I am not a two hand fly rod expert. I am still learning and I am thoroughly enjoy the process. Plus, I have not tested all available 3wt switch rods and lines. The purpose of this post is not to endorse a specific brand. The goals of this post are to simply share a few thoughts about my experiences with a light weight switch rod that I have been using for two seasons; and, provoke your thoughts and curiosity.
Specific to New England waters, if you had to pick one fly rod that could do it all, either single hand or two hand, which one would it be? Before you make your decision, think about which fly rod can:
If you had to pick one tool, to do multiple jobs, which one? |
Specific to New England waters, if you had to pick one fly rod that could do it all, either single hand or two hand, which one would it be? Before you make your decision, think about which fly rod can:
- efficiently cast floating and sinking lines?
- effectively present streamers, dry-flies, wet-flies, and nymphs?
- cast with either one or two hands?
- offer balance, power, leverage, and is highly tip sensitive?
- be used on lakes, ponds, rivers, and small streams that require delicate presentations?
- be used for high-stick/tight-line nymph fishing?
- roll cast line from Manchester to Boston?
- mend line at short and long distances?
- make casting much easier in high wind conditions?
Here's my answer: I am now, almost exclusively using a 10'6" 3wt two hand switch rod. Why? It's simple; it does all the things mentioned above and has more versatility than a single hand rod. In fact, you might hear me say that this is the best 'tool' that I have ever fished with. But, it's more than a tool; in the right hands, it's a fly-casting-fishing machine that allows you to fish all conditions, techniques and tactics. For example:
- You want to roll-cast 30-60 feet, but you have tree's behind you...DONE!
- You want to double spey, snap-T or use other two handed casting techniques... DONE!
- You want to cast a #16 Adams, with one hand, without disturbing the environment...DONE!
- You want to efficiently cast sink-tips to fish in various depths...DONE!
- You want to effectively cast light or heavy nymph rigs...DONE!
Why I Fish with 3wt Two Hand?
For the past three seasons, in Patagonia, I have been using a TFO Deer Creek 11ft/5wt two hand switch rod. One day, I began to wonder how it would fish New England waters. So, I brought the rod home and began to fish waters in New Hampshire and Maine. The rod was very effective, but in smaller rivers/streams, I felt that it was too much rod (FYI, I fish the White Mountains in NH, Pittsburg, Rangeley, and seacoast NH). Upon this discovery, I began searching the world for a two hand 3wt or 4wt; a rod that was light/sensitive for single hand use, yet powerful for two hand style casts. Unfortunately, at the time, a 3wt or 4wt two hand rod did not exist. Boy was I depressed! Fortunately for me, my melancholy did not last long. ECHO introduce a 10'6" 3wt and I bought it instantly, without even trying it. The rest is history, and I have been VERY happy using this rod for the past two New England fishing seasons.
Final Word
I have been using my 3wt switch rod every where. I have been catching trout, land locked salmon, bass, chub, suckers, perch, sunnies, etc. Overall, I find it to be an extremely versatile rod. In fact, in New England, it has become my #1 go-to rod. If you find yourself casting with two hands, be prepared to feel muscles in your back that you did not know existed (even with a light 3wt, it can be a good work-out).
Are you interested? I know how hard it is to buy something you can't try/test (fish with). If you're in the area and want to try it out, give me a shout.
I have been using my 3wt switch rod every where. I have been catching trout, land locked salmon, bass, chub, suckers, perch, sunnies, etc. Overall, I find it to be an extremely versatile rod. In fact, in New England, it has become my #1 go-to rod. If you find yourself casting with two hands, be prepared to feel muscles in your back that you did not know existed (even with a light 3wt, it can be a good work-out).
Are you interested? I know how hard it is to buy something you can't try/test (fish with). If you're in the area and want to try it out, give me a shout.