Spey Rod vs Switch Rods Explained (What's The Difference?)

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In "Spey vs Switch Rods explained by Tom Larimer - Spey Casting Basics" Tom provides instruction lessons on how to choose between whether you should use a spey or switch fly rod in a given situation. This is one of many videos that form a great spey casting beginners how to guide. You can see the rest of them here: • Spey Casting Basics wi...
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:15 - Who is Tom Larimer?
0:40 - Spey Rods
2:40 - Switch Rods
4:50 - Which is Right For You?

[@jkdurden]

Let’s be honest...if you’re watching this video; you’re considering trying two-handed drugs for the first time. The Spey Drug.....more addictive than any opioid and worse yet, there isn’t a 12-step program that is going to save you from this addiction. You’ve been warned. That said..”Hi, I’m JD and I’m a Spey Addict.” Switch or Spey? What’s the difference? The short answer is “feel”. If you like “the feel” of a rod, then you probably want to buy a Spey. You get more feel on the feedback loop from a Spey compared to a switch rod. I’d compare it to playing golf. If you’ve ever tried hitting a shot with a 3 iron vs a 3 wood, you know the 3 iron doesn’t really give you the feedback that you get with the 3 wood. If given the choice at the tee box, you’re going to use the 3 wood all day long in comparison to the 3 iron. But...if you’re in the rough, off the fare way, you’re probably going to pick the 3 iron. Right tool for the job. Same thing happens when you’re choosing between Spey or switch. If you could only play golf with one of those clubs it would likely be the 3 iron, because you can use it everywhere. That is what fishing a switch is like. You don’t get as much feel but you have a tool that you can use anywhere. Now, if you expect never to hit the rough (indicator fishing/overhead casting) then do you really need a switch? I’d argue that you do not. If you are coming to the two-handed world, you’re probably tired of indicator fishing and you’re looking to have more fun. Spey is the answer. If you’re wanting to do it all, then switch is the answer. If you accept the fact that you’ll probably own multiple rods and you will, because this is an addiction - right? If you accept that fact, then you should start off with a Spey tapered rod. Here is why. First off, you’re going to get more feedback on the feel loop from a Spey and thus learn at a faster rate. This feel you develop in Spey casting can later be applied to the stiffer switch rod that you’ll buy later this year or next. :-) If you know, absolutely positive, that you’ll never buy another two-handed rod and you love to nymph, you’ll end up buying a switch and learn on it. Is this the best way to learn - no, but you can do it. I did. My first rod was a Sage One 5116. I later bought a Sage One 7126 and fell in love with the Spey taper. I later bought a Sage One 3110. This is a shorter rod and has a Spey taper, not a switch taper. I use the 3110 the most. (See what I mean by addiction?). If you choose to go switch before Spey, then you’re stubborn and I respect that in a person...even if you’re the hardest client to coach on the river. Ask me how I know? (I’m describing myself.). You’re going to need that stubborn streak to make it through the learning process with a switch rod. It worked for me - that said, once I felt a Spey, I rarely fish my switch rods unless there is a reason. You will get more feedback from the Spey and this will help you learn on your switch. If you’re only going to buy one rod, then get a switch. Accept the fact you’ll be cussing and frustrated for about a year....then you’ll be fine. Best thing about Spey/switch? You’re having more fun...you get to look around...and you’ll cover more water...faster. Enjoy it!

[@FinLineFly]

Thanks for sharing!

[@hankvana2149]

Thanks Tom, this helped a lot! I opted for a Redington Chromer 6 wt 11'6" Switch rod with a Switch Chucker line. The plan is to swing intruders for smallmouth bass in the river and maybe overhand some modest sized streamers for pike in the lakes. Steelhead are not that far from home so a full spey rod is probably next on the list to get. Cheers!

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Very good video. So you want a faster rod for Spey, i.e. stiff up through the the tip. What about length?

[@christhompson4431]

Tom, I fly fish in the Northeast (Marthas Vineyard) for Strippers and False Albies. One area that I fish is the “gut” between MV and Chappy with limited to no backcast space. I’m thinking of a Spey or switch rod. Do you have any experience you can share as it relates to these fish....rod (switch or spey and what weight and length)? What line would you use skegit or scandi. Would you couple the rod with a 7/8/9 or 4/5/6 reel? The more I read the more confused I am. Any help would be appreciated. Chris

[@allenchong9816]

Can you use a switch rod for waters that are not moving? For example going for large mouth bass in a pond and you are standing on the banks not in the water.

[@jkdurden]

Yes. Look up Switch Rods as Lake tools. George Cook fishing a switch while wading in a lake.

[@dudekiwi]

So I'm thinking seriously surf casting or spey/ switch salt water . Spey and switch are same casting methods just different rods ?

[@manuelbonatti4397]

Is there any difference in the line (grains) you use for example on a #7 spey and on an #7 switch?

[@WeldingForJesus]

I know I am late, but perhaps someone will read and find use of this later. So; yes, there is a difference. I have a #6/7 switch rod and a #8/9 spey rod, the switch cast well with 300-330gr, and the spey rod is perfect with a 525gr line. Basically single handed rods, switch rods and spey rods operate on three different levels when it comes to line weights. The good news is that switch and spey rods usually come with specified line weight recommendations unlike singlehanded rods which just gives you the number on the AFTM scale.

[@awaken77]

Im confused... I thought switch rods are just shorter spey rods for smaller rivers. What's difference between trout spey and trout switch then?

[@Tridentflyfishing]

The difference between spey and switch applies across the board, however the term "trout switch" isn't really something that is widely used...

[@bobjt]

You can think of it more of the terms of the action that defines the rod. Switch = overhead or spey casts, but will be stiffer, shorter rod length, and requires better timing when using spey casts (for more advanced casters). Spey = spey casts only but is much more forgiving and is easier to learn. Now apply that terminology to the newer rods coming out; Microspey = spey action, Shortspey = spey action, GLX switch = switch action, One Switch = switch action. If you get a chance to cast a switch and spey side by side in similar lengths you will feel the difference and it will be obvious! One seems stiff and fast while the other seems more moderate on stiffness and speed.

[@PedroSAbe]

O segredo está na apresentação da isca para o peixe escolhido

[@simonsvan2735]

Switch rods are small er lighter two hand rods. Nothing else

[@jkdurden]

Switch rods vs Spey rods: Spey will give you a stronger feedback loop on feel. Once you develop that feel on a Spey rod, you’ll be able to feel the more subtle feel of a switch. The switch rod is a much stiffer rod in comparison and gives you less feedback on feel. Sure, you can learn on a switch. I did. Was it easy? No...but I didn’t think I’d ever own more than one two-handed rod so I chose to go switch first. I now own too many two-handlers and fish them almost exclusively. The switch is a great all around tool but given the choice between a 11.5 foot switch vs a 12.5 foot Spey, I’d go with the 12.5 Spey every time unless I thought I might be nymphing or on smaller water. Now you know why I own several two-handers. :) If you want an all around tool in the quiver, the switch rod is that tool. You can literally do 95% of your work on the water with a switch but the Spey is more enjoyable and is always my first choice if I know I’ll swing/skate (no nymphing) all day and be on medium sized or larger rivers.

[@wodzimierzratajczak8368]

Polecam wideo

[@tinoyb9294]

Must be nice to have the money to buy 14 different rods for salt, euro, etc.

[@darrylbob4088]

There are more Great lakes n Canada than the Excited States of America

[@darrylbob4088]

Nice commercial

[@benjaminaxselholm]

No way switch rod way easier to start.