Switch rod suggestion - CA coastal

**Trouter925** · 03-19-2018, 02:13 PM

I'm looking at a TFO 11' 8 weight Deer Creek for smaller CA coastal rivers. Thoughts? Over-gunned?
Thanks

**JasonB** · 03-19-2018, 07:33 PM

Depends a bit on what your tossing. A 7wt switch is pretty capable, and I’ve even fished the costal streams a fair bit with a 6wt. That said I do use an 8wt from time to time, and it can be nice if I’m looking to deal with some heavy flows and big flies. Depending on what you’re calling “smaller” an 8wt is probably more rod than you need 90% of the time. If you are talking about fishing the Smith... an 8wt would be helpful quite often in the heavy currents and deeper runs. If I could only have one rod for the coast, and wanted to fish in a wide range of flows/conditions, I think something in the 12’ 7wt realm would be pretty ideal.
JB

**Ben J** · 03-19-2018, 07:46 PM

Sounds like a good choice to me. I fish my 11' 8 wt Echo3 a ton on the coast. I like having a little extra power for tips, big flies, and landing fish more quickly just in case I need it.

**Trouter925** · 03-19-2018, 08:48 PM

Thanks for replies. I’m thinking Garcia, Gualala and other rivers in the area. Would mostly plan on throwing tips and Skagit.

**PV_Premier** · 03-22-2018, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by Trouter925

Thanks for replies. I’m thinking Garcia, Gualala and other rivers in the area. Would mostly plan on throwing tips and Skagit.

7wt is probably the best all around option for those waters. I use a 6wt Echo3, personally. Haven't felt undergunned yet, nor have I felt that I overplayed a fish.

I also have a 5wt Redington, which I use a bit on the Trinity for scandi.

**Rick J** · 03-26-2018, 09:23 AM

I have the 7 wt and cut back a 625 skagit to around 18 feet so comes in the upper 400 grain range and will throw any chicken you wold care to launch

)

**SeaTrooter** · 01-30-2019, 10:08 PM

Hi there,
8# rods are safe buddy, if you need beef you will have it, agreed a quality 7# is good..buuuuuuut we all know in fishing expect the unexpected, take an intermediate switch on your spare spool, mix it up a bit

**Bill Kiene semi-retired** · 01-31-2019, 04:46 AM

Thanks Sea Trooter

Nice to have someone from Scotland on our board.

**Trouter925** · 01-31-2019, 09:19 AM

I picked up a used TFO Deer Creek 7 weight switch about a year ago now. I paired with Airflo Skagit Scout 480 has been working nicely with T8 or T11. I put an Orvis Battenkill IV on it. Nice little combo. Fished this rod on Gualala last weekend with PV_Premier and all was good....except no tugs...