This bashing of the switch rod is probably one of the most ridiculous things that I've heard in a while. The versatility of these rods is incredible. The objective of 2 handed rods is so you don't tire as quickly. You do not have to load them with spey/skagit/scandi lines unless you're going to spey all day. A grain window is assigned to each rod weight and you can line it with a weight forward line and effectively roll cast (SPEY) with the set up. as well as overhand (no need when steelheading).

The fact of the matter is that yes, you can use them on most any creek (except little native streams) with great success. I've had a switch rod made by Robert Meiser (The originator of the switch, almost 20 years ago) for a while now and I have to say that it has served me flawlessly. From steelhead in Erie, on the Catt, etc. Bass fishing on the Allegheny river, even swinging streamers for trout. Bob is an artist with graphite and cork. He produces some of the most beautiful, utilitarian rods I've seen. Hating on these rods is probably because it's a complete lack of understanding on the intended purposes. And yes, they are easier on the caster than a single, 7 or 8. I can launch 100' casts with a single and double overhead, but still work in close, 70-80' with a spey cast and still swing streamers at 30'. Oh yeah, if the streamers aren't working, you can switch (there's that word again) to nymphing with ease. Yes, the length does protect tippets better and yes, you will nymph with it. Who cares? The underhand is nice to have and really cuts down on the time fighting the fish (which, holy crap, helps get them back in the water more efficiently!!) because of the added leverage. Buy one, load it with a 9 weight line (if you're gonna get a 7wt.) and rock it out. I would recommend getting a skagit line if you want to primarily spey cast (even smaller belly, which coincidently would allow you to swing streamers anywhere. Oh my gosh!!!). Although, scandi heads probably work the best, they aren't necessary unless you plan on moving to bigger rivers.

Buy cheap at first, and if you like what you use, then go for a better rod. These rods are designed with a slow action and allows for a better connection (even an 11'er) to the fly. Don't worry about people hating on these rods, hook one up and pack a bunch of fly boxes, you'll need a large variety to utilize all aspects of these wonderful fishing units. By the way, Sage/Winston/ Most big name switches suck. Stick with making your own from Batson or get a Deer Creek (Bob and spey Jedi Mike Kinney helped with the design), Beulah's got some tight ones, or go straight to the source. Everyone else is just chasing ghosts. It is, in fact, a fad that all the big names jumped on, but if you truly understand these units, it's not a fad for you, but a way of angling continuously. Open fire boys.

PS. A good switch eats any sink tip you put on it.........Solves the problem of only fishing unweighted flies. I smacked a ton of steelhead last year using a sinking tip and a Balmoral (a 3in. Dee fly).

ORIGINAL: KJH807


what can a switch setup do that a single hand rod can't??

Cast to Canada.