Here's the 6wt Batson Switch blank build I built for a fellow board member. This is a brand new model released about two weeks ago. It flexes quickly half way down and has a very stiff butt. Briefly test cast it overhead and has a moderate action. I suspect it will cast well with a spey cast, too. Hope he likes it.
Very nice! Nice work w/ the cork and hardwood in the handle. I've got a friend building one of these and plan to compare it to a few of the other switch rods that I've tried. Bill :thumb:
i cant wait to see it!!! may just have to head to the great lakes this weekend and fish for some shiney steel thanks bill
Flybill, Its actually not wood, although that was the effect I was going for.....its actually just regular brown burl and "exotic" burnt burl cork covered in permagloss. The permagloss really darkens things, brings out the grain, and makes it pop.....but it still lightweight cork! All, Any idea on a line to reccomend for this rod?
I thought that might be the case, after I posted my response. It's hard to tell from the pic's, but it's looks nice either way! Poppy from Red Shed posted in another thread that the Airflo Forty+ 9wt should work well on the 5/6. I knew that line would work well, but didn't know what weight to recommend. I think that would be a great overhead line for the rod. I think the Elixir lines might work well too, but other's would know the specifics, not me unfortunately. http://washingtonflyfishing.com/board/showthread.php?t=44414 It should be fun finding out though!
I would definately go with the RIO Outbound line, especially if fishing Great Lakes Tribs. These are awesome with switch rods!:thumb: Nice build, I like the PG with the burl cork, really brings out the grain!
well i went with the line red shed sent me.. i got to try out the rod and line yesterday at two of erie tribs..elk and walnut.. i have to say i love this rod i landed 6 steelhead....the casting and flex of this rod is amazing... fishing with this rod made casting effortless and every cast was right where i wanted it.. fighting these steels was awsome the rod performed incredibley... everyone i met...or walked buy asked me about the rod...two handers are kinda of an unseen sight here in pa...but perfect lenghth..and flex...had some older well advanced fly fisherman actuall give me funn looks as they seen me walking but but when they seen me cathing fish and how it performed they then came asking me questions about the rod.. good job by ohio outdoorsman...many many people said it was a beautiful rod..
Very cool! What line were you using? I have emailed Batson for grain windows on these blanks and have recieved no answer back yet. I hope two handers stay unpopular in PA and OH. So much unused swing water while everyone if raking around the redds hoping for a mouth snag. (I've never fished for steelhead in the NW, but from what I read it must be very different.) There is nothing like having some open water and getting an agressive hit from a fresh fish on the swing.
rod update..another steel season set and ready... i added a orvis mach 5 to it this year... just last week landed a 22.12 lb 38 inch 25 inch around king salmon on the rod.. let alone a 30 inch brown.. on lake ontario trib. incredible flex.. got bent ever which way when battleing the king. put up a fight for over 45 min. excellent rod. when i get some more more saved up im gonna try and get another one made up
