Switch rods

[weirdnjfly]

So I was just curious what u might prefer switch rod or single handed rod. Looking to possibly getting one but if not worth it then I wont. Looking to use it on the main stem and other large rivers.

 

[BioGuy]

If you like swinging streamers or nymphing while wading, a 4-5 wt switch is great. Be prepared for a learning curve on casting...and don't buy a switch just to lob out crappy roll casts. So much more effective if you cast somewhat properly.

The only cons in have found are: sucks if you find fish rising all around you and your stuck with a fat scandi line. And they aren't great in really low flows if nymphing, as your mends can easily rip your indicator out of the water. For medium to high flows a switch is great, and you can easily cast an indicator rig 60 ft which is nice during runoff. For swinging it's always good, but can be a pain to strip at short distance (you will have to toss line back out to cast again)

 

[WBDluver]

i have an Echo 10'10" for #8 that i am going to sell. I am into too many things as it is and dont need one more thing to learn. I used it twice on the salmon.

 

[flyI4]

Bioguy is on point with his comments. A lot of guys get a switch rod to fish like a half ass spey fisherman and ultimately the outcome is sloppier drifts and a tired arm after a whole day of fishing a switch rod just like you would a single handed fly rod. If you learn how to spey cast properly with a switch rod- it can be a useful tool for fishing sections of river that do not allow for a backcast. This allows you to get the fly where you want it and not work too hard trying to get it out there with no room to cast or load the rod. The added length also allows you to mend easily and get a nice drift if you pay attention to detail- however MANY switch rod guys I see up north often pay very little attention to detail when it comes to their drift and they have micro drag for a majority of their drift as they just hold their switch rod on a half dead drift/half swing type of presentation. For what its worth- I use a single handed 6wt/7wt for steelhead up there all year and have never felt limited. I fish mostly an indy rig setup similar to a trout rig and occasionally will swing flies quarter downstream or bottom bounce with no indy.