Hi guys, I am thinking of getting a switch rod for xmas, I can get an Airflow 10’6" #8 with an Airflow reel, backing and an Airflow 40+ flyline for NZ$500. I will be using this rod for fishing the Tongariro River (big and powerfull) both nymph and streamer fishing and the odd trip out to the beach for some saltwater fly. It is also 4 piece so I will be able to take it with me on vacations.
So considering the price does anyone have any other combo selections? I think NZ$500 is roughly $375 US.
Any and all sugestions welcome.
Thanks.
All the best.
Mike.
i have the beulah 6/7 swithc matched with there elixr line and love it, im sure it’d be just as good in the 7/8 or 8/9 area, the rod was about 400 and the line was 60 i think, i mathced it with a snowbee xs reel and i like the wait balance, but its not a cheap reel, just make sure whatever reel you get balances the rod right
tyler
Thanks tbar, I like the look of those rods, but they are a little out of my price range.
I like the idea of a balanced outfit to start with, I can mess about with different lines once I am used to the rod.
All the best.
Mike.
Hi Mike,
With the NZ dollar fairly high again, now is the time to do it. Way back when 10 foot plus two handed rods were standard fair (in bamboo), and the one handed rods were the new fashion (so I’ve read). Should be good fun.
- Jeff
Mike,
I’m unfamiliar with NZ fishing, but an 8 weight switch might be too much rod for your prey. On the West Coast, an 8 weight switch would be a reserved for large steelhead in BC. A 6/7 may be a more reasonable size. The 6/7 Beulah tbar mentioned would be a great steelehead rod for my part of the world, but way too heavy for trout. I’d ask around a bit more before pulling the trigger.
The switch rod craze appears to be sweeping through all the manufacturers because everyone seems to be making one these days. Matching lines can always be a pain because there really isn’t a standard but if you upsize 2-3 times the rod weight with an Airflo 40+, you should be fine for tips and nymphing. As far as manufacturers in your price range, the market is different enough in NZ (e.g. Airflo is know for lines, not rods in the US) I hesitate to even make a guess one whose products to look at. For what it is worth, in my area Beulah, ACR, and Temple Fork Outfitters represents the lower end of the price spectrum, while Sage and Orvis are the other extreme.
Luck.
Hi whatfly, yes I did wonder if it might be a bit heavy, but the rod was designed by Rene Vaz who is a top NZ flyfisher and made for him by Airflow.
If anyone in NZ knows about spey style fishing it is Rene. The fact that he designed it is the main reason I am looking at this set. The Echo and Beulah rods do look great and are available in lighter weights and I could always use one of my current reels to make it a cheeper option so I will have to give it some thought.
It can be seen here: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Fishing/Fresh-water/Rods/auction-246913722.htm
Thanks for all the input guys.
All the best.
Mike.
Why in the heck would you want a airflo over a tfo meiser switch for about $325?? Or a dec hogan echo, or a meiser (for those in the know) beulah switch? Not sure on the price of the later, but the tfo is about $325.