Dan Craft 10' 8 WT Switch Rod Kit

[Bryan Williamson]

I'm considering a purchase of this rod (kit) to build for steelhead and to get into spey fishing. I've heard good things about Dan Craft although never purchased from them or casted one of thier rods. I've built a few rod's so I have the basics down on that front. This will be my first spey (building or casting), would anyone reccomend this rod or should I consider something else?

[Wayne Kohan]

I've built a Dan Craft, a 10 ft 7 weight that I use for nymphing for steelhead among other thing. I did not make it into a switch rod. I have never used or built a switch rod, but I have done a couple of spey rods. I started with the Forecast 11 1/2 ft, 6/7 wt spey, and then built on the Sage VPS 14' 9 wt. The longer spey is easier to cast and I think easier to learn on. So I guess what I'm saying is that if you really want to get into spey, then build a bigger one. Forecast makes some inexpensive rod blanks that people like quite a bit. I love my little one.

By the way, I love my Dan Craft rod, and I got great service from him.

Wayne

[hendersonbaylocal]

It's an excellent rod! I built it as a switch rod last winter. There are probably some better "switch" rods out there for just a bit more money - the Meiser and Beulah blanks for example - but it fit the budget at the time. It's really a singlehand taper though. If you are looking at a rod to get into spey fishing though, I would suggest as Wayne said that you look at building an actual spey rod. I also have a Forecast 6/7 and I consider it a killer stick - especially for the price. I would of course rather have my buddy's Burkheimer, but it is a pretty darn nice rod for 120 bucks or whatever the kit cost at Hook and Hackle. PM me if you want any more information on either rod.