Maine Spey Casting School

WHY - WHAT - WHERE

THE ADVANTAGE

Using a two-hand rod makes casting easy and fun. This technique does not put excessive wear and tear on your shoulders as single-hand casting can do over time, particularly as we grow older. Casting is a body experience; the rod and you become one casting effortlessly without taxing your shoulders, and there's a better chance to catch that fish by gaining access to water that previously may have been difficult to reach. Casting with a two-handed rod, one can easily cast 80 to 100 feet with no false casting or concern about obstacles behind the caster, and without handling excessive fly line.

THE LESSON

Traditional spey casting involves the use of a long rod that is held with two hands and a fly line that compliments it. There are many sizes of rods and many types of fly lines. There are also different styles like Skandi and Skagit.

In a 3-hour one-on-one private session, Richard Ostrowski of the Maine Spey Casting School will demonstrate and introduce the caster to the basics of spey casting which may include the Roll Cast, Switch Cast, Single Spey, and Double Spey, as well as other casts.

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or an advanced two-handed caster, there is much to learn about technique, rods, and lines. All lessons are geared toward the individual preference and skill level. The benefit of a private lesson assures the student gets undivided attention that a group class cannot provide. Cost for a one-on-one personal and undivided three-hour class for $140. All subsequent classes are discounted.

WHERE

East Pond Boat Landing, Oakland, Maine is about 6 miles west of Waterville-Oakland at Exit 127 off I-95. Having walk-in access with a sandy bottom and without rocks, this location is ideal for learning left hand and right hand casts no matter the wind or concern about tripping over rocks and river current.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Richard Ostrowski is a Fly Fishers International certified Two-Hand Master Casting Instructor (THMCI). Although there are many people who teach, few have gone through the rigorous international certification challenge to earn its accreditation. Achieving this goal is afforded to only a few. There are about 34 THMCIs in the entire United States, and Richard is the only certified THMCI in Maine.

Richard learned to fly fish as a young boy from Joan Wulff’s mentor Bill Taylor, and he has been devoted to traditional two-hand Spey casting for over 20 years. Unlike most fly fishers, he fishes solely with a two-handed rod preferring its ease and efficiency for its ability to cast close, far, and in any direction.

He has made appearances to demonstrate his skill at several events over the past few years including, but not limited to, Sherbrooke Spey, Quebec, Canada; Spey Nation in Pulaski, New York and several activities with Fly Fishers International.

single-hand casting

David Pierce, CCI

Maine Spey Casting School FFI Certified Staff

Fly Fishers International

Casting Instructor

Maine Spey Casting School FFI Certified Staff

Learn the basics or improve your casting with us. In addition to two-handed spey casting, we offer single-hand casting instruction, including spey with a single-hand rod. All instructors are Fly Fishers International certified instructors.