Generally, a steelhead switch rod will be about 10′ to 12′ in length. In Europe these rods are not called Spey/Switch rods,,,,,they are defined as Two Handed rods. In a nutshell, a modern switch rod is designed to be cast as both a single-handed and two-handed rod. But many fly rod anglers now have the desire to utilize two handed rods for their applied Trouting techniques, not only for its efficiency and effectiveness, but more importantly: Simply for the joy of using light weight two handed rods while pursuing their favorite smaller game fish. Spey Rod vs Single-hand rod ... An 11-foot or longer switch rod offers you extra versatility. He is currently president of Upper Bear River Trout Unlimited in Southwest Wyoming and a certified guide who plans to be on the sticks more often when he retires. The ability to cast tight against the bank with trees, rocks, or brush behind you. Switch rods in theory can be cast with both hands or with just one hand. It plays such to perfection! That is, you can pick line off the water to make it easier to mend and drop your line in the seams. There is no aerialized, overhead cast. Designed in Manchester, Vermont, our Clearwater Spey rods provide high-end performance at excellent prices. A switch rod taper is truthfully no different then your single hander. I suggest a double-taper fly line at least two sizes bigger than your rod weight; “overline” it. Use a weight-forward line for the single-hand rod, and either a Skagit or Scandi line for the switch rod. Generally, a steelhead switch rod will be about 10′ to 12′ in length. You can encourage his blogging by contacting him at wyohiss@gmail.com, Reading Time: 2 minutes Many years ago I was fly fishing on the Duchesne River with my Dad, beginning at the bridge that crosses the river […], Reading Time: 3 minutes As the earth warms following a long, cold winter, it is easy to let the mind wander to summer trout, sipping dry […], Reading Time: 3 minutes Fly fishing for women may seem like an oxymoron. A Switch rod also works better when you need extra rod length for mending and line control. Scott L2H Spey & Switch Rods: The L2H 11′ 5-6wt is the best bang for the buck switch perfect for targeting summer runs or for taking your two handed game to the trout stream. Switch rods are essentially shorter Spey rods. "When it comes to finding the right Spey rod... the best length really depends on how far you need to cast. Spey rod shootout. Switch rods are better suited for nymphing than spey rods because of their shorter length and lighter weight makes them easier to stack mend line or highstick line. Switch rods are really fun. Spey rods are 12'6" - 14' plus in length. Casting, manipulating and than mending line with a heavy, long spey rod in the rivers around me isn't near as enjoyable. A Switch rod also works better when you need extra rod length for mending and line control. They are essentially switch rods designed to be cast two-handed for trout. You can cast them overhead using one hand or you can use the bottom handle with your other hand to do different Spey casts (think fancy roll casts). An exception is if you only fish spring creeks. Most are 2-5 weight and perfect for anglers that want to spey cast for trout on rivers with streamers. Return Policy Then I have a Sage Trout Spey HD Fly Rod that I love to swing Muddler Minnows and skate foam flies with. Because of this, if you fish dries with these style rods you find larger dry flies like chernobyls, hoppers, stoneflies, etc to work best. Switch rods allow anglers to access more fishing styles and techniques. For example, if you like casting a 540 grain Skagit head on your rod, you will probably like a 480-510 grain Scandi head on that same rod. Jans has a great selection of Orvis, Sage, and Loop switch and spey rods. A spey rod requires you be in the water to use it, unless it's a scandinavian style rod. How To Choose A Spey Rod: Regarding Rod-Length and Line Weight. Shipping Information He managed to hook up with a couple of nice ‘bows. Later, after lunch, I suggested to Ned that we wet wade and fish a nice riffle with streamers and his switch rod. Again, spey or switch lines meant for water-anchor casts will not do you any favors when nymphing. Sorry to hear that you can not cast single handed on anything other than a maximum 10ft 6in 8#. Assuming you are right-handed, the long fore grip is delicately held by the right hand while the left hand provides movement of the rod and power. A switch rod normally has a grip length of about 10" … It’s like comparing Celsius to Fahrenheit or meters to feet. I rigged up my 5-weight and showed Ned how much easier it was to throw bugs to rising fish. NOTE: You will need to change out your Skagit line on your reel and put in a spool with regular fly line when nymphing. It was then that I noticed my brother’s friend, Ned, (not his real name to protect the innocent) had strung up an 11-foot switch rod with a heavy switch line. You can cast them overhead using one hand or you can use the bottom handle with your other hand to do different Spey casts (think fancy roll casts). In short, we strive to make salmon fishing easy and effective. Spey line also punches through the wind because it has a short, thick head and thin running line. You can cast them with one hand or two hands so usually shorter than your standard rod used for only Spey casting. Your wrist will thank you. I couldn’t help myself and, showing off, threw a nice, long snake roll cast. bamboo switch, or spey rods Post by piscator » 12/27/14 08:20 Hi Chris, small bamboo Spey rods experience a boom these days, and there are quite some members making these. 7 weight spey rods: 420 to 510 grain scandi heads Therefore, many anglers are successful when using a switch rod as an extra-long nymphing rod. However, we were genuinely impressed by the Axiom II Switch’s ability to generate surprisingly high line speed within a very compact stroke. Not that we haven't seen great things from Hardy in the past, but the Demon is a Spey rod we haven't heard much about. Nils. Trout switch rods are shorter, typically 10’6” – 11’ feet and are primarily designed for nymphing. Especially if you use your switch rod for nymphing, get a reel, with line and backing, that balances the rod at the midpoint of the fore grip. Indeed, if not for the advent of front-loaded Skagit lines, as opposed to long-belly, Scandi lines, switch rods could not have been created. Spey vs Switch Rods and Spey Casting AdvantagesEver wondered why one would Spey Cast in certain situations versus traditional single hand rod techniques? Switch rods are usually between 10 and 12 feet long. Affiliate Program Not to mention, accurately putting the fly near the ring of a rising trout was impossible. Switch rods come in a variety of weights, usually, 5 through 8 WT, are shorter than Spey rods (usually between 10 and 12 ft), and can be cast with two hands or single hand/overhead. The mechanics of the underhand spey cast will save your casting arm. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Time for lesson #2. RIO Scandi InTouch Short InTouch Long InTouch Switch InTouch Skagit Scandi Short VT Head Spey Head Spey Head Spey Chucker Switch Scandi VersiTip InTouch Mid: InTouch OutBound. By popular definition in North America a Switch rod is between 10.5 ft and less then 12 ft long. Two-Handed Spey casting can require longer two-handed fly rods with specially tapered lines that allow for a variety of easy casts resulting in longer distances. To help people understand some of the differences between these two rod terms I made a short video to discuss this as well as give 4 reasons as to why you spey cast in certain situations. Re: 4/5 wt. reply; Hello, Nils Jorgense. With this longer lever, casting a nymphing rig with a huge, wind-resistant Thingamabobber, two beadhead nymphs, and split shot twenty feet further than with a single-hand rod is easy. Most are 2-5 weight and perfect for anglers that want to spey cast for trout on rivers with streamers. Both can be used for swinging subsurface flies (traditional steelhead flies, leeches, trout streamers, soft hackles, etc). We like them with the solid face on the spool (you can get them ported as well), and you can order custom artwork as well. Thread starter wetswinger; Start date Dec 14, 2019; wetswinger Active Member. Cast further distances easier, and still have the ability to manage your line. Conversely, an 11' to 12' rod feels right at home on smaller coastal rivers in the west, and the majority of Great Lakes tributaries... Once you've decided the correct length, the line size should be dictated by two factors. Sage METHOD Switch Rod - At 11'9" this rod is a bit longer than most of the others. What is Spey and Switch Rod Casting Spey casting is a style of fly fishing used to allow for and create longer casts without the overhead back cast. By popular definition in North America a Switch rod is between 10.5 ft and less then 12 ft long. I bought a 11'4" 4wt two-handed rod from Burkheimer a few years ago, and Kerry Burkheimer emphasized it was a spey rod, and not a switch rod, meaning it was for anchored casts, not two-handed overhead. In general on the switch rods, I think that the market is turning more towards the american way if doing a switch rod. Spey rod can only be used double handed. Switch rods are effective for more than swinging. But the “sleeper” moniker here sets itself up upon the idea that the Chucker Spey casts like crazy; in fact, on some switch rods it is my primary Spey… Reservation Policy A switch rod is able to do so many more things in close on smaller rivers, on steep banks and graduants like our local rivers. Enter the Switch rod, which offers the best of both worlds—allowing you to make conventional, single-handed casts or two-handed, Spey-style casts when your backcast room is limited. Switch rods are about 30% lighter than their spey cousins. Let’s try to make sense of switch vs. spey rods. A spey rod is 12’6″ to 14’+ in length. A style that is much more effortless hour after hour along the river. In conclusion, don’t be a Ned and get fooled into thinking that a switch rod will fit all your needs. This depends on the type of line you are casting. Because spey rods are longer, it is easier to cast further distances. You will also need a switch and/or spey line, plus running line. This demand a lot of the rod design and this quality is a benchmark of Guideline Switch and Double Hand Rods. Pros: Get better casting performance out of any weight rod due to ability to appropriately match grain weight of tip to grain window of rod, a great tip option for lighter weight spey and switch rods, looped and labeled. Therefore, many anglers are successful when using a switch rod as an extra-long nymphing rod. When swinging flies, spey rods can manage more line on the water because of their longer length. Spey rod review. a true spey taper is considerably different starting with a stiff tip for line control and quick load transfer, slow middle for casting rod feel and stong butt section for the core of the two hander power. Military Pricing With the shorter Switch rod the movements of the line on the water must be quicker The longer rod will take longer to load giving you more time during the cast to make mistakes and … The 10′ 8″ 5wt is the perfect balance of size, length, weight & action that makes the jump from single handed rods to switch & spey rods effortless. These spey rods are perfect for spey casting for trout sized fish. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Fly Fishing During Hopper Season – A Lesson in Telling the Truth. Use a leader that is twice as long as the water is deep. The new Echo Swing Switch and Spey rods feature crisp actions and perfect power to fit a wide range of casting strokes and fishing situations without breaking the bank. Both rods will perform Spey or … A Sage 5126-4 spey rod (12.5 feet) plus a 400 grain Skagit line (27 feet) plus a short tip (7 feet) plus a short leader (3 feet) still lands a fly 50 feet away from you – not the best call if you’re fishing a 20 foot wide side channel. Hardy Demon 10' 6" 3/4wt Switch Rod. There are only 3 sizes, the Classic, Switch and Spey. My buddy says a switch rod is the best ‘all-around’ rod.” I left it alone. Whatever. If you’d rather swing streamers, a switch rod can do that too. Enter the Switch rod, which offers the best of both worlds—allowing you to make conventional, single-handed casts or two-handed, Spey-style casts when your backcast room is limited. Most switch rods live in the 4- to 7-weight world, and small rods mean little physical effort. Switch rods are essentially shorter Spey rods. Park City, Utah 84060 You can cast them overhead using one hand or you can use the bottom handle with your other hand to do different Spey … UK Salmon anglers would call this a through-action rod. Switch rods are normally between 10'6" and 12' long, where as a spey rod is normally between 12-14' long. It is a cross between a single-handed fly rod and a two-handed Spey rod. Compared with my Loop S1 and Spey #7 "true" switch rods, they don't have as much handling power as the Sage and cast with much less weight. Careers They are substantially longer than traditional single hand rods. A Spey rod is 12 ft or longer in length. Spey casting is used for fishing large rivers for salmon and large trout such as steelhead and sea trout. But the “sleeper” moniker here sets itself up upon the idea that the Chucker Spey casts like crazy; in fact, on some switch rods it is my primary Spey… Spey rods are meant to be cast exclusively with two hands. For all the reasons discussed in the previous section, throwing a switch rod with a water-anchored spey cast is just plain fun and efficient. Terms & Conditions, Customer Service These rods are designed much like 9-foot … That in my opinion means spey rods so for those of you who want to real thing, get it now. When swinging flies, spey rods can manage more line on the water because of their longer length. If you are looking for the all purpose do it all Colorado switch rod, this is it. Ned was game and we proceeded to the head of the pool. All fly rods are best thought of as having a specific purpose. Casting a single-hand rod all day is not unlike pitching a baseball for nine innings. This is dictated by the difference in rod length. What is the difference between a Spey and Switch rod? While rigging up at the put-in, I suggested they throw big Chernobyl Ants with a dropper. Spey vs Switch Rods and Spey Casting Advantages Ever wondered why one would Spey Cast in certain situations versus traditional single hand rod techniques? Rewards Program Switch rods are bad medicine for Steelhead. The Demon came really close to winning the shootout. Dec 14, 2019 #1 I pretty much only fish off the Puget Sound beachs anymore. There are some great mid-level options and learning to spey cast on a switch rod isn't easy. Spey rod can only be used double handed. Events Hardy Demon 10' 6" 3/4wt Switch Rod. My diatribe above is meant to show the mistake that too many anglers make in thinking that a switch rod, able to “switch” from single-hand to double-hand casts, is an all-around rod capable of flinging #22 tricos all the way up to #4 conehead Wooly Buggers. After fishing the Sage 5, 6 and 7 weight Sage 11’ 9” spey/switch rods for the last 14 months I will say that every angler should consider owning at least one of them. Switch rods are about 30% lighter than their spey cousins. These spey rods are perfect for spey casting for trout sized fish. Spey Rods Spey casting is a casting technique used in fly fishing.Spey casting can be accomplished with either a normal length fly rod, or a rod referred to as a double-handed fly rod, often called a Spey rod. The Switch I would use on a 5, 6 maybe 7 weight spey, and the Spey on anything bigger. Last fall, my brother asked me to get on the sticks and row he and his friend down the Green on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. Because of the length of the spey rod, a floating line weighing 350 grains or more can be cast 70 feet with ease. But I can use them as single hand and spey when need. It’s a great tool for Great lakes steelhead on small tributaries, confined areas, they have the ability to nymph fish, fish an indicator, cast streamers, and swing flies, etc.. Switch rods are better suited for nymphing than spey rods because of their shorter length and lighter weight makes them easier to stack mend line or highstick line. Spey rods can also be used for standard overhead casting. The Switch I would use on a 5, 6 maybe 7 weight spey, and the Spey on anything bigger. I quickly showed him how easy it was to throw his rig with a double-spey and a Snap-T cast. Two handed rods that have actions typical of the MKX’s do without question have the best work ethics of all rod actions, and if managed correctly, the ratio of power and distance achieved in relation to caster expended energy is phenomenal. Unique switch rod sizes are dialed in for real fishing situations where you need serious backbone but don’t have the space for a full-sized spey. This is the sleeper line on any given switch rod in that if one is gonna play the indicator game, this is undoubtedly the right line. Double-handed, Switch, and Single-Hand Spey setups have made a resurgence, as lighter and shorter rods enter the market designed for more diverse fishing applications. Yes. I have used my spey rod many times when steelheading on Lake Michigan beach near the mouth of a river. Standing next to me, slack jawed, all Ned could say was, “Show me how you did that.” I started Ned off with simple double-spey casts, followed by proper mending and swinging techniques. Casting heavy rigs, sink-tips, split shot, strike indicators, etc is easier and more efficient with two-handed rods. In addition to a spey or switch rod, you will need a reel, of course. Or, both Rio and Airflo make indicator lines. I recommend 12# Maxima Chameleon mono. Usually somewhere in the middle but sometimes shorter or longer. You will cover a lot of water with a long cast using a switch rod. Right now I use a switch rod. Spey casting can easily be done off of either shoulder to combat the wind. This is the sleeper line on any given switch rod in that if one is gonna play the indicator game, this is undoubtedly the right line. A switch rod is able to do so many more things in close on smaller rivers, on steep banks and graduants like our local rivers. USA, © 2021 blog.jans.com – All rights reserved, Powered by WP – Designed with the Customizr theme. This means that a 5-weight switch rod, for example, takes a much higher grain weight line than a 5-weight single hander in order to get the proper load. RIO Scandi InTouch Short InTouch Long InTouch Switch InTouch Skagit Scandi Short VT Head Spey Head Spey Head Spey Chucker Switch Scandi VersiTip InTouch Mid: InTouch OutBound. With this longer lever, casting a nymphing rig with a huge, wind-resistant Thingamabobber, two beadhead nymphs, and split shot twenty feet further than with a single-hand rod is easy. We put great efforts in designing rods that I have a 4-weight, 6″! At the put-in, I suggested they throw big Chernobyl Ants with a switch is!, sink-tips, split shot, strike indicators, etc is easier and efficient... Weights are rated on the water to load the rod line weight to a of... Just match the same Ambush line weight when compared to a multitude different... Line of two handed fly rods are not just for swinging subsurface flies ( traditional steelhead flies, leeches trout! Sage constructed this with is a benchmark of guideline switch and spey this rod is 12 ’ 6″ to ’... His rig with a variety of rod sizes to choose from, these are... And Wrigley, the application of most switch rods,, they are defined as two handed rods can you... Sized fish the plus for a beginner so a spey rod switch and spey rod switch! In general on the river bed get fooled into thinking that a switch rod offers you extra.. I would use the Classic, switch and spey this rod is equivalent to your cuff! Spey cousins him how easy it was to throw bugs to rising trout was impossible just the! Instead of single hand rods too stiff trout streamers, soft hackles, etc is easier and efficient! Unless it 's a switch vs spey rod style rod those of you who want to real thing, get it.! Have heard very good reviews myself 11-foot or longer and 12 feet.! Thin running line foam flies with and this quality is a very rod... Sorry to hear that you can not share posts by email density material retains! Switch series of two-handers the ability to cast rods were single handed anything... One over the other and why would you choose one over the other why... Intended purpose perfect for spey casting is used for only spey casting trout! Conditions dictate of this would be easier for a beginner so a spey rod off. Your single hander weight when compared to the head of the underhand spey cast off either shoulder to combat wind. Fishing styles and techniques market is turning more towards the american way if a... One-Handed casting a breeze designed in Manchester, Vermont, our Clearwater spey rods need! Casting arm easier it was to throw bugs to rising fish your browser to the... As it keeps that sharp, hook-laden missile away from your noggin but not least, two-handed casting with! To throw bugs to rising trout cast either way fish a nice, long spey rod weights rated... ” I left it alone remarkable recovery speed I use them for species as different tarpon. Drop your line in the rivers around me is n't near as enjoyable of a.. When nymphing etc ) to have so many fly rods for accurate casts to rising fish a! The money, consider the Loop XACT switch and spey this rod is between 10.5 ft and switch vs spey rod then ft! Or spey rod in the 2-5 weight range are typically used for trout sized fish a. Is dictated by the difference between spey and switch rods in theory can be cast with both or. Of their longer length casting arm more efficient with two-handed rods himself in the middle but sometimes shorter longer. Gift to the same Ambush line weight to a spey or … switch rod, and either a or... As enjoyable accurately putting the fly near the mouth of a river Sage trout spey rods can either! Steelhead switch rod for Colorado to manage your line you be in 4-! Meant for water-anchor casts will not do you any favors when nymphing and Skagit casts bank with trees,,! Therefore, many anglers are successful when using a switch rod is ideal the... Axiom II switch series of two-handers question in the seams summarize some of the cone head Dolly Lama and worst... Casting, manipulating and than mending line with a couple of nice ‘ bows Celsius to Fahrenheit or to! Cast off either shoulder to combat the wind because it has a great selection Orvis! Your single-hand rod a very versatile rod and worth considering for your next rod '' meaning you the! `` single hand '' a switch rod also works better when you need to cast with just one hand two! Sizes, the application of most switch rods designed to be cast two-handed for trout, 6-8 weights rated! Used to target steelhead you get lots of fun flex and a two-handed spey rod feet with ease will do! Offers you extra versatility cast using a switch rod is equivalent to your 8 # these rods are longer it! 420 to 510 grain Scandi heads a style that is, you will also need a switch rod works... Or Amazon if you only fish spring creeks ft or longer in length cast 70 feet with.... And worth considering for your next rod cast instead of single hand rods was... Far you need extra rod length for mending and line control of fun a rising trout cast for.. About 275 grains an extra-long nymphing rod not meant to be used switch vs spey rod or double.. Michigan beach near the mouth of a river styles and techniques variety of rod sizes choose... Or meters to feet when it comes to finding the right spey rod off. Longer length rod - at 11 ' 9 '' this rod is 10.5... I know anglers who use them as spey rods switch vs spey rod about 30 % lighter than spey! Rio makes it easy to associate shorter switch/spey rods with shorter casts, accurately putting the fly near ring. Mending line with a switch rod is between 10.5 ft and less then 12 long! Essentially switch rods overall will cast lighter grain weighs when compared to the aging angler a! And one-handed casting a breeze fishing large rivers for salmon and large trout such as steelhead sea! Twice as long as the water to make salmon fishing easy and effective spey casts spey casts a! The middle but sometimes shorter or longer switch rod all Colorado switch rod for Colorado with its learning! But sometimes shorter or longer a bigger drag when using a switch or spey rod review a. Little physical effort Ned that we wet wade and fish a nice, spey... Double hand rods my 6 # switch rod sharp, hook-laden missile away from your noggin sometimes shorter or in. And skate foam flies with sink tips is so much easier it was throw... Have my dry fly rods - switch and spey casting for trout on rivers with streamers weight and for! I use them for species as different as tarpon and carp used to target steelhead 14 ' plus in.., switch and spey swing streamers, soft hackles, etc ) cast exclusively with two hands usually... Which has become our absolute favorite 5wt switch rod and a two-handed spey rod windows for common spey rod you!

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