Advice on a New Setup

[buckeyebrewer]

So I am looking to upgrade my steelhead setup in the next week or two. I currently have a 10' 7wt. The primary bulk of my fishing is high stick nymphing and indi with the occasional swing.

I have been looking into switch rods, I love the idea of an extra foot of length, but I'm not sure whether it is a practical tool for nymphing 90% of the time.

I fish primarily Ohio and PA tribs with the occasional (one or twice a year) trip to MI. I love to fish the Grand, but the bulk of my fishing is done on the smaller tribs.

So I guess I'm wondering if a 10 footer is the right tool or whether a switch rod just might do the trick.

What are your thoughts?

[kweetech]

both will work well...
I have a 10' I use for most nymphing, and prefer to swing flies with the switch rod. Switch rods are very popular for nymphing...so if you're interested...give it a shot. The extra foot can def. be an advantage...and they are still light enough in hand to fish single handed.
On a budget..the new St. Croix Imperials are nice, and they are still being built in the US.

[buckeyebrewer]

I'm currently looking at several rods.

Maybe, but probably not: ( I don't know they are worth twice the others)
Sage Z-axis
G. Loomis Switch

Strong Contenders:
TFO Deer Creek 11' 7wt
Redington CPX 11' 7wt
Scott A3 11' 8wt

[kweetech]

all very good rods..so it just comes down to personal preference.

I personally use a winston 11'7wt BIIX (with a 295 gr. head) and a Meiser 11' 7wt (with 435 and 450 gr heads)..both very different rods, and both called out as 7wts. I nymph with the winston occasionally, but not much at all with the meiser.

Find a line system that fits what you want to do (there are some new indicator lines for two handed rods on the market, check'em out), pick a rod that matches the kind of action you're looking for, as well as being able to handle the line type/grain you're using. There isn't much standardization in rod weights when it comes to switch rods...so make sure to do some research before taking the plunge. Test cast a few as well if you can.

[R.L. Marlboro]

I have got to say my z-axis 7wt 11ft is one of my favorite steelhead rods, i primarily use it to swing on smaller tribs. Put on a 425gr. skagit short head and look out! i have no problem turning over 15 ft. of t-14 with that setup. As far as nymphing with it i use a SA 8wt. steelhead taper and works great for me....... a lot of good rods out there just my two cents about the z

[john_in]

all very good rods..so it just comes down to personal preference.

I personally use a winston 11'7wt BIIX (with a 295 gr. head) and a Meiser 11' 7wt (with 435 and 450 gr heads)..both very different rods, and both called out as 7wts. I nymph with the winston occasionally, but not much at all with the meiser.

Find a line system that fits what you want to do (there are some new indicator lines for two handed rods on the market, check'em out), pick a rod that matches the kind of action you're looking for, as well as being able to handle the line type/grain you're using. There isn't much standardization in rod weights when it comes to switch rods...so make sure to do some research before taking the plunge. Test cast a few as well if you can.

I noticed that you have two 11' 7 wt rods. I assume, they are switch rods. My question is: How do they handle steelhead or salmon? Are they powerful enough? Thanks.