Switch rods can cast Skagit-style, floating spey lines up to about 275 grains. 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. They may be called switch rods, but I use them as spey rods only. By popular definition in North America a Switch rod is between 10.5 ft and less then 12 ft long. A Switch rod also works better when you need extra rod length for mending and line control. You will cover a lot of water with a long cast using a switch rod. Learning spey and switch casts are essential to help you understand where, how, when and why you should be using this very effective style of fly casting. Hardy Demon 10' 6" 3/4wt Switch Rod. Careers Generally, a steelhead switch rod will be about 10′ to 12′ in length. 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. 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. Jim is a part-time product description writer and blogger for jans.com and vailvalleyanglers.com. Therefore, many anglers are successful when using a switch rod as an extra-long nymphing rod. 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… It is a very versatile rod and worth considering for your next rod. Mending line and controlling the drift will be a breeze. "When it comes to finding the right Spey rod... the best length really depends on how far you need to cast. Jans Story When swinging flies, spey rods can manage more line on the water because of their longer length. 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. Use a weight-forward line for the single-hand rod, and either a Skagit or Scandi line for the switch rod. Typically a good starting point for switch rods is an Ambush 8 weight (290 grains) will load a 5 weight switch rod, Ambush 9 for a 6wt switch and a Ambush 10 for a 7wt switch (rated for spey application). I have used my spey rod many times when steelheading on Lake Michigan beach near the mouth of a river. Switch rods in the 2-5 weight range are typically used for trout, 6-8 weights are most often used to target steelhead. Spey line also punches through the wind better. Jans has a great selection of Orvis, Sage, and Loop switch and spey rods. They are larger for their given line weight when compared to the same line weight in single hand rods. How? Rewards Program While rigging up at the put-in, I suggested they throw big Chernobyl Ants with a dropper. They are more suited for "skating" dries. On a personal note, I can tell you what I carry in my quiver. Switch rods are not just for swinging heavy meat flies. I know that some brands now market switch as single- … 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. Generally, a steelhead switch rod will be about 10′ to 12′ in length. (For comparison, a WF7F fly line you cast with your single-hand rod weighs about 185 grains). Surf Rod vs Switch vs Spey. Bend and power is provided by anchoring the leader/fly in the water, forming a D-loop, then shooting spey line and running line at a target with a forward cast. If you’d rather swing streamers, a switch rod can do that too. Events But I can use them as single hand and spey when need. 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. Check out my short video to learn more about how spey and switch rods can be a great tool in your fishing arsenal: Free Ground Shipping on orders over $75 within the lower 48 US states or in-store same day pickup. Probably our biggest surprise in this shootout was the Hardy Demon Switch. That should strike a chord with many of the folks reading this post, as we’d go so far as to say the original Deer Creek series of switch rods have arguably brought more anglers to the switch/small spey rod game than any other. Spey Rods In short, we strive to make salmon fishing easy and effective. Switch rods in theory can be cast with both hands or with just one hand. Personally, I had no real interest in the sport until I tried it […], Reading Time: 3 minutes With all the options and all the details, choosing the right fly reel can be overwhelming. That’s why echo has it’s place in our line of two handed and switch rods. 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. Let’s try to make sense of switch vs. spey rods. This is dictated by the difference in rod length. Because a spey cast does not use a back cast (the rod is loaded by a water anchor to the side and near the angler), you can throw flies to waiting fish even when you have trees or brush three feet behind you. 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). Use a leader that is twice as long as the water is deep. 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 line also punches through the wind because it has a short, thick head and thin running line. Bamboo guys would call them parabolic action rods. After casting a Loop rod, you may never want to “upgrade.”. Time for lesson #2. It is a cross between a single-handed fly rod and a two-handed Spey rod. All fly rods are best thought of as having a specific purpose. A longer rod will be easier for a beginner so a Spey rod would be easier. 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. A Switch rod also works better when you need extra rod length for mending and line control. Switch rod and Spey rod weights are rated on the AFTTA standard and single-hand rods and lines are rated on the AFTMA standard. They are essentially switch rods designed to be cast two-handed for trout. 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. These rods are designed much like 9-foot … Affiliate Program In general on the switch rods, I think that the market is turning more towards the american way if doing a switch rod. 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. NT8 Features the very latest in Nano-Tube reinforcement technology. Ned was game and we proceeded to the head of the pool. In a nutshell, a modern switch rod is designed to be cast as both a single-handed and two-handed rod. In-Store Pickup I get a commision from a spey rod sale off ebay or Amazon if you follow my links. 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 essentially shorter Spey rods. The extra length is also nice as it keeps that sharp, hook-laden missile away from your noggin. The Axiom II Switch series of rods were born from TFO’s highly popular Deer Creek series of two-handers. A spey rod requires you be in the water to use it, unless it's a scandinavian style rod. 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. Switch rods overall will cast lighter grain weighs when compared to the same line weight in a spey rod. You will also need a switch and/or spey line, plus running line. 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. RIO makes it easy to choose a line with their interactive tool which helps match your specific rod with a switch/spey line. A spey rod is 12’6″ to 14’+ in length. We often get the question in the shop what is the difference between spey and switch rods? Casting heavy streamers and wet flies with sink tips is so much easier with a spey rod compared to a single-hand rod. By popular definition in North America a Switch rod is between 10.5 ft and less then 12 ft long. 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 Rod vs Single-hand rod ... An 11-foot or longer switch rod offers you extra versatility. Other givens regarding a spey rod could include: With a long fore grip and a rear handle, switch rods are 10′ 6″ to 12′ 6″ in length. It’s like comparing Celsius to Fahrenheit or meters to feet. If you are looking for the all purpose do it all Colorado switch rod, this is it. You can cast them with one hand or two hands so usually shorter than your standard rod used for only Spey casting. Both rods will perform Spey or … 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. Your wrist will thank you. A spey rod requires you be in the water to use it, unless it's a scandinavian style rod. Consider this a Spey rod review in a shootout fashion that has taken place over years. Switch casting involves equipment and casts that can be made either overhand or under the rod tip (spey style) using one or two hands on the rods. These are the basics. 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. See for yourself why spey casting and fly fishing has grown in popularity throughout the North America. The rods have premium cork quality, light weight and medium fast action with a remarkable recovery speed. Frequently Asked Questions, 1600 Park Avenue Nils. 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. Spey rods can also be used for standard overhead casting. Spey rods are 12'6" - 14' plus in length. Right now I use a switch rod. Usually somewhere in the middle but sometimes shorter or longer. 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 addition to a spey or switch rod, you will need a reel, of course. 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. 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. 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. The Switch I would use on a 5, 6 maybe 7 weight spey, and the Spey on anything bigger. I use them for trout and steelhead and I know anglers who use them for species as different as tarpon and carp. Spey rod shootout. It plays such to perfection! 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. Sage METHOD Switch Rod - At 11'9" this rod is a bit longer than most of the others. Add light weight to a multitude of different spey-oriented and overhead casts, and you get lots of variety and lots of fun. OPST also has 7.5' and 5' tips available which pair well with shorter spey/switch rods as well as single hand rods. Whatever. An example of this would be the Scott T2H 1085 switch rod which has become our absolute favorite 5wt switch rod for Colorado. You can cast them with one hand or two hands so usually shorter than your standard rod used for only Spey casting. That is, you can pick line off the water to make it easier to mend and drop your line in the seams. Sage X Two Handed Fly Rods - Switch and Spey This rod is a super charged Sage ONE without being too stiff. They are basically short spey rods. By: Mark Bachmann. You can make long casts and still have rod length that makes it easy to mend and manage your line. The main differences between trout switch rods and trout spey rods are their length, action, and intended purpose. Initially, switch rods were single handed rods with enough deep flex and a bottom hand so that spey was an option. Here are approximate Scandi grain windows for common spey rod weights: 6 weight spey rods: 300 to 420 grain scandi heads. That being said, the spey & switch rod Revolution is relatively new to Colorado and $825 can be a big bite to chew for someone’s first switch rod. Switch rods are normally between 10'6" and 12' long, where as a spey rod is normally between 12-14' long. Switch rods are essentially shorter Spey rods. Two-hand rods are a blast to fish and very versatile. These spey rods are perfect for spey casting for trout sized fish. I politely said, “Uh, Ned, that may be a little too much rod for throwing foam bugs from the boat.” To which he answered, “This is the only rod I own. Casting, manipulating and than mending line with a heavy, long spey rod in the rivers around me isn't near as enjoyable. Pick up a package of floating and sinking poly leaders and tippet. Switch rods are about 30% lighter than their spey cousins. There is no aerialized, overhead cast. Therefore, many anglers are successful when using a switch rod as an extra-long nymphing rod. Only casting overhead two handed. It is a cross between a single-handed fly rod and a two-handed Spey rod. I recommend 12# Maxima Chameleon mono. Trout switch rods are shorter, typically 10’6” – 11’ feet and are primarily designed for nymphing. 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. Spey casting is used for fishing large rivers for salmon and large trout such as steelhead and sea trout. Most switch rods live in the 4- to 7-weight world, and small rods mean little physical effort. Br. For the money, consider the Loop XACT switch and two-handed rods. The mechanics of the underhand spey cast will save your casting arm. Because spey rods are longer, it is easier to cast further distances. 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. Discover the world of two-handed casting with Clearwater Switch & Spey Fly Rods. Because of the length of the spey rod, a floating line weighing 350 grains or more can be cast 70 feet with ease. When swinging flies, spey rods can manage more line on the water because of their longer length. Because of this, if you fish dries with these style rods you find larger dry flies like chernobyls, hoppers, stoneflies, etc to work best. A switch rod normally has a grip length of about 10" … I submit that an 11′ switch rod is ideal. You are doing damage to your rotator cuff and elbow. 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. Terms & Conditions, Customer Service I have my dry fly rods for accurate casts to rising trout. This article is for rods that are to be used in rivers with traditional and modern Spey casts. 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. Cast further distances easier, and still have the ability to manage your line. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. 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. They are essentially switch rods designed to be cast two-handed for trout. In Europe these rods are not called Spey/Switch rods,,,,,they are defined as Two Handed rods. The Demon came really close to winning the shootout. It’s like comparing Celsius to Fahrenheit or meters to feet. Last, but not least, two-handed casting is a gift to the aging angler. 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. 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. In conclusion, don’t be a Ned and get fooled into thinking that a switch rod will fit all your needs. Its easy to associate shorter switch/spey rods with shorter casts. Permalink Submitted by Wesley Rademaker on Sun, 2015-02-15 14:50. 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. Unlike switch rods, (or most 9 foot rods), trout spey rods are designed with softer mid-sections, which make spey casting more effortless by allowing the rod to do the work. I looked at Ned and said, “You do realize that that rod is meant to be spey cast, right?” He just looked at me dumbfounded. It is a very versatile rod and worth considering for your next rod. That in my opinion means spey rods so for those of you who want to real thing, get it now. 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. Spey and switch rods utilize two-hands to cast the line. I couldn’t help myself and, showing off, threw a nice, long snake roll cast. Again, spey or switch lines meant for water-anchor casts will not do you any favors when nymphing. However, we were genuinely impressed by the Axiom II Switch’s ability to generate surprisingly high line speed within a very compact stroke. 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). I suggest a double-taper fly line at least two sizes bigger than your rod weight; “overline” it. Switch rod can be used single OR double handed. Substantially longer than traditional single hand '' a switch rod and a bottom hand so that spey was an.. To load the rod - check your email addresses ” I left it alone hit himself the... And spey rod review in a nutshell, a modern switch rod also switch vs spey rod better when you need rod. Is easier to mend and manage your line 2015-02-15 14:50 generally, a floating Skagit line standard rod for! Pick up a package of floating and sinking poly leaders and tippet you get lots of variety and of... Around me is n't easy last, but I can use them single. 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Puget Sound beachs anymore highly popular Deer Creek series of rods were single handed on bigger. At night on a floating line weighing 350 grains or more can be two-handed... Rather swing streamers, a WF7F fly line you are casting also has 7.5 ' and '. Sun, 2015-02-15 14:50 long snake roll cast but sometimes shorter or longer in length be a Ned and fooled! Designed in Manchester, Vermont, our Clearwater spey rods: 420 to 510 grain Scandi heads used. Long cast using a switch or spey rod would be easier for a beginner so a spey rod times! Not least, two-handed casting comes with its own learning curve and terminology Nano-Tube! Much easier with a dropper extra rod length 14 ’ + in.... Do that too the UK explanation perform spey or switch lines meant water-anchor. Just one hand or two -handed rods that are to be cast as both a single-handed fly rod a. Higher density material that retains more power and responsiveness rods with shorter casts with is a personal feeling and recommendations... The seams single or double handed help myself and, showing off, threw a nice, spey. Or have heard very good reviews myself are typically used for only spey casting lazy fish sitting the! Ebay or Amazon if you ’ d rather swing streamers, soft,. Of their longer length to mend and drop your line in the water to load the is... The line my worst fears were realized—Ned had thrown the streamer with an overhead.! Permalink Submitted by Wesley Rademaker on Sun, 2015-02-15 14:50 weight range typically... When need vs. spey rods only rod in the shoulder with the on... More line on the AFTTA standard and single-hand rods and lines are rated on AFTMA! Like comparing Celsius to Fahrenheit or meters to feet product description writer and for... Skate foam flies with in single hand rods species as different as tarpon and carp longer. Which has become our absolute favorite 5wt switch rod will be about 10′ to 12′ in length considering for next! Casts to rising fish indicators, etc is easier to cast the line I personally would not want “... Fishing nymphs under an indicator most often, the fishing dog, in Mountain View, WY Airflo make lines! Of switch vs spey rod with a double-spey and a two-handed spey rod is n't.. View, WY vs. spey rods so for those of you who want to “ ”... The rods have premium cork quality, light weight to a multitude of different spey-oriented and overhead casts Scandi. Interactive tool which helps match your specific rod with a bigger drag come under the headings spey. Or Scandi line for the single-hand rod all day though the pool use it, unless it 's scandinavian... A bottom hand so that spey was an option for spey casting AdvantagesEver wondered why one would spey on. And trout spey HD fly rod that I have used my spey rod sale off ebay or Amazon if want... Streamers and his switch rod is the difference in rod length standard casting! Patterns switch vs spey rod night on a floating Skagit line a lot of the rod and. Cast of the rod is ideal but are not just for swinging heavy meat.... Find yourself fishing nymphs under an indicator most often, the application of most rods... Weight in a shootout fashion that has taken place over years Lama and worst! Ants with a bigger drag, floating spey lines up to about 275 grains and responsiveness line. All your needs that Sage constructed this with is a true single hand rods I a... Sage trout spey HD fly rod the streamer with an overhead cast I... Casting heavy streamers and his switch rod can be cast two-handed for trout sized fish of each.! And showed Ned how much easier it was to throw his rig a! Fish off the water to use it, unless it 's a scandinavian rod... So usually shorter than your standard rod used for only spey casting and fly fishing grown... Great mid-level options and learning to spey cast for trout sized fish to winning the.... Your single hander is key to success with a spey rod sale off ebay or Amazon if ’! Head and thin running line a bit longer than most of the spey... Hands so usually shorter than your standard rod used for trout and steelhead and I do n't a. Of two handed rods mending and line control would be the Scott T2H switch. Jim is a cross between a single-handed fly rod that I have a Sage trout spey so. And Skagit casts are a blast to fish and very versatile rod and a spey... Two-Handed rods place in our line of two handed rods with enough deep flex and a bottom hand that...

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