Skwala - Get to Know - The Angler

In this episode of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast, host Christian Bacasa interviews Kevin Sloan from Squala Fishing. They discuss swinging for trout using spay rods and the efficiency and adaptability of this technique. Kevin shares his experience and tips for fishing different types of water, including long runs and small streams. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the behavior of the fish and adapting your setup accordingly. They also discuss the benefits of spay casting, such as the ability to cover more water and the immersive experience it provides. In this conversation, Kevin Sloasn shares his techniques for swinging flies for trout. He emphasizes the importance of covering a lot of water and varying the presentation to find what the fish want. He suggests using different retrieves, such as bouncing the rod or stripping the fly, and experimenting with different fly patterns. Kevin also discusses the importance of washing gear, particularly waders, to maintain their performance and longevity. He recommends using technical washes and retreatment with DWR to keep gear clean and functioning properly. Finally, he advises against using heavy chemicals or DIY repairs for waders, and instead suggests sending them to professionals for repair.

 

Takeaways

• Swinging for trout with spay rods is an efficient and adaptable technique that allows you to cover more water.
• Understanding the behavior of the fish and adapting your setup accordingly is crucial for successful spay fishing.
• Different water types require different approaches, such as targeting slow walking speed water in the early season and riffles during hatches.
• Spay casting provides a more immersive and engaging experience, with a focus on rhythm and feel.
• Seeking advice from local fly shops and experienced anglers can help you learn and improve your spay fishing skills. When swinging flies for trout, it's important to cover a lot of water and vary the presentation to find what the fish want.
• Experiment with different retrieves, such as bouncing the rod or stripping the fly, to entice strikes.
• Washing gear, especially waders, is crucial for maintaining performance and longevity. Use technical washes and retreatment with DWR to keep gear clean and functioning properly.
• Avoid using heavy chemicals or DIY repairs for waders. Instead, send them to professionals for repair.

Titles

• Adapting to Different Water Types
• The Immersive Experience of Spay Casting The Importance of Varying Fly Presentation
• Maintaining Gear Performance through Washing

Sound Bites

• "It's really relaxing... you get into this, like, thinking about the currents, thinking about the drift... I think there's more things going on here that you're thinking about than that cast."
• "More is not always better... it's about really effectively and efficiently covering water."
• "You really gotta pay attention to maybe not what you want to fish, but what the fish want to do."
• "I'm probably taking one step between every cast. And then trying to do the same cast every time."
• "Sometimes they want it slow and really smooth. Sometimes they want it to bounce."
• "I always love a slow, slow lift and a drop. It's amazing how many times you're like, oh yeah, I did that, I did that. And then like the third lift, you're like, oh yeah, there goes one."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Overview

06:08Choosing the Right Spay Rod and Line

13:05Benefits and Challenges of Spay Casting

28:59Step and Swing Methodology for Trout Fishing

36:19Varying Fly Presentation for Success

47:03Addressing Leaks and Repairs for Waders