate presentations with a soft and fluid casting stroke. Also, when needed, these lines will push the distance envelope beyond your imagination and present the fly into those previously unreachable fishing zones.
It’s not just the Scandi Body that allows for more dynamic casting and fishing distances, I also find that the Shooting Line and size is an important factor in creating a well-balanced combination in aiding for distance and accuracy.

Floating Heads are available to fit all your needs from a 4 wt 230 grain to 11 wt 575 grain heads.
The Versi Tips are available in 10’ for 4 to 9 wt rods ideal for rods under 13 feet in length. The 15’ Tips are more compatible with 13 feet and longer rods and are offered in 7 wt to 11 wt. The individual rod weights Tips are the same grain wt; example a 6 wt 10’ floater, intermediate, type 3 and type 6 sink are 84 grains each, which allows the casters to maintain their same forward cast stroke every time. Each tip is also density compensated which allows for the tip first sinking while offering a better and more precise presentation.

Get Deeper by switching out from the floater to this New Intermediate Head. Just add any of the properly matched intermediate to type 8 RIO Replacement Sink Tips and get deeper quicker.

ConnnectCore Shooting Line, introduced by RIO, has been designed with the two-handed caster in mind. The low stretch core allows for longer line lock ups. The 14’ thicker handling section helps you hold tight during your casts and is available in 4 sizes to fit your 4 wt trout lines and heavier

Thoroughly Tested: I find these RIO Scandi Shorts to perform on a wide array of manufacturer’s rods admirably and to be just what the Spey Doctor needed to continue to offer the best options and products for my guests and students.

Try these lines and you too will be convinced on why they are needed on your reels!

Keeping your your fly & spey lines clean and well-dressed will add performance and longevity to its life.

ENDURA Fly and Spey Line Dressing is what we find to outperform and out last the competition by a long cast.
Endura Spey & Fly Line Dressing” is now available to the public and has received excellent reviews from those who tried and purchased it for their fly and spey lines. Endura Line Dressing was tested for nearly a year and in most conditions prior to its release. Ranging from freezing temps and 33 degree water to the hot summer days on the Salmon River to the Miramichi, the Deerfield River Region and into the Salt Waters of Cape Cod, this dressing was tested by dozens of anglers.
Results: lasts longer, applies on wet and dry lines, floats lines higher, slides through the guides with unnoticeable friction, increases casting distances and can be used on any fly or spey line.
Gives older lines a like new slickness and floatability.
"Always searching for better solutions and products, I was asked to test this new proprietary formula. Through extensive testing I find it to exceed our expectations with farther casting distances, added slickness, superior floatability, and with the ability to be applied to both wet and dry fly lines. With multiple field testers, we have all decided it’s a must have fly and spey line dressing.”
Walt Geryk
FYI:
When Dressing and Cleaning your spey lines, always treat the running and shooting lines along with the heads and floating tips. With Endura Spey and Fly Line Dressing's longer lasting and higher floatability, it is not recommended to be used on sink tips or any part of the sinking portions of the lines.

For Single Hand Fly Rodders.
Powerful, interchangeable tip fly lines for nearly all conditions.
by Walt Geryk, 2016

Looking for a single hand fly line that offers versatility? Then look no further! Change from dry fly and nymphing presentations, to swinging wets and streamers in a minute!
Become a more complete and successful angler, make quick changes to get into the strike zone all while keeping a consistently smooth casting stroke with just one reel and one tip wallet.

The RIO InTouch Versi Tip II includes a wallet with 4 matched 15’ Versi Tips; floating, intermediate, type 3 and type 6. If you need to get down even deeper, there is a type 8 Replacement Tip offered. These well-balanced and grain weight matched line kits offer maximum versatility for nearly all water conditions. For anglers who want to travel light but maintain the ability to change quickly from top water to deeper bottom coverage, this is the line kit for you.

Offered in 5 wt.-10 wts. for trout, salmon, steelhead and more. I find these are great for adapting to the conditions and river structures encountered while fly fishing the northeast. Instead of carrying 4 different lines on spools, I can now travel light and still be an effective fly fisherman. The RIO InTouch Versi Tip II also offers a substantial savings as compared to purchasing four and five lines with additional spools or reels. Makes sense and saves dollars.

Ultra-low stretch ConnectCore Technology for the maximum in sensitivity, control and performance.
Powerful, easy casting design makes distance easy.
Supplied with a selection of interchangeable tips.
Welded loops on both ends of each tip for fast rigging.
Available in 5wt. to 10wt.
For peak performances and longer line life, dress them with Endura Line Dressing

These products are thoroughly tested during a variety of fishing conditions for performance, durability, versatility and ease of use.
To better understand how these products may perform by a variety of casters, testing continues during clinics, classes and schools.
These reviews and recommendations are the results of my extensive field testing including input by my students and my guests.