BW Norway - Out of date?

[offshore]

Hello all,

I bought a 10/11 B+W Norway speycaster a few years ago, together with a 75' head IG floater 11/12.

Unfortunately I get very little chance to go fishing! My casting attempts last trip out were pathetic - first time I had used the combined set up.

I suspect I bought a rod / line which is too powerful for my ability.

I think I will have to go for another casting lesson (ie improve my ability).

Just wondered if I should bite the bullet and change my rod at the same time ( I understand the 'Norway has been about for a long time).

I think most 'beginners' would agree that the confusion in matching up rods and lines is one of the most frustrating (and expensive) aspect of this sport. Hope I havent wasted even more money on the wrong kit for me!

Any thoughts on the Norway appreciated.

Regards,

Offshore

[lomond]

Offshore, I've got the same Norway as you and i'd say it's great rod and easy to cast (I'm an average caster). Your set up sounds fine to me.
My advice to you would be to visit an AAPGAI instructor for a lesson, for him to look at your set up and for you to try other rods that he may have access to.
I would be cheaper doing this first,before purchasing a new rod.
All the best
Lomond

[offshore]

Thanks for the replies.

I am in lincolnshire when in the UK, but have been working overseas a lot in Australia - both places not famed for salmon fishing!

The Humber is good for flounders though; and eels.

Which lines are others using with the 10/11 (15') Norway please. Maybe I just need to get a shorter line head and try and improve my skill, rather than 'blame' the rod.

Just wondered if the rod has been technically superseded.

Its all interesting stuff!

Thanks,

Offshore

[pond321]

I have a Norway. It is the 15ft 9/10. Have ben thrashing about with it for a couple of years now. Springer lent me a 10/11 Montieth line last week and it really changed the rod. It actually bends now when I cast..... Apparently B/W are famous for under rating their rods. I.e a 9/10 is actually a 10/11.

[lomond]

As far as I know the technical specification for the Norway has not changed for years. As Springer suggested it maybe a good idea to try a shorter head. I have a Mastery Spey 75ft floating line and an Ian Gordon 65ft sinking line and both are ideal for the rod.
You could try one from the line pool or if you do get a lesson from an instructor, ask him in advance to bring a 65ft head line along.
Cheers
Lomond

[madkeen]

Offshore most lines in the 11/12 bracket will work on your norway I think you will find the monteith 10/11 too light for that rod.Springers right about liking the norway to a mondeo it will do all you ask of it and more and still be going strong when others have been asked and failed

[kercock]

Stick with the line pool,try for instance an11. Mach 2 I know you'r rod will be a better machine with it. Like a lot of people starting out in flyfishing you make the mistake of not trying before buying. You have to think in terms of how far you need to cast,not much point in buying a 75ft headed line if your local river is only 60ft wide.I have found that lines in the 55 to 65ft range are adequate for beginners and the vast majority of anglers need no more than that either simply because where they fish does not warrant longer heads.. I work on the Tay and see it all the time. To be honest I find it all a bit sad really.