No, I never said any of that fulcrum stuff... you may be mistaking me for Aristotle

My bad, corrected. Thanx.

Spey fishing was one of the special exceptions I had in mind. I have just started getting into trout spey, so we'll see if that changes my perspective.


Or if you really want to try something outside the box, you can attach your reel to your chest like this guy does. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgsLIM14qVA

Ha! Gotta love this Forum.

For my spey rods, balance during the swing is a real consideration, and would note that many-most modern reels are too light for a spey - modern or old. In these rods, I spend effort to balance. Once, I get to 10' or shorter, I am not worried about balance (once exception), though I like it to be a little heavy in the butt. But fishing a 8' 4wt the rod on a small river, the orientation of the rod maybe be high to get over that boulder, or out curling a mend, and do not find it is critical, as long as the rod and reel do not feel heavy - which of course is subjective.

I am not into complex new reels, just to save a fraction of an ounce. I am happy with a Danielson Midge on a Kabuto 2wt and a Hardy Princess on a Bamboo 8' 5wt.

The only time, I carried about balance on a SH was when I assembled my wife's euro 10' rod, as the tip i always up. Light single foot guides, down-locking reel-seat and a Hardy Princess.

Yes, it is winter. This morning -26C.

-20C when I went for my walk in the afternoon, in the sun.

Agreed, GR, as I like to think of the rod starting at the point of my elbow..so , while casting at least, the weight of the reel is irrelevant.

The best weight is no weight when it comes to reels.

Also agree, while fishing the fly..... after casting hopefully ......there is a sort of balance that must be achieved between rod, reel and line. After we cast, however, what does the reel weigh, with 30 or more of line out, again hopefully, on the water? It should balance on its own, and should not be something to worry about.

Another point on using the wrist while casting: good casters use a lot of wrist. Rolling the wrist open and closing to the stop adds a lot of control and distance, while keeping the rod tip tip in the straight plane that we need. Master casting instructor Tom White made this point well in his sessions while he was still with us...a great teacher.