Two-Hand Overhead Beach Fly Fishing - Overhead Spey
Quick Guide to Two-Handed Overhead Beach Fly Fishing
Two-handed overhead beach fly fishing is a powerful technique to reach fish that hold further offshore, and pairing it with effective fly patterns, like flatwing flies and crab flies, can increase your chances of success. In this guide, we’ll explore how to master this technique, gear up effectively, and make the most of these specialized flies.
---
Why Use Two-Handed Overhead Spey Casting?
Two-handed rods offer a unique advantage for beach fly fishing. With added casting distance, control in windy conditions, and a reduction in arm fatigue, two-handed rods give you the power to reach fish that are otherwise inaccessible from shore.
Advantages of Two-Handed Beach Fly Fishing:
- Longer Casting Distance: Easily reach fish beyond the breakers.
- Improved Control in Wind: Cut through beach winds with ease using a longer rod.
- Reduced Arm Strain: Casting with two hands allows for longer fishing sessions with less fatigue.
---
Essential Gear for Two-Handed Beach Fly Fishing
A successful beach setup starts with the right gear. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Rod: Look for an 11' to 13' two-handed rod rated for 6-9 weight (10-12 weight single-hand rating), offering enough strength to cast over surf and fight larger species. Thomas & Thomas Exocett Surf 12wt is a great option.
2. Reel: Choose a saltwater-resistant, large-arbor reel with a reliable drag system to handle powerful runs. I err on the larger side to accommodate some longer running line and bigger Heads.
3. Line: A floating running line system with an intermediate Skagit head is best for two-handed overhead casting in the surf. Use a sinking or intermediate tip to keep your fly in the strike zone. You could use integrated lines like those offered by Rio, but I prefer to have the ability o switch out heads/tips to fit the situation.
4. Leader & Tippet: Opt for a short, strong leader—6 to 9 feet of 10-20 lb fluorocarbon for durability in beach conditions.
5. Flatwing and Crab Flies: Flatwing flies and crab patterns are both highly effective in the surf zone. Each imitates different prey, offering you versatile options depending on fish behavior.
---
The Power of Flatwing and Crab Fly Patterns
Flatwing flies and crab patterns have unique strengths that make them ideal for targeting different fish behaviors in beach environments. Here’s how each works:
- Flatwing Flies: These are ideal for mimicking baitfish. The long, layered feathers of a flatwing create lifelike movement in the water, making it hard for fish to resist. Flatwings work especially well for predatory fish like striped bass, which often hunt in turbulent water.
- Crab Flies: Many species, including permit, striped bass, and other surf zone fish, prey on crabs. Crab flies are excellent for bottom-feeding fish or those searching the shallows for crustaceans. Crab patterns work best with slower retrieves, allowing the fly to sink and appear as if it's moving naturally along the sandy bottom.
Using a mix of flatwing and crab flies can help you match the specific prey fish are targeting in the surf.
|
 |
 |
---
Mastering the Two-Handed Overhead Cast
The two-handed overhead cast is ideal for delivering flies over long distances. Here’s how to get the most out of this technique:
1. Grip and Stance: Hold the rod with your dominant hand at the top and your other hand at the butt. A slight staggered stance with your dominant foot forward provides balance against waves.
2. Back Cast: Start with the rod tip low, smoothly accelerating to lift the line and load the rod. With a fast-sinking Head, a roll cast to bring the head to the surface before starting your back cast can be quite helpful at times.
3. Forward Cast: Once the line extends on the back cast, move into a forward cast, accelerating to a stop. Both fly types will benefit from the extra distance and power of a smooth, controlled cast.
---
Line Management Tips for Beach Casting
Beach environments can complicate line management due to sand, waves, and wind. Here’s how to keep things under control:
- Stripping Basket: A stripping basket keeps your line out of the surf and reduces tangling, making it easier to gather line during retrievals.
- Manage Running Line: Running lines are prone to tangling, so limit the amount of loose line to prevent issues. Get or make a stripping basket - can't be caught without it.
- Casting in Wind: Use a low trajectory with tight loops. Flatwing and crab flies both perform well with this casting style, maintaining stability in windy conditions.
---
Reading the Water and Targeting Fish
Flatwing and crab flies excel in specific beach environments, especially in areas where fish are actively feeding on baitfish and crustaceans. Look for these features:
- Troughs and Channels: These lanes parallel to shore are prime feeding grounds. Flatwing flies work well here to mimic baitfish, while crab flies are effective for fish near the bottom.
- Breaking Waves: Areas where waves break further out often indicate sandbars or drop-offs, attracting fish looking to ambush prey. Both fly types work here, with flatwings mimicking baitfish above the sandbar and crab patterns working along the bottom.
- Rip Currents and Current Lines: Rips pull baitfish and other prey out to sea. Casting a flatwing fly along these currents can be highly effective, while crab flies may perform best in calmer water or in shallower troughs.
---
Stripping Techniques and Presentation with Flatwing and Crab Flies
Stripping techniques make a big difference in how each fly performs. Experiment with these techniques:
- Flatwing Presentation: Start with a slow, steady strip and then increase speed to mimic baitfish. Erratic retrieves are especially effective for predatory fish. Present the fly at different angles relative to the shore for varied action. Don't be afraid to swing 1 or even 2 flatwings through the estuaries on a floating line!
- Crab Presentation: For crab patterns, use slower, shorter strips, letting the fly sink to the bottom before beginning your retrieve. Crab flies excel when retrieved close to the sand, imitating a natural crawling movement.
---
Landing Fish in the Surf
Once you hook a fish, landing it in surf conditions requires caution. Here’s how to manage it:
- Keep Rod High: This helps control the fish, especially with incoming waves.
- Time with Waves: Pull the fish in with incoming waves to guide it to shore safely.
- Secure Quickly: The surf can dislodge hooks, so bring the fish in as quickly as possible for a secure landing.
---
Practice Drills for Improved Casting with Flatwing and Crab Flies
1. Distance Casting: Set a target distance and practice reaching it with both fly types. Flatwing flies handle distance well, while crab flies may need a slightly different casting rhythm.
2. Casting in Wind: Practice low, tight loop casting to maintain control. Both flatwing and crab flies will benefit from practicing in windy conditions.
3. Retrieve Rhythm: Work on adjusting retrieve speed and length depending on the fly. Practice faster, erratic strips with flatwings and slower, bottom-dwelling strips for crab flies.
---
Why Choose Our Flatwing and Crab Flies?
Our selection of Flatwings and Crab Patterns are crafted to endure beach conditions and draw in predatory fish. These flies are made with high-quality materials that hold up cast after cast, even in surf and wind. The lifelike movement of flatwing flies and the realistic presentation of crab patterns give you the versatility to match local forage and target a variety of beach-dwelling species. Check out our collection to find the perfect fly for your beach setup!
---
With the right technique, setup, and choice of lies, you’ll be set up for success in the surf zone. Practice these tips, and prepare for some rewarding beach fishing!
Go get out there!