REEL TALK: T&T DNA Trout Spey

The case for using two-handed rods to target trout

If you're new to the world of two-handed fly rods, the terminology can be confusing. A traditional spey rod is a long stick (12+ feet) that requires two hands to cast. Spey casting involves loading the line on the water, instead of in the air behind the angler. Switch rods are a pared-down, shorter version of the classic spey design that allow anglers to cast both with two hands and overhead with one hand. Although designed as a spey caster, the DNA TroutSpey series is functionally closer to a modern switch rod than an old-school full sized spey, making it ideal for trout applications.

So, what makes this approach great for trout fishing? The two-handed design is perfect for swinging wet flies, skating dries, and dredging streamers. It can cast further across larger waters, allowing anglers to cover more water. However, the size of the DNA TroutSpey is still highly functional in tighter quarters and is deadly for nymphing deep and fast runs. In short, T&T's DNA TroutSpey gives anglers the ability to effectively fish sections of water that are highly difficult to fish with a traditional trout rod. 

Gear up for winter

Some anglers spend the winter at their vise, dreaming of July hatches and filling fly boxes. Others know one of the best-kept secrets in fishing: if you have the right gear, the colder months are an excellent time to be on the water. Besides a decent winter coat, you'll want a rod that can handle the inevitable wind and precipitation of February. 

Two-handed rods are an excellent way to tackle the winter months. Their extra length gives you a serious leg up when battling the wind. They also help anglers cover more water, an essential tactic this time of year. In the colder waters of winter, trout typically stick within their feeding lanes and limit their movement. In these conditions, it's more important than ever to thoroughly fish each seam and pocket. A fish won't move far for a meal; you often need to get a fly in its face to trigger a bite.

The final line

If you're looking to significantly expand the horizons of your trout game, you should consider upgrading to a spey setup, especially if you fish bigger water in rough conditions. T&T's DNA Trout Spey is the ideal rod for getting your flies into the heart of a hard-to-reach run and coming out the other end with a trophy fish. 

Interested in a test ride? Stop by the shop any time to get your hands on our full selection of premium rods.