Thread: Anyone build a switch rod?

I've been toying around with building a switch rod for a little bit now. I looked around youtube for videos on how to build one, but none of them seemed to cover switch rods. Can anyone point me towards a good reference or book to go to? Watching the videos it just seems like a time consuming process but not necessarily a expensive one. I wouldn't expect a factory finish rod the 1st time but something that is usable would be nice.

I'm mainly being cheap since I can save $130 or so building the rod myself or will it end up like tying?

Longtime lurker here, but I've actually done something extremely similar to this. A functional rod is easily made on the first try. Wraps can be redone and nothing besides mounting the reel seat and grip is close to permanent. No way as tedious as tying goes. Although not a "switch blank" I used a 2 piece single hand rod, sized one line weight up from what I was intending, to create a pseudo switch rod. Turned my own rear and fore grip to save money (just use electric drill with dowel in chuck to turn grip, I'm assuming your relatively familiar with the processes). I can describe this process more if you'd like. I believe the total cost was under 100. Try J Stockard or Mudhole for supplies.

It's held up well to some serious Coastal Oregon steelhead fishing abuse as well or better than the other fly rods (admittedly sub par) I've had.

Rod building forum dot com has literally all you will ever need to know

There's a mag on here whose screen name I'm spacing on that builds rods and I believe has done some switch ones, I'm pretty sure Tap has a rod he built for him. He may chime in or you could pm tap for his name. I think he built the traveling rod they did last year?

edit: I think yonskion is who I'm thinking of.

Sounds cool, but I just don't understand how you can put a fly in an area the size of a baseball cap from 50 ft away when your back is facing the target.

My old man has built a few for me. Are your questions about building a switch rod or just rod building in general? The former Maria Traveling Rod was built by my old man. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

If you're interested in a good deal on a Sage Z-Axis 8wt switch hit me up. Currently trying to sell one that's basically brand new.

you can PM me with any questions you have. But I'd start here http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/spey/index.php

they also have a great article on building one handers its basically the same.

Thanks for the info guys. But I have a few material questions left.

What type of epoxy should I be using ? Should I use Prokote or Flexcoat? Or should I look at any other brands?

Same thing with thread I looked around and the 2 main ones more Gudebrod and Prowrap. Then what size thread should I use A or D size thread?

Lastly the most confusing thing is what guides should I get? The price range on these is kinda confusing. Seems to be anywhere from a buck to 6 or 7 a guide. I know the better the guide the smoother line will flow but am I going to notice a huge difference. I plan to line this bad boy up with skagit 500g line so away it will go. Does that make a difference at all?

It better be a stout 8+ weight switch to handle 500 grains, what size are you building?

It's going to be this rod http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/pro...ds/switch.html

8wt 11ft they say it can handle up to 600 grains if I remember right the shop recommended 500g , but that was a awhile ago and it might have been 450g. Either way when I line it up all go with what they recommend.

Ah, that's a nice stick. Can handle even a tad more. Here's my line recs for it should you ever want to try other styles as well. http://flyshop.kiene.com/tfodeercreekswitch11084pc.aspx

I like smaller thread both threads are good, I use guidebrod cause its available locally, flex coat can be finiccy but I've never used procote I'm sure its fine, just mix big batches so it cures better.