For Winter Steelhead
I have dedicated this Steelhead season to figuring out how far I can push my switch rod. My suspicions laced belief in spey purity and the sanctity of single hand casting were quickly obliterated! The rivers I fish vary greatly in size. So, I really got to know its limits. With proper technique cast as close as 15 ft (Steelhead like to be close to the bank fish close too) and far as 100 ft are achievable.
The set up I got know and love was:
The Red Truck Premium 7110-4
Galvan Rush 10
20 lbs backing
Airflo ridge running line
Skagit Flight 450 gr
and a bag of tangled tips. If had the dough I would have bought the Rio Skagit Mow Tips
Switch Rods are very effective tools in many situations; however one must resist switch and Speyitis. What I mean is switch rods are not the perfect tool in every situation. They work best with shooting head style fly lines and are less efficient with long belly lines. I Still prefer my single hand rod for nymphing; I find that I can mend with much more control with my switch rod.
What F'n Line Should I Use?
(Winter) Steelhead Swinging- Skagit Lines 19-30ft I find on 11 foot switch rods give or take 6 inches work best with 23 ft heads. The elegant casting Rio Skagit Flight head is an excellent line for winter steelheaders. However when I am gloves off winter steelheading (10 ft tips that are 23.5 grains per foot) I pull out the airflo compact skagit.
When fishing a skagit head you need:
- A Running Line- This is the shooting line that you attach you head to. I fish in colder situations and thing running lines suck to be chasing all day. Get a thick running that you can always hang on to and that has enough friction the guides to turn over you cast.
- Tips- Tips are what get you fly down. If one thing is important with steelheading is it what depth you fly is. Your tips are one factor of controlling you depth.
(Winter) Steelhead Nymphing- You need a longer belly line if you are doing anything other than high stick nymphing. For the first time ever there is a long belly switch line that cast well. The Rio Switch Line has the right amount of shooting head zap with the mend-ability of long belly lines. While I recommend it for Steelhead I have not tested it with trout. Left plenty of heavy mono between your indicator and you line so the heavy line doesn't move your indicator.
The Top Switch Rod Brands and Models
Here are a list of that I have fooled around with. If you want to discuss this further you can call 415.781.3474 and we can talk about what type of fishing you are doing.
The set up I got know and love was:
The Red Truck Premium 7110-4
Galvan Rush 10
20 lbs backing
Airflo ridge running line
Skagit Flight 450 gr
and a bag of tangled tips. If had the dough I would have bought the Rio Skagit Mow Tips
Switch Rods are very effective tools in many situations; however one must resist switch and Speyitis. What I mean is switch rods are not the perfect tool in every situation. They work best with shooting head style fly lines and are less efficient with long belly lines. I Still prefer my single hand rod for nymphing; I find that I can mend with much more control with my switch rod.
What F'n Line Should I Use?
(Winter) Steelhead Swinging- Skagit Lines 19-30ft I find on 11 foot switch rods give or take 6 inches work best with 23 ft heads. The elegant casting Rio Skagit Flight head is an excellent line for winter steelheaders. However when I am gloves off winter steelheading (10 ft tips that are 23.5 grains per foot) I pull out the airflo compact skagit.
When fishing a skagit head you need:
- A Running Line- This is the shooting line that you attach you head to. I fish in colder situations and thing running lines suck to be chasing all day. Get a thick running that you can always hang on to and that has enough friction the guides to turn over you cast.
- Tips- Tips are what get you fly down. If one thing is important with steelheading is it what depth you fly is. Your tips are one factor of controlling you depth.
Top Pick: Rio Mow Kit or slightly less aggressively Rio Tip Kit
Budget: cut up t8-t17 level Tungsten core tips available for bulk purchase.
Budget: cut up t8-t17 level Tungsten core tips available for bulk purchase.
(Winter) Steelhead Nymphing- You need a longer belly line if you are doing anything other than high stick nymphing. For the first time ever there is a long belly switch line that cast well. The Rio Switch Line has the right amount of shooting head zap with the mend-ability of long belly lines. While I recommend it for Steelhead I have not tested it with trout. Left plenty of heavy mono between your indicator and you line so the heavy line doesn't move your indicator.
The Top Switch Rod Brands and Models
Here are a list of that I have fooled around with. If you want to discuss this further you can call 415.781.3474 and we can talk about what type of fishing you are doing.
-Sage Switch Rods- An Industry Standard of Excellent Casting and Elegant Finish. Sage's pure depth in selection offer a switch for any sitch. A Washington Company. Sage specializes in switch rods for Steelhead and Trout.
- Beulah Switch Rods- True beauty is exhibited by beulah's artistic finishes; Not to be out done the blank design is buttery smooth and can cast a wide range of lines. Beulah is an Oregeon company that specializes in switch rods for fresh water and saltwater applications.
- Red Truck Switch Rods- Red Truck has become the underground cult company offering mind blowing switch rods in a range of prices. The limited length and weight offering is evidence in the do it all switch rod for Steelheading and west coast surfishing. A San Francisco Company that specializes in the 11 foot 7 wt switch rod.
-Winston Switch Rods- Winston Green Blanks, beautiful wood, quality nickel silver reel seats, and quality cork will have you drooling at it. Classic Winston feel the offer a pleasurable and relaxing fishing experience. A Montana Company specializing in Trout and Steelhead switch rods.
-Scott Switch Rods- Scott Pushes the envelope with the Frankenstein Fiber Hammer Switch Rod ... and I mean Frankenstein in a good way! What can you say other than Scott's are awesome. A Colorado Company that will take you to the edge of fly rod design.
- Beulah Switch Rods- True beauty is exhibited by beulah's artistic finishes; Not to be out done the blank design is buttery smooth and can cast a wide range of lines. Beulah is an Oregeon company that specializes in switch rods for fresh water and saltwater applications.
- Red Truck Switch Rods- Red Truck has become the underground cult company offering mind blowing switch rods in a range of prices. The limited length and weight offering is evidence in the do it all switch rod for Steelheading and west coast surfishing. A San Francisco Company that specializes in the 11 foot 7 wt switch rod.
-Winston Switch Rods- Winston Green Blanks, beautiful wood, quality nickel silver reel seats, and quality cork will have you drooling at it. Classic Winston feel the offer a pleasurable and relaxing fishing experience. A Montana Company specializing in Trout and Steelhead switch rods.
- Winston BIIMX: Switch Rods- ($795+)
-Scott Switch Rods- Scott Pushes the envelope with the Frankenstein Fiber Hammer Switch Rod ... and I mean Frankenstein in a good way! What can you say other than Scott's are awesome. A Colorado Company that will take you to the edge of fly rod design.
- Scott Fiber Hammer ($695)
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