[Zissou Intern]

Hello:

I am just getting back into fly fishing after several years. I now live near the Skagit and am new to steelheading and two handers.

If I enjoy steelhead and two handers, I'll get a true spey rod in the near future. But right now, I have a friend back East who is getting rid of several Redington rods, and he is trading me my size choice in a CPX switch rod. I need to decide what size to take off his hands. Should I go with the 11'3" 7 weight or 8 weight?

Also, I found a good price on a Hardy Uniqua Reel, but I don't which size to buy:
No. 4 WF11 WF11 + 109yd (100m) 3.87"
No. 5 WF12 WF12 + 202yd (185m) 4.12"

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[James Waggoner]

Since winter is around the corner and those are the options, I'd lean toward the 8wt switch, with the larger reel to insure you get the extra backing needed and the appropriate compact skagit head and running line to fit. Would also transition nicely into a summer rod, so a good choice, given the options, for a first and only rod.

 

[Red Shed]

I think James' advice is right on the money.

 

[royal wulff]

I have a 7-8wt 11' switch rod which I use for Great Lakes steelhead. I recently purchased the Uniqua 5 fly reel with extra spool. I am very pleased with the reel. I feel the quality of the reel is excellent and the closeout price can't be beat. I would opt for the 8wt rod and 5 reel, if I were you.

 

[Joe Fitzpatrick]

My pal Gary Sandstrom is peddeling the Uniqua's. Had a first glimpse at one this weekend at the Steelhead festival at Welches. Ended up buying 2...lol

I personally think the 3 is a better choice for the switch, but a 4 would be ok. The 5 is nice, but a bit too large and might not balance out the switch. Gary has a windcutter and 150yrds backing on his 3 and it's perfect. I suppose the advantage to getting the larger one would be the option of putting backing and running line on it and changing out the head for a different rod down the road.

The 8wt would be my choice, especially the chance of getting into large fish on the Skagit.

Just my 2 cents.