Fly Fishing Lesson - How to Single Spey Cast

In this LOOP Akademi lesson, Al Peake breaks down the iconic single Spey cast.

Developed on Scotland's river Spey in the 1800s to help cast a considerable distance with limited space behind you, the single Spey technique relies on a long length of line, landing an anchor and creating a D loop.

A quick and fluid movement that is super effective for wide rivers and an obstructed rear, the single Spey takes a little time to master, but is well worth the effort!

Gear used :


Video filmed in 4K, so be sure to change it to that in the settings!

[danielmclendon]

That was one of the better “How To” spey videos I’ve seen. Thanks.

[tomjones]

Really excellent exposition; clear, concise and minimal flannel- it's only fishing, after all !!

[AndrewToftSpeycasting]

Repositioning of the bottom hand so it doesn’t start at the opposing hip will make alignment of the anchor and D loop so much more effective as it minimises pulling across and maximises the available outward movement required.

[Paul-qeuf]

This is so extremely well done. I'm a spey fisherman of 8 years and my casting is very suspect. I only have a chance to Spey one week out of the year, so I have to be efficient. You identified some key foundational principles that I didn't know existed - and I can see how not setting up properly in the first place is always going to give less than optimal results. I just ordered a LOOP travel 13' rod last week. It just cleared customs and is on the way to me.

THANK YOU for this video!!!!

[QuestAngler]

Most relaxing movement. Most helpful information.
Most fishing cast. Awesome!!

[philipdennis-rhuj]

Thank you for the video...possibly next time a complete take down on the equipment..rod length weight reel line & backing shooting head leader fly size...how to balance the system

[garrydogireland]

This is a very easy to understand video on the single Well done Al and please make more video's on the double spey, circle spey, snap T casts This was broken down and explained brilliantly 👍👍👍

[Adamoconnor-ipkp]

Great video tried Spey casting yesterday for the first time after watching this video about ten times I started to get the hang of it with in an hour just need to fine tune it now but on the right the track.

[martindonnelly]

Great explanation and execution you make it look so easy

[johnc]

A very handy video to refer back to. Cheers Will for getting me chucking a Single Spey today :)

[robertwest]

My hats off Al! Well done video, your explanations are spot on friend. Thanks for the video and as another comment or asked, please more more more casting videos.

[josephtommasi]

Well done!! Pleasant to watch and listen to, clear guidance, easy to follow, helpful, and appreciated. Thank you, Joe

[Adamoconnor-ipkp]

By far the best explained video I’ve seen. I’ve just started fly fishing and was shown the over head cast but nothing else and only been out twice. It’s well explained on how to fish in a different direction.

[TerryUrquhart-vw]

Absolutely beautiful technique used there ..a joy to watch ….!

[fraserelliott]

Great video Al. Very nice filming. The overhead shots are a great help. Still struggle with my single Spey, you’ve inspired me to have another go and be a bit more relaxed.

[nairnfly]

Excellent video clearly identifying the key elements in the single Spey well done 👍

[terryurquhart]

Great video, very instructive for a complete novice to try to learn from ….. i think i need a lesson or two though !!
Well presented !!

[bjerrng]

Bookmarking this for summer. Need this on the Alta River as a newbie😊

[jaymorrow]

jeez you make this look so easy. thank you. cheers

[harryboyle]

Hi Al……
Thank you for the video…….very informative and easy
To understand.
I am always trying to improve my casting.
Can you please tell me what fishing line you were using..
Keep the video’s coming.

Thank you…..👍👍👍