I have fished with Trout Spey rods exclusively for about 5-6 years.
If you fish mainly dry flies in small waters, it is not for you.
Advantages = better line control when drifting wet flies/streamers.
Superior presentation at longer distances in wider rivers.
Easy to cast close to shore with bushes or bank close to your back.
High stick nymphing or Euro nymph tactics are easy to adapt.
When you wish to cast heavy weighted fly the rod is much easier to use than a single hand trout rod.
Dry fly presentation is not the most efficient however, it is easily learned and very nice with again, line control with longer rod.
"Switch Rods" = just another marketing term for a shorter Spey rod,,, in today's market any two handed rod under 12ft is defined by the term "Switch Rod" It was originally intended for a two hand rod using water loaded cast with D loop or two hand over head casting,,,, not as the writers tell you to cast single hand over head.
Companies that make true Trout Spey rods: in 3wt to 5wt (Spey line ratings):
Sage
Redington
Thomas & Thomas
Mystic
TFO
Echo
Scott
Winston
Prices range from $200 - $1,000+
Lines are easy,,,, use a 7wt or 8wt single hand reel,,,, some running line and get a Scanid and a Skagit line with loop to loop interchangeable heads. Some sink tips for the Skagit and you have the river covered.
You can also use the Spey Lines on a single hand rod for very tight quarters presentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IhQrfkaR5g
Regards,
FK
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