Switch rods?

[Comit 2]

I'm thinking of getting one for Carp or one for Trout/panfish. What would be a good Rod, Reel and line combo.

I'm looking to walk the shallows with trees behind me.

[so haaad]

For carp, look for a 9 ft rod in about an 8 weight. A 7 wt works too but can be a little light if you are hooking into big hogs in the 20+ lb range.

[DEADhead]

unless you are going to be swinging nymphs to carp in a stream, I'd opt against a switch rod. You're much better off with a 9'6" or 10' 7 weight and learning a few two handed casts, in addition too a solid roll cast. In order to become a solid caster with a switch rod, you'd need a much heavier line to load the rod, plus either a set of tips of polyleaders to serve as the anchor for your casts. I'm not saying don't get one, but they won't likely be as effective of a tool as you'd think in that type of situation. With the heavy head and lack of a belly, your line will be nearly impossible to make a soft delicate cast at close range. That is key when sight fishing to carp, a stealthy presentation. But I will say that swinging flies to redhorse (or even smallies) can be a blast, especially in fast or high water.

As far as rods go, I've got a Beulah 7/8 switch. It is a great rod, though I wonder if I could have gotten away with a 6/7 weight. Great fit and finish and nice corks. A Real gem to cast and great rod action. I think they are one of the better buys for your $$ than some of the other rods on the market. Otherwise I'd look at the Scott A3 switch or the Redington CPX (I've heard it was somewhat stiff).

[Comit 2]

Thank you.

I do have a 9'6" 7wt and I love the snake roll. I will be fishing streams also. I'm looking for a new toy for I am one of those who has been there and done that. I'm looking for new waters to fish so to speak. That in mind, What switch rod and line.

I'm looking at Royal Wulff Ambush Fly Line with it's 20' head, big belly and fine tip.

[DEADhead]

I love the Elixir line with my Beulah, but I saw the new Rio Switch line at the IFTD show last September and it looks choice. I liked the longer head/belly that it offered. The Elixir is a great shooting head, but you need to have the almost the entire head out to cast it. The Rio line shouldn't be quite as fickle and should be able to cast at intermediate distances, as well as have the ability to mend the line with more than 30' out. I'll be picking up a couple of those lines this spring. I have a feeling that 410 grain line (6/7) will work wonders on my shorty 12' 5 wt two hander.

[itchmesir]

But I will say that swinging flies to redhorse (or even smallies) can be a blast, especially in fast or high water.

the redhorse run is an absolute blast on the Root River with a fly rod.. hooking into one and then watching as they zip off up stream with your reel screaming... not much beats the excitement of that