Photos by Val Atkinson
While golf fans tuned in to watch the Masters unfold in Augusta, another group of athletes was chasing glory on the opposite coast—but with fly rods, not nine irons.
At San Francisco’s Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club, the 2025 Jimmy Green Spey-O-Rama brought together casters from eight countries around the world to compete not for applause on manicured fairways, but for the whisper of line over water, the crack of a perfect loop, and the possibility of a new world record. With blue skies overhead and a light breeze rippling across the casting ponds, it was a perfect weekend to celebrate skill, heritage, and the quiet beauty of a well-executed cast.
A Symphony of Skill and Precision
The annual Spey casting event requires competitors to execute a series of four casts within eight minutes: left snake roll, right single Spey, right snake roll, and left single Spey. Using 15-foot two-handed rods, these athletes deliver long, fluid casts that combine power with elegance.
Record-Breaking Performances
This year’s competition was marked by exceptional achievements:
- Blaine Lyon of Scotland claimed the men’s open title with a four-cast total of 714 feet and a longest cast of 195 feet. British Columbia’s Tim Arsenault took second place, with Oregon’s Travis Johnson finishing third.
- Whitney Gould secured her eighth women’s title with a four-cast total of 585 feet and a longest cast of 154 feet, both setting new world records. British Columbia’s Kara Knight placed second, followed by Donna O’Sullivan in third.
- Milos Vasiljevic, representing both Scotland and Serbia, won the masters title with a four-cast total of 614 feet and a longest cast of 165 feet. Ireland’s Martin Kiley and Washington’s Jeon Lee completed the podium.
A Celebration of the Casting Community
Beyond the competition, Spey-O-Rama fostered a sense of community among participants and spectators. Attendees enjoyed the picturesque setting of the casting ponds, explored exhibitor booths, and connected with fellow enthusiasts.
For full results and more information visit the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club’s website.
