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[halcyonguitars]

Pretty sure I want to buy a switch rod.

Is 8wt the right size for going after salmon?

[clarkii]

switch rod for salmon, you could get away with a 6 weight.  However what salmon are you targeting?  generally speaking a switch or spey is 2 line sizes up compared to a single hand (ie. 6 wt 2h = 8 wt sh)

[robbo1970]

I have echo 8wt switch rod. I love it, two handed casting is fun!

Rule of thumb with a two handed rod is to add 2 to 3 line weights if you want to compare it to a single hand, so an 8wt two hander would be the equivalent of a 10/11wt single. That should handle everything but the biggest Chinook.

That's the best of my knowledge, hope that helps.

[RalphH]

These formula apply to matching lines intended for single handed rods. generally you should go with a 6 to an 8 switch rod depending on the type of water you will be fishing, the lines (do you need to throw heavy tips) and flies. generally a #6 is fine for coho & summer steelhead. Winter steelhead, chum springs etc would be a #7 or #8. A #7 is in the middle and a good choice.

[halcyonguitars]

Thank you. There's a lot to absorb...

[Tex]

A #7 is in the middle and a good choice.

I would echo RalphH's comments. Get out there and try casting some different rods. There are usually a number of "spey claves" going on in the early spring... Michael & Young, Whistler, etc. They are a great place to try some different style rods and learn from the pro's.

[halcyonguitars]

You can try them out at the store?

[clarkii]

Spey claves are pretty much giant rod demo sessions with lots of info to absorb.  Michael and young usually holds theirs on the Fraser.

[Tex]

You can try them out at the store?

Sometimes, but it's not the same as being out on a body of water and casting different lines. You seem to be a guitar guy - picking a flyrod up to try at the store but not actually casting it on water is a little like picking up an unstrung guitar... you can touch it and wiggle it a bit, but you won't actually know how it FEELS to use until it's "strung up" and being used.

[halcyonguitars]

Yes, I didn't think you'd get much of a go at the store.

Spey clave? Sounds kinda scary like joining a coven...

[Tex]

Yes, I didn't think you'd get much of a go at the store.

Spey clave? Sounds kinda scary like joining a coven...

Sometimes it feels like it when you're there too! LOL

They are great events. Will seem cliquey when you get there but in my experience almost everyone is actually quite approachable. The cliquey-ness is just because many people go every year and get to know each other.

In addition to lots of rods and lines to try out, there are typically also really cool demonstrations and impromptu classes, and I've received some excellent hands-on lessons from some of the "spey gurus" during the times I've stopped in (which hasn't been in a few years mind you).

[halcyonguitars]

I could sure use a Skills Upgrade...

[ajransom]

I'd go for a 7 weight...

I have a 13' 7 weight spey rod and its pretty much perfect for steelhead (summer and winter) and salmon. The one caveat is that if your targeting springs in big water (ie: skeena), then the 7 weight will be well undergunned.

I dont really fish for springs much so I dont really care.

A 7 weight 13' spey rod would be my pick. Although im not much of a switch rod fan...

[halcyonguitars]

I think I'm going to go 11' 7wt. The idea of a switch really appeals to me.

[Stantonius]

I think you're going to really enjoy the versatility of the switch rod. I picked up a 4wt/11 ft TFO switch in December. It's super fun to battle trout with! It's great being able to roll cast when there's obstacles behind you.  Good luck with the purchase!