There are many switch rods on the market now with switch’s ever-growing significance in a fly anglers arsenal. So, why the interest in switch rods in the last two decades or so when the one go to Salmon rod and/or a simple fighting butt on a single hander used to be what everyone settled for pre-millennium?
Quite simply, with the development of stronger/lighter carbon and components available to rod manufacturers, there has been a shift in demand by the angler away from being limited to just a single hander and a double hander to a ‘middle ground’ that suits his/her quarry. Bridging the gap and helping satisfy the enjoyment anglers seek from fishing for and playing smaller Salmon, Grilse, river trout and Seatrout, the switch rod is shorter than all other double handers yet it is usually weighted #6 #7 or #8. Usually around 11′ in length and designed for double hand spey casting in smaller rivers, but with the option to cast single handed opening up fishing options in varying surroundings, the rod is certainly a tool with a firm place in fly fishing.
You would not purchase a switch rod as a first choice for single hand casting, it is more bias toward the lighter form of double handed casting and for this reason they are matched with short shooting heads and running lines.
Matching a single handed line to a switch rod is possible if you over rate it by x2 AFTM’s. eg. choose a #9 single hand line for a #7 switch rod. Otherwise, purchase a dedicated switch line for the rod in the recommended casting weight (AFFTA) marked on the rod. i.e. #7 switch line for a #7 rod.
So how do you choose the right switch rod for you?
Well the easiest way is to come in to Angling Active in Stirling and have a thorough consultation and demo of a few rods on the banks of the River Teith right outside our door. This is a free service we offer with one of our resident experts. You can just turn up, but for our undivided attention to you please call in advance 01786430400 and arrange a time with a staff member.
Angling Active casting area, River Teith
Whether online or in-store, what has to be identified is the application for the switch rod before you make a purchase. Are you using it for lightweight shooting-heads potentially with small sink tips, or are you using it for something completely different like a skagit setup for sunray shadows or even starting out a youngster onto a double hand fly rod? What action do you prefer in a fly rod? Fast or middle to tip (medium) actions are what is available in most fly rods today. Do you want this rod to be a lifetime prize item for regular use or is it just to satisfy an upcoming trip you have booked just to get you through? Do the aesthetics/appearance and brand of the rod matter to you? And then ultimately, what is your budget?
Here are our favourite switch rods and a brief description of each to summarise them. You can click the link under each rod to read further details about the rods.
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SHAKESPEARE ORACLE SWITCH FLY ROD
11′
#7/8 or #8/9
MEDIUM
4 piece
A success story in price meets quality. The two line ratings are there as an option to bully grilse in with the heavier #8/9, or try your luck at the more wary seatrout with the #7/8.
This is the most affordable switch rod Angling Active offers.
Angling Active Pro Tip
Great with a lightweight skagit line for short range Sunray tactics. But also a beautiful mid-slow action for medium range shooting head and spey line applications.
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SHAKESPEARE ORACLE EXP SWITCH FLY ROD
11′
#7/8 or #8/9
MEDIUM-FAST
6 piece
RRP £89.99
Improving on the 4 piece Oracle Switch is the Expedition (EXP) version of the rod breaking down into 6 sections for the suitcase. These are slightly faster in action than the 4 piece equivalent.
Angling Active Pro Tip
These rods weigh under a kilo in the tube. Ideal if you are watching your baggage allowance on a flight!
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GREYS GR60 SWITCH ROD
11′
#6/7, #7/8, #8/9
FAST
4 piece
Replacing the GR50 range the high performance, lightweight and fast action rods are built on Greys new Toreon nanotechnology. This is a specialist, no messing Grilse or Summer Salmon rod in the #7/8 weight. The lighter versions are ideal for seatrout.
Angling Active Pro Tip
For those intermediate to experienced anglers who need performance.
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GREYS GR70 SWITCH ROD
11′ #7 FAST
4 piece
The flagship of Greys fly rods is the GR70 range. This is even more powerful than the GR50 and a faster action again means this is for those who have developed a good sense of timing and casting techniques.
Angling Active Pro Tip
If you have mastered the art of switch casting and you require accuracy, the quick recovery of the GR70 is the switch for you.
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SAGE PULSE SWITCH
11’4″
#7, #8
FAST
4 piece
A beautifully hand made, fast action yet forgiving rod combining the forefront carbon for durability, strength and power.
Angling Active Pro Tip
Experienced anglers can have confidence with this rod and a matched Scandi head that you will never blame the tools. An artists rod for pure performance.
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DAIWA LEXA SWITCH ROD
11’3″
#7/8
MEDIUM-FAST
4 piece
Precision hand-made in Scotland with the experience driven design knowledge of Hywel Morgan. The Lexa Switch is one of our favourites at Angling Active. Well priced for a through action yet responsive recovery for accuracy. Beautifully crafted and a true performer for lighter work with a switch rod.
Angling Active Pro Tip
The detachable extension butt transforms this rod into a formidable single handed beauty.
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