Salmon fishing & casting tuition on the Rivers Findhorn, Dee, and Spey with Ian Neale

Casting Tuition

We are pleased to offer spey casting tuition and guiding services throughout the season on a range of rivers to which we have access, including the River Findhorn, River Dee (Aberdeenshire), and River Spey. Whether you are a first time spey caster or looking for improvements we will be able to help.

Competence in fly fishing comes with time. Fishing rods are normally designed to cast a dense object, be it a spinner, leger or float. The fly rod is designed to cast the line, the weight of which is sufficient to work the rod. The density of the fly line governs the depth at which it, and hence the fly, fishes. A suitable fly pattern is chosen according to the river being fished, the season, the water height and water temperature.

We need to understand the dynamics of the cast and exactly what we are trying to achieve. We should start with balanced tackle that is suited to the conditions and size of river. We should know which type of cast is appropriate for the circumstances and ensure that our fly fishing is effective and safe. A Salmon fly impinging on one's person can cause a lot of damage! We need to be patient but determined and be able to persevere in our mission.

the gillie watches patiently, Upper Spey

The overhead cast is the basic fly cast to which most anglers are initially introduced. It is certainly adequate when fishing a pool with a clear bank that allows a backcast and when the wind is in our favour. The stretches of water that can be covered using this cast are, however, limited.

The Speycast allows us to fish where a high bank or trees prevent the overhead. It is generally safer and tangles, wind knots and lost or damaged flies are much less of a concern. The tension on the rod tip and hence power in the rod is generated by a loop of line and its friction with the water. The fly should never come behind the angler. The line can generate a splash on the water, but with experience, even this can be minimised. The Speycast is a simple cast, but line management and timing of rod action is absolutely critical. For this reason it is a very difficult cast to describe in words and has to be seen and felt to be fully appreciated.

The single Spey cast involves the formation of a single loop of line over the water, to one side of the angler, prior to the forward cast. This is usually achieved, by a right-handed angler fishing the left bank or a left-handed angler fishing the right bank. A double Spey cast, which paradoxically is easier to perform, requires the formation of two loops prior to the forward cast being executed by a right-handed angler on the right bank or a left-handed angler on the left. The cast can be modified as dictated by weather conditions, speed of river flow and type of fly line being used.

We have many years' experience in teaching the Speycast and have introduced many friends to it over the years. We can have a complete beginner performing a single or double Spey within an hour. Conversely, we often help iron out the minor wrinkles in technique, which trouble more competent and experienced anglers alike. In this way we can adapt our tuition according to individual needs.

We are able to provide casting tuition for anglers of all levels of experience. This can be arranged on an individual or group basis, as part of a fishing week or through separate sessions in a location convenient to angler and tutor alike. We have a particular interest in introducing anglers to the challenge of Speycasting. It will generate greater satisfaction in your approach to the river and allow you to fish lies that many other anglers neglect. A well executed Spey cast is a beauty to behold.

Are you looking for a gift idea for that special person in your life or for the person who has everything, you may like to take advantage of purchasing a bespoke E-mail Gift Voucher?

For your special occasion shopping needs, we can provide a personalised gift voucher for a guided fishing trip with Ian Neale, which can be the perfect solution to meet your needs. It can be for one to three day's speycasting tuition, or towards a fully inclusive fly fishing holiday or break on one of those exclusive private beats on the Rivers Findhorn, Spey, Avon, or the Aberdeenshire Dee.

Gift vouchers can be just the perfect gift for a Husband, Wife, Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, or other relative, friend or business associate.
Gift vouchers are suitable for a wide range of occasions, including:

A fly fishing gift voucher makes the perfect surprise present and is flexible for a date to be mutually arranged and being valid for anytime throughout the fishing season. When you buy your gift voucher, you can call to book the date yourself or the recipient may call to schedule their own arrangements. Please contact ian@speycaster.net for further information on dates and prices.

Please note: Fishing season on the River Dee begins on February 1st and ends October 15th; and the fishing season on the Rivers Findhorn, Spey, and Avon begins on February 11th and ends September 30th.



		Casting Tuition We are pleased to offer spey casting tuition and guiding services throughout the season on a range of rivers to which we have access, including the River Findhorn, River Dee (Aberdeenshire), and River Spey. Whether you are a first time spey caster or looking for improvements we will be able to help. Competence in fly fishing comes with time. Fishing rods are normally designed to cast a dense object, be it a spinner, leger or float. The fly rod is designed to cast the line, the weight of which is sufficient to work the rod. The density of the fly line governs the depth at which it, and hence the fly, fishes. A suitable fly pattern is chosen according to the river being fished, the season, the water height and water temperature. We need to understand the dynamics of the cast and exactly what we are trying to achieve. We should start with balanced tackle that is suited to the conditions and size of river. We should know which type of cast is appropriate for the circumstances and ensure that our fly fishing is effective and safe. A Salmon fly impinging on one's person can cause a lot of damage! We need to be patient but determined and be able to persevere in our mission. The overhead cast is the basic fly cast to which most anglers are initially introduced. It is certainly adequate when fishing a pool with a clear bank that allows a backcast and when the wind is in our favour. The stretches of water that can be covered using this cast are, however, limited. The Speycast allows us to fish where a high bank or trees prevent the overhead. It is generally safer and tangles, wind knots and lost or damaged flies are much less of a concern. The tension on the rod tip and hence power in the rod is generated by a loop of line and its friction with the water. The fly should never come behind the angler. The line can generate a splash on the water, but with experience, even this can be minimised. The Speycast is a simple cast, but line management and timing of rod action is absolutely critical. For this reason it is a very difficult cast to describe in words and has to be seen and felt to be fully appreciated. The single Spey cast involves the formation of a single loop of line over the water, to one side of the angler, prior to the forward cast. This is usually achieved, by a right-handed angler fishing the left bank or a left-handed angler fishing the right bank. A double Spey cast, which paradoxically is easier to perform, requires the formation of two loops prior to the forward cast being executed by a right-handed angler on the right bank or a left-handed angler on the left. The cast can be modified as dictated by weather conditions, speed of river flow and type of fly line being used. We have many years' experience in teaching the Speycast and have introduced many friends to it over the years. We can have a complete beginner performing a single or double Spey within an hour. Conversely, we often help iron out the minor wrinkles in technique, which trouble more competent and experienced anglers alike. In this way we can adapt our tuition according to individual needs. We are able to provide casting tuition for anglers of all levels of experience. This can be arranged on an individual or group basis, as part of a fishing week or through separate sessions in a location convenient to angler and tutor alike. We have a particular interest in introducing anglers to the challenge of Speycasting. It will generate greater satisfaction in your approach to the river and allow you to fish lies that many other anglers neglect. A well executed Spey cast is a beauty to behold. Oh, and if you really want some fun we can show you the Snake roll! For further information on Speycasting instruction please contact Ian at: ian@speycaster.net *~ Fishing Gift Vouchers ~* Are you looking for a gift idea for that special person in your life or for the person who has everything, you may like to take advantage of purchasing a bespoke E-mail Gift Voucher? For your special occasion shopping needs, we can provide a personalised gift voucher for a guided fishing trip with Ian Neale, which can be the perfect solution to meet your needs. It can be for one to three day's speycasting tuition, or towards a fully inclusive fly fishing holiday or break on one of those exclusive private beats on the Rivers Findhorn, Spey, Avon, or the Aberdeenshire Dee. Gift vouchers can be just the perfect gift for a Husband, Wife, Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, or other relative, friend or business associate. Gift vouchers are suitable for a wide range of occasions, including: Christmas Birthdays Valentine's Surprise Gift Mother's Day Father's Day Retirement Anniversaries A surprise present for any other gift giving occasion A fly fishing gift voucher makes the perfect surprise present and is flexible for a date to be mutually arranged and being valid for anytime throughout the fishing season. When you buy your gift voucher, you can call to book the date yourself or the recipient may call to schedule their own arrangements. Please contact ian@speycaster.net for further information on dates and prices. Please note: Fishing season on the River Dee begins on February 1st and ends October 15th; and the fishing season on the Rivers Findhorn, Spey, and Avon begins on February 11th and ends September 30th. Go to the tackle and flies page for advice on gear for Speycasting.