Each year I seem to lose a little more of my wading ability. This year I have decided, (on the side of safety,) that my wading ability is gone. As such, I’ve taken to fishing rivers and streams from a garden bench at water’s edge. With that in mind I’ve been considering a switch rod in order to be able to fish those parts of the rivers & streams that I can no longer reach without wading.
Yesterday I looked at a Scott switch rod that really piqued my interest. I can get it for $350, but that means I’ll have to sell some things to get it. I’d be willing to sell some of my favorite rods to get the Scott, but I think I need some input from the folks I trust the most (FAOLers). I would be fishing mostly for Westslope Native Cutthroat. I’d also be using it for boat fishing for Rainbows and Bass. Maybe even some Tiger Muskies.
Does anyone here have any experience with Scott switch rods or switch rods in general? I’m also considering building one from Midwest Custom Fly Rods.
Any expertise out there?
Thanks Ahead,
I use a switch rod – not because of distance but because of its application where I can’t use an overhead cast --that is there is inadequate space behind me. That is not to say that you can’t get a lot of distance out of a switch rod or spey rod but if the reason you are going to use one is strictly for distance, you might be disappointed. The idea behind the switch rod is that you can use both an overhead cast and the spey casts depending upon where you are fishing–again, not just for distance.
there is also a learning curve to applying the spey casts that you would use with a switch rod.
I don’t know how far you are from Monroe Washington but there is a fly shop there called Its All about the Fly. They have complimentary spey casting instructions every sunday. If you are thinking about a switch rod – and you are close enough, take the time to go to a couple of these classes - and ask for a guy named Mike McKenny (I think thats his name) --he helped me tremendously and I am planning on trying to take a lesson from him a month from now when I am up there. By the way, if you go to one of these free classes, you will see awesome spey casters and they are all willing to help you.
I wouldn’t buy anything – rod, reel or line until you try it a couple of times. I didn’t follow my own advise and ended up buying more than I needed and having to change out lines that didn’t work right. I bought a Meiser switch rod and have been happy with it but there are lots of them on the market. it is important to try and get them balanced with the right line also – a competent fly shop that actually knows about spey and switch – and not just sells them --can help a lot — again, do a lot of reading and asking questions and trying/demo-ing.
Another source is called the Red Shed – search for check their web site. Call them and ask them a lot of questions. Still another shop that might be able to help is called the Avid angler in Bothell Washington. For the past several years Simon Gawesworth has gone there for a 3 or 4 day seminar/lessons. He would also be a great guy to learn from–maybe the best. I just haven’t been able to coordinate my schedule to get there.
sorry for such a long response. The switch rods are fun. There are a lot of different rod builders that make great switch rods – not just the big name brands. If you are going the switch route, be preparted to learn the spey casts --otherwise, just buy a longer single handed rod.
Hi Lotech, If you do go for a switch rod keep in mind that a 6# switch is more like an 8# single hander. If you want to cast for distance then you will find the Switch rod cast overhead style with the running line laid out on the bank will shoot more line than you can mend! They really are that good. If you can try one before you buy then do so but if you fancy the Scott I have cast one and they are a mighty fine rod, just make sure the rod is matched with the right line. You can use Skaggit style lines or Scandi lines or shooting heads or full fly lines but they will need to be the right grain weight, and each style of line will match the rod at a different grain weight due to the changes in casting stroke applied to each line. I would start with a floating Scandi line or an Aiflo forty plus and add a poly leader if you need to get down deep.
Switch rods are great fun and a fantastic fishing tool so I am sure you will not regret getting one.
All the best.
Mike.