What is Spey?
Spey casting is a fly-casting technique that evolved in Scotland in the mid 1800's. It is named after the river Spey - one of Scotland's premier salmon rivers - and is most likely where the technique started to be used. For detailed information, download the booklet, Basic Spey and Two-handed Fly Rod Casting. Spey casting has no true back cast. As a result it is particularly useful when fly fishing where there is little or no room behind the caster. When you look at the river Spey you will see why this technique needed to be developed and used. It is a wide, powerful river, that doesn't allow anglers to wade out far enough to make back casting space.
If you are interested in learning more about Spey casting check out RIO's Modern Spey Casting DVD. It is the most comprehensive, instructional DVD on Spey casting techniques on the market.