Request for rod recommendation

Guy Gregory

Semi-retired
Forum Supporter
Well its winterish, and I'm thinking of a new stillwater rod for the spring. I've been feeling outgunned with my 4 wt. lately, and old man stuff suggests maybe I should think a bit about two-hand capability. I really like the Echo price point and customer service. Any recommendations from you on a 6 wt. switch, 9.5 foot minimum, for stillwater service, would be very welcome.

Shopping for rods nowadays is kinda like buying yogurt...f'in bewildering.
 
While not a switch rod (and won't alleviate old man problems) I'm very pleased with my Echo Stillwater 5 wt 10' flyrod. I know it comes in heavier line weights and slightly longer options. The Gorge flyshop usually throws in a wide variety of quality flyline selections with a purchase.
 
House of Fly has their original Project One two handers on sale right now. $199. I can't speak about the two handers, but the 9' 8wt I have is a nice rod. It's my "husky" 8wt compared to the dainty Aetos 8wt. The build is very nice and well worth the $199.
They have 11' 3 and 4 wts as well as a 11'9" 5wt.

Good luck!
 
If thinking switch I personally (which has nothing to do with you or anyone else) like 10-11’. I know they say under 12’ is a switch but once you go over 11’ it’s hard (for me) to single hand cast (or switch from 2H to SH ).
There are so many good options out there now. Like yogurt 🤣
 
If thinking switch I personally (which has nothing to do with you or anyone else) like 10-11’. I know they say under 12’ is a switch but once you go over 11’ it’s hard (for me) to single hand cast (or switch from 2H to SH ).
There are so many good options out there now. Like yogurt 🤣
x2...11' is the switch sweet spot. Have had switch rods by Beulah, Guideline, TFO and Mystic. Liked them all, Guideline with their 'scandi' influence the lightest and my fave of the bunch for effortless OH casting.
 
If you’re trying to 2- hand cast out of a boat, pontoon or tube, use a shorter rod. It’s a challenge out of a boat unless you can standup to cast. From a sitting position it’s extra challenging. Any 10’ lake rod would work especially if you can get the fighting butt replaced with a short bottom grip. I was a diehard two hander off the beach but when I got a pram and tried to do it, I realized it was folly and just went to single hand casting…
 
Back
Top