8 weight for swinging

[TonyMuljat]

Will a good quality 8 weight single handed rod get me swinging in the American, or should I bypass and go directly for a spey rod? Assume I can only afford one rod at this time. Also assume that I am a newbie at swinging (sounds funny, kinda...:cool:).

[jcanger]

An 8 weight should be more than enough. Even better if it's a 9'6" or a 10'. I know guys that swing the AR with a 9' 5 weight. Supposed to be lightning in a bottle when they connect!

Welcome and good luck!!

[JasonB]

Will an 8wt sh rod work for swinging flies (in particular on the American)? Yes, absolutely. Should you go directly to a spey rod (or possibly a switch)? YES, absolutely! I think if it were me and I was looking at only getting one rod specifically for this fishery, I'd be hard pressed to argue a 9-10' sh rod over a 12' spey rod (probably a 6wt, maybe 7 depending on what you like to throw and how you like to fish).

Hate to say it, but most likely either way you go you'll likely end up pining for another rod (or 2) somewhere down the line. Probably the big deciding factor should be whether or not you feel like learning a whole new casting style, and a whole new set of "stuff". If so go with a spey rod for sure, if not stick with the single hand rod and enjoy. Fish can't seem to tell the difference, although spey rods do open up a lot of water, and offer some substantial advantages on presentation (if swinging).
Best of luck,
JB

[EricO]

"Also assume that I am a newbie at swinging."

Lol. That is funny. In that case, you just have to jump in and not worry about the consequences.

;o)~

[TonyMuljat]

"Also assume that I am a newbie at swinging."

Lol. That is funny. In that case, you just have to jump in and not worry about the consequences.

;o)~

Right. :p My thought is instead of learning a whole new way of casting (which I'm sure I'd have no problem with), I just don't think as much about casting and get the fly where it needs to be... I guess I just have to make up my mind one way or another....:D

[Mark Kranhold]

Tony, go for the Spey! With the shorter heads out now it is easier to pick up. You can also take a lesson from Jeff Putnam or Andy and be on your way. A Spey will allow you to have your fly in the water more and cover more water... That's the success to steelheading! There are also a lot of good rods out there at a great price point! Echo, TFO, Reddington ,Anderson nova series , and Kiene's heron rods! For Spey rod size I prefer a 6wt. for the American, it will allow you to throw the biggest stuff you need, plus you can use it for the shad run if you shad fish? If you plan on venturing further north to chase the steel you may want to opt for a 7wt. Good luck and swing on!