Switch rods

I don't really fish any big water(yet...Ohio/NY) do any of you fish Erie and it's smaller water with switch rods? Do you think it provides you an advantage over say a 9-10' rod?

If so how are you fishing the water... swinging big streamers/spey flies?

You can stand at the top of Manchester rd and fish over the back of the duuds at the stop sign hole.

I have an 11' switch and I plan to try it out in Erie and a few New York trips this year. I think it might be too big for most of the places I fish on the Erie tribs. I do use it on bigger waters near my house for smallmouth. Mainly swingin big stuff.

I think with the less people over the colder parts of the season you will. I do alot of swingin with my normal steelhead rod, the switch will make it easier. It's hard to really swing alot in the early season due to all the people. I also think that my switch would be too heavy to try high stick nymphing all day. Definately be able to cover alot of water, if the space is available. It will definately be a fun season due to the fact that I have a few new toys to try out.

pxatim,

I would highly recommend a switch rod. Most are 11'-11'6, and to be honest, does an extra foot really matter THAT much when it comes to crowds??? No. Guys will still stand in your pocket with an 8' spinning rod or 15' float rod. Does it matter THAT much when it comes to fishing on the upper parts of Erie streams? No. It's 12"-18" more than a 10' rod, which is one of the most popular lengths for diehard steelheaders. About 9" being in the extended butt/lower grip that extends the butt section, not the tip!!!!!

Personally, there aren't any Erie streams I found where you NEED a switch rod over a single hander. But the little extra length does help you with line management and allows you to cast with less effort. Both positives in my book.

Also, again in my opinion, Erie doesn't have many great swinging opportunities. It's not like the Oswego River and Salmon Rivers in NY where you are employing the technique to cover lots of water and find active fish. Cast, Swing, Step, Cast, Swing, Step.

I have only found a few places where I could truly enjoy swinging a fly in Erie, and they have been on Elk Creek. Swift, shallow, gravel riffles tapering into a moderately flowing pool about waist deep, and then into a beautiful, wide tailout with a few seams and cuts where fish lay after coming upstream and into the hole. I love these types of runs because the fish are top to bottom, spread out, and you have active fish throughout the stretch. Giving you a reason to employ the traditional method in a searching technique. Unfortunately there are usually 10 guys in the run, which cuts into your program :)

Techniques? Switch rods are killer rods for nymphing Erie and any small steelhead streams. The little extra length helps. And if you do find a nice hole to swing flies, you can easily change up and have at her.

The most effective swinging flies I have used on Erie streams are quite small compared to their Ontario cousins. Size 6's at the biggest, 8's and 10's being most effective. Surprisingly, dirty yellow has always been my best color when fishing traditional speys and dees.

I don't think you will regret the choice of buying one. I would recommend the Vision G4 11'6" 6wt over anything else that I have used. Beulah rods would be second. And if you don't want a premium rod, TFO's aren't bad for the money. The 6wt, and even 7, doubles nicely as a great bass and trout rod too! I use mine year round.

---> Nice Switch Rod Brown


Mike

dude...

the susky is your backyard
dont halfass it 2hander

also
if you nymph with a 2hander... you should be donkey-punched
or just start pinning

ORIGINAL: KJH807


also
if you nymph with a 2hander... you should be donkey-punched
or just start pinning

Guess I better hit the gym more if I need to defend myself while fishing this year ??? Been using centerpins and float fishing for 11 years now. I find it hard to see the relevance between nymph fishing with a fly rod and float fishing with a centerpin.

pxatim, What part of the Susquehanna are you on?



Mike

ORIGINAL: Fisherboy86


... Been using centerpins and float fishing for 11 years now....

i think i just vomited a little in my mouth

Switch rods are awesome! I built a real nice St Croix switch for myself this year and absolutely love it, I made a removeable fighting butt ferrule system on it too so I can truly "switch" rods. They are seriously a good tool to get it done.

ORIGINAL: KJH807

ORIGINAL: Fisherboy86


... Been using centerpins and float fishing for 11 years now....

i think i just vomited a little in my mouth

 
 
I know for fact that I did vomit in my mouth.
Silly rabbit pins are for kids.

middle aged???? hardly

do your homework, sport....

take your redd raping, egg slitting, click counter BS somewhere else

corksucker

most pin haters fall short in other significant areas in life... like the bedroom for example. 
 
 
 

I am organizing a fly fishing vs pinning tournament to put this all to rest.  Who would be interested?

ORIGINAL: D-nymph

ORIGINAL: Loomis

I am organizing a fly fishing vs pinning tournament to put this all to rest.  Who would be interested?

Do style points count?  I ask because I'm a stylish motherf%&*#er.

Will you be the guy in the pink waders?

On another note. Honestly, why would anyone use a click counter?