I am looking at getting a switch rod for trout. I will be buying to use mosly on the Yuba, but I might use it on the Truckee, Little Truckee, American for half pounders and maybe Putah. I wanted to ask if anyone has used the TFO Professional series 11ft 5wt switch as well as the Deer Creek 11ft 4 and 11ft 5wt switches. Wondering how they compair as well as their actions. I have used the 11ft 7wt Deer Creek rod and liked it a lot. A tad to noodley for me but was still a blast, but I dont know if the 7wt is similiar in action as its smaller counterparts. I am really interested in gettin the 11ft 4wt DC (deer creek) but it is 6.5oz compaired to the Prof 11ft 5wt which is 5.1oz. That almost 1.5oz weight difference is huge in my book, especially on a full day. I talked to Toby who is my local TFO vender and said it will be tough getting to demo those rods, so need advice and going to kienes to help make my decision. Any info would be great.
Thanks Brian
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Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
I know that Fly Fishing Specialties has a 5wt Z-Axis switch that is nice. I'm about to sell my 7wt Deer Creek that you speak of and have a 6wt. Z-Axis on the way. The Deer Creek Switch Rods are nice, but the Z-Axis is even better!
I cannot comment on TFO switches, but I have tried the Burkie and the Beulah 4/5 and 5/6 switches. In my opinion, 4 and 5 weight rods make great nymph rods but mediocre Spey rods. If a long nymph rod is your goal, then a 4 or 5 weight is for you.
When you start looking at 6 weight switches, they are still great nymph rods, but they become good Spey rods. More line choices are available at this weight. A larger variety of flies can be delivered at this weight. To me, the 6 weight is the ideal Nor Cal switch rod for those reasons.
I own a Z-Axis 6 weight switch. It is fished mostly as a light Scandi rod with a 330 grain Airflo Compact Scandi shooting head with 10 foot Polyleaders. It is a great delivery system for wet flies and small streamers. I have dredged using the 390 grain Airflo Compact Skagit head with 10 feet of T-11. With that line combination, it is a great delivery system with big bunny flies.
If you really want a long nymph rod that would be ideal for Putah and the Little Truckee, go talk to Rick Anderson at Specialties about the 10 foot Greys (think Hardy) Streamflex nymph rods. They are made as light as a 3 weight and as heavy as a 5 weight.
go talk to Rick Anderson at Specialties about the 10 foot Greys (think Hardy) Streamflex nymph rods. They are made as light as a 3 weight and as heavy as a 5 weight.
AB
If you remember Brian those are the rods I showed you last time you were at Specialties.
Speaking of Hardy they are coming out with a switch rod too. There is a sample at the shop in a 6 wt. If you're going to be there for the BBQ tomorrow I'll show it to you.
Just realized i put this under for sale or trade. sorry guys.
anyways decided to go with the TFO Professional Series 11ft 5wt switch that can also turn into a 10ft 6" nymph rod.
__________________
Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.