If one can find a Spey Clave in his neighborhood, I'd recommend one attend. They can be an opportunity for some schooling, chances to actually cast and handle a wide variety of gear, find lines and reels that match up with ones present holdings, and simply trade stories with like minded folks. We've had a Clave near Portland on the Sandy river for about the last 18 or 19 years. Vendors show up and lay out about a quarter million $$ worth of gear that one can pick up on request and head to the river to cast. World class authors and guides also show up, giving presentations, and coaching on the sidelines for free
Wow, 18 or 19 years! That's funny to read now it's been so long since I've kept up with that stuff. I drove up there a couple times in '04/'05 or '05/'06 and it was a great learning experience. I'd imagine it's a lot larger now.
