The Sportfish Expert's Guide to Choosing a Double-Handed Fly Fishing Rod or Switch Rod

Man stood in the river casting a double-handed fly rod

Newcomers to salmon fishing, particularly trout fishers, often ask why you need a double-handed rod. The answer to this is firstly that in certain instances you don’t. Small rivers, lochs and big rivers in very low water are often better approached with a single-handed rod - say a 10ft #7 weight. This will allow a more gentle presentation of the fly at close quarters in shallow water.

However, double-handers come into their own when you need to lift longer lengths of line, control and mend the line as it crosses the river and fish with large heavy flies. . They also help where you have obstructions directly behind you like trees or high banks and you need to spey cast. Most double-handed rod ranges include models from 12’ through to 15’, longer rods are available but increasingly the trend is towards shorter, lighter rods. The main reason for this is the huge improvements that have been made in speycasting lines in all their various styles making it easy to cast good fishing distances and turnover large flies and heavy tips with the minimum of physical effort.

Beautiful salmon pictured in the water laying by a double-handed fly rod

Double-Handed Fly Rods Guide

With an ever increasing availability of double-handed fly rod options, it can be hard to work out which one might be right for your needs.

We’ve been selling fly rods for over 40 years and below have pulled together a comprehensive list of the most common questions we get asked:

What sort of double-handed fly rod should I buy?
Does my double-handed fly rod need to be a certain length?
What is a switch fly rod?
What does the weight (#AFTM) of a double-handed fly rod mean?
What does fly rod action mean and what’s best for a double-handed rod?
What should I look for in a good double-handed fly rod?
Are some double-handed fly rods easier to cast than others?
What is a good double-handed fly rod for a newcomer?
What materials are fly rods made of?
Can a double-handed fly rod cast any size flies?
How do you care for a fly rod?
Do fly rods have guarantees and what happens if I break my fly rod?
Does Sportfish offer any customer support after I’ve bought a fly rod?
Is an expensive fly rod better?

And here are the answers from our team of experts, which we hope will make the process of selecting a double-handed fly rod a bit easier for you. You may also read our single-handed fly rod guide here.

1. WHAT SORT OF DOUBLE-HANDED FLY ROD SHOULD I BUY?

The last decade has changed the way we fly fish for salmon almost beyond recognition. There has probably been greater experimentation and development in this area of the sport than any other. This has led to three distinct styles of modern Spey casting evolving and has made tackle choice a little more complicated than it used to be. To optimise your choice of rod you need to consider the type of rivers you will be fishing and the style of casting you will use.

Having said that, the boundaries between the two main types of rod action are becoming increasingly blurred. New carbon fibre technologies allow faster tip recovery to be a feature of through actioned rods.

Traditional Spey casting

This has more in common with casting the double taper fly lines of yesteryear in as much as a full length line is used. Today a purpose designed Spey casting line is matched with a through-action rod that loads deep into the blank. This is an elegant style of casting at its best with floating and intermediate sinking lines. Full length fly lines with long fast sinking belly sections are more challenging to cast in this style.

Scandinavian / Shooting Head

This style has really come to the fore in recent years and has a lot going for it. A short shooting head fly line (10-14m) is attached to a thin running line and allows efficient casts to be made with a more tip-action orientated rod and a punchy casting style focused on low effort power strokes driven by the bottom hand. This is an easy way to fish sunk lines as the short lengths of line on the water at the point of recasting are easily controlled. A shooting head system is also modular, enabling quick and easy swapping of the shooting head attached to the running line for one with a different sinking density, length, or size.

Skagit Casting

Again another new style, this time from the Skagit river in BC, Canada, using a shooting head line with a short thick front section to cast fast sinking tips and large flies. A new suite of casts have been developed to go with these lines including the Perry Poke, Circle ‘C’ and Snap ‘T’. These are termed ‘sustained anchor casts’ and have the advantage of being less timing critical than other Spey casts. Although this style lacks some elegance and delicacy it more than makes up for this by its ability to overcome difficult bankside conditions and awkward winds. Rods need to have a softer tip and load deeply to maximise the efficiency of this style.

Like most kinds of fishing you will find that trying to use the same rod in every situation will compromise your enjoyment and performance. Most anglers have a small armoury of rods from which to choose the right tool for the given conditions.

2. DOES MY DOUBLE-HANDED FLY ROD NEED TO BE A CERTAIN LENGTH?

Certain rod lengths are better for certain types of water and casting styles (see above):

Small rivers / spates (11–13 ft): shorter rods offer more control and are easier to cast in tight spaces, plus are less physically demanding because they’re lighter
Medium rivers (13–14 ft): rods this length are very versatile as they’re capable of handling most situations with a balance of casting distance and control
Larger rivers / high water (14ft+): the longest rods help lift longer lengths of line off the waters, provide better control for mending the line and offer the greatest casting distance for covering large expanses of open water

Fishing Scenario	Rod Length
High water spring or autumn big river - eg Tay, Tweed	15ft
Low water summer, big river - eg Spey	13ft or 14ft
Small spate river, after summer flood - eg Taw	13ft
Medium river, normal flow - eg Wye	14ft
Sea trout medium river - eg Dovey	13ft
Grilse fishing, summer flow, big river - eg Aberdeen Dee	14ft

3. WHAT IS A SWITCH FLY ROD?

Switch Rods are a relatively new concept and have become very popular in recent years due to their versatility. They are shorter and lighter than traditional double-handers so are essentially mini double-handers:

In reality there are only two groups of fly rods – single and double-handed
Switch rods are short double-handed rods (11’-12’) that give the option of casting both anchor and overhead casts
They generally are lighter with #7/8 weights being the most popular
Ideal for small to medium sized rivers where you’re casting small to medium sized flies
Most salmon or sea-trout anglers will find a switch rod a useful addition to their armoury, and get much enjoyment using these lightweight and versatile double-handed rods
While the list of scenarios where switch rods are useful continues to grow, when faced with factors like strong winds, greater casting distances, long leaders, sink tips, casting large flies or dealing with powerful heavy fish the traditional 13-15ft double-handers perform better

4. WHAT DOES THE WEIGHT (#AFTM) OF A DOUBLE-HANDED FLY ROD MEAN?

The AFTM (Association of Fishing Tackle Manufacturers) rating of a fly rod specifies the recommended fly line weight to be used with that particular rod, ensuring the rod performs at its best and loads correctly when casting. The AFTM number is usually displayed by a “#” followed by a number and it corresponds to the weight in grains of the first 30 feet of a fly line. What AFTM weight fly rod you need will depend on the type of fishing you will be doing (the target fish, type of water, fishing conditions and size of fly). The bigger the fly you wish to cast the bigger the AFTM rating you will need.

Note that the AFTM scale for double-handed rods differs from the AFTM scale for single-handed rods. There are three size differences between the two scales. For example, double-handed AFTM#7 is equivalent to a single-handed AFTM#10. Below are the ratings for double-handed rods:

AFTM #7/8: suitable for smaller rivers and smaller salmon in low to mid water conditions
AFTM #8/9: a popular all round rating covering a variety of condition on medium sized rivers
AFTM #9/10: for the larger fish in higher water conditions that demand bigger flies
AFTM #10/11: for biggest fish in the largest rivers or rivers with powerful flows

Due to the fairly recent development of multiple double-handed fly lines meaning there are large differences between Spey, Skagit and shooting heads, the older AFTM rating system isn’t always precise. Most modern double-handed rod manufacturers now also list on the rod a "grain window" or a specific recommended head weight in grains (e.g. 520–580 grains). It’s probably a more reliable method for matching double-handed lines to double-handed rods as it accounts for the entire weight of the casting head, not just the first 30 feet.

5. WHAT DOES FLY ROD ACTION MEAN AND WHAT’S BEST FOR A DOUBLE-HANDED ROD?

Fly rod action describes two attributes of a fly rod that usually go together. Firstly, the speed that the rod straightens after being flexed (also known as recovery) is described as fast, medium or slow. Secondly, the way the rod bends when it is flexed - a rod can be tip action, middle-tip, middle or through action. A fast action rod will normally bend most at the tip and less so through the rest of the blank, so tip and fast action go together as do through (bending throughout the rod) and slow action.

The ideal double-handed fly rod action depends on your casting style, skill level, and fishing conditions. There is no single "best" action; instead, select the one that matches your needs and preferred technique

Fast action (tip-flex)

These rods bend mostly in the top third of the blank, requiring a quicker, more precise casting stroke and are generally less forgiving for beginners. Good for achieving maximum casting distance, fishing in windy conditions, and using the Scandinavian (Scandi) casting style with short shooting heads. It generates high line speed, makes long casts easier, and handles heavy lines/sinking tips and large flies well, however it demands excellent timing and offer less feel when fighting a fish, potentially increasing the risk of a broken tippet

Medium Action (mid-flex / progressive)

The most versatile and popular choice, as they offer a good balance between flexibility and stiffness, with the rod bending in the top half of the blank. Good for anglers of all skill levels, especially beginners, as they provide a more relaxed casting rhythm and are forgiving of timing errors. They work well in a variety of conditions and are suitable for Skagit casting with sink tips or traditional full-length Spey lines. Versatile, easy to load, and provides good feel when playing fish, however they may not achieve the extreme distances of a fast action rod in expert hands

Slow Action (full-flex / through action)

These rods bend deeply into the butt section, sometimes along their entire length and require a smooth, deliberate casting motion. Good for smaller rivers, delicate presentations at shorter distances, and traditional Spey casting styles with full-length lines. Excellent for protecting light tippets and absorbing the shock of a fighting fish, but can struggle in windy conditions or when using heavy flies, and generally not suited for long-range casting

6. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A GOOD DOUBLE-HANDED FLY ROD?

Firstly you need to select the rod length, AFTM rating and rod action most suitable for the type of fishing you’ll be doing. Once you’ve narrowed that down, then next it’s about rod quality, and price is usually a reasonable reflection of that. That said, a more expensive fly rod won’t necessarily catch you more fish or make you a better angler. Different rods suit different people better, depending on their casting style and physical strength, so always aim to try a rod out first before buying it. The key factors when choosing a good fly rod are:

Materials and components: most rods are carbon fibre but this varies significantly in its construction, with more advanced technologies and testing being more expensive. Look for good quality cork handles, well manufactured metal reel seats and stainless steel or even titanium rod rings, plus attention to detail on all fixtures (even the wrapping and finish used on the rod rings)
Manufacturer warranty: the better rod manufacturers offer longer and more comprehensive warranties with their rods
Budget: a good fly rod doesn’t have to be expensive these days, but the cheapest ones are cheap for a reason so select what you can afford, and remember you can always upgrade over time
Try before you buy: there’s only so much pictures and reviews can tell you about what might be the best fly rod for you. Ultimately there’s no better way than actually trying it out casting (not just wriggling the rod in the tackle shop), which you can do at both our Sportfish stores. If you’re going to invest in a rod, make sure it’s right for you!

7. ARE SOME DOUBLE-HANDED FLY RODS EASIER TO CAST THAN OTHERS?

Yes, some will be easier to cast than others depending on the casting style, rod action, rod length and type of fly line used. However, thanks to modern rod and line technology developments it’s now much easier to cast longer distances with less physical effort. Factors affecting ease of casting are:

Rod action: through action rods are easier for beginners to load and best for Spey casting styles using full length lines. Faster tip action rods generate higher line speeds and therefore allow more distance when casting but require better timing and experience
Rod weight (AFTM line # rating): heavier weighted rods make it easier to cast larger, heavy flies, whereas lighter weighted rods require less power to cast
Rod length: shorter rods are easier to cast in overgrown areas and are less physically demanding over the course of a day, whereas longer rods can cast further and offer better line control

8. WHAT IS A GOOD DOUBLE-HANDED FLY ROD FOR A NEWCOMER?

As with most questions relating to fly rods, the answer very much depends on the type of fishing you’ll mainly be doing. In general, you should try and get the best quality rod your budget can afford, but save the more expensive options for when you have more experience and ability, or may need specific rods to cover specific types of fishing.

If using Spey lines: A 12-14ft rod with a #8/9 weight rating and a medium action and more through action is a good starting point for a beginner using Spey lines, as the length and weight provide a decent balance of castability and versatility for various river sizes and conditions, plus it is more forgiving and easier to learn with
If using Scandi lines: While the rod length and weight rating remain the same as above, rods with a fast action and tip action are much better for Scandi lines
Switch rods: Arguably a jack of all trades but master of none, a switch rod can be used for both anchor casts and overhead casts. It is perhaps best described as a mini double-handed rod. It is ideal for small to medium-sized rivers or pools where you are casting small to medium-sized flies.

9. WHAT MATERIALS ARE DOUBLE HANDED FLY RODS MADE OF?

Rod blanks

Most modern rod blanks are made from carbon fibre, due to its high strength to weight ratio providing both lightness and power, and therefore great versatility in a range lengths and tapers (the way the carbon fibres are structured and are bonded with resin also varies hugely)

Rod handles

Cork is the preferred material because it’s so lightweight, although some rods use EVA foam as it’s cheaper and easier to clean (although cork ages to gain character). It’s worth noting that not all cork is the same quality – it’s graded according to the number and size of its pits and blemishes, however the rating system is subjective and can therefore vary across manufacturers

Reel seat

This is the mechanism that holds the fly reel and it can vary hugely in materials, most these days are made from lightweight aluminium, with more expensive options from nickel silver or even titanium (often with beautiful wooden inserts such as cherry or maple). Cheaper options are often made from plastic, which isn’t as durable or as aesthetically pleasing

Line guides

Also known as rod rings or stripping / snake guides, these are nearly always made from metals like stainless steel or even titanium, and can sometimes have ceramic inserts to reduce friction to improve line casting

10. CAN A DOUBLE-HANDED FLY ROD CAST ANY SIZE FLIES?

Within reason, the answer is yes. Any fly one might reasonably expect to catch a salmon, sea trout or steelhead with can be cast by most double-handed rods. If however you tied a 3 foot long fly loaded with tungsten beads then any fly rod would struggle. But double-handed rods are longer and more powerful than single handed ones and so can handle heavier, larger flies actually used to catch fish. Remember that a heavier and thicker fly line will better cast a bigger fly than a lighter, thinner fly line.

11. HOW DO YOU CARE FOR A FLY ROD?

Like all tools, fly rods need proper care, maintenance and handling for optimum performance and longer life:

Regular maintenance: although you don’t have to do this after every use (unless saltwater fishing), keep your rod, rod rings, ferrules and reel seat clean and free of dirt using mild soapy water with a soft cloth or old toothbrush, and ensure your rod is fully dry before putting it back in its rod bag
General handling: avoid extreme bends (pull on the line not the rod if your fly is caught), be careful with hard surfaces, car doors and windows, try never to lay your rod on the ground and always transport it using the protective rod tube
Storage: when not in use, store in a cool, dry place and give it a full clean (allowing it to dry) before putting it away for the season

You can read our full guide to caring for a fly rod here.

12. DO FLY RODS HAVE GUARANTEES AND WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK MY FLY ROD?

Yes, most new rods come with some sort of warranty available, but its length and terms vary significantly by manufacturer. Some only offer guarantees against defective workmanship, while others cover accidental breakage.

Most new fly rods come with 2-5 year warranties covering defective products
Some brands such as Orvis, Hardy, Greys, Sage, Snowbee offer extended even lifetime warranties
Some brands cover any breakage, others only defective parts
Most brands offer replacement sections if you break them, in return for a fee (which again can vary)
Most warranties are for the original owner only and require the rod to be registered with them shortly after buying it (proof of purchase required)

You can find a more detailed guide on warranties broken down by brand here: Warranty of your Rod

Additionally we offer 3rd party rod repair services with a trusted longstanding partner for rods beyond warranty or for smaller things that may not be covered by it, such as:

Replacing rod guides
Revarnishing whippings
Cork handle refurbishment
Ferrule replacement on split cane rods
Other fixes required

13. DOES SPORTFISH OFFER ANY CUSTOMER SUPPORT AFTER I’VE BOUGHT A FLY ROD?

We pride ourselves on outstanding customer service, and this extends even after you’ve bought your rod:

All of your purchases are covered by our comprehensive guarantee
Should you have any problem at all with your purchase please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to put things right
We can advise you on what to expect from your rod warranty
We also offer a 3rd party rod repair services with a trusted longstanding partner for rods beyond warranty or for smaller things that may not be covered by it

The friendly, expert Sportfish team love nothing more than chatting about fishing rods and fishing, so pop in for a chat and let us know how you’re getting on with your new rod!

14. IS AN EXPENSIVE FLY ROD BETTER?

Most cars will get you from A to B, but some perform better, look nicer, last longer and are simply more pleasurable to drive. The same is true of fly rods. Most modern ones are capable of adequately casting a fly, but the whole experience of doing so varies hugely.

An expensive fly rod is usually better than a cheaper one because it’s made with superior materials by people with more knowledge, experience and skill. Which means you get a fly rod with the best performance qualities that’s more of a joy to fish with.

Our advice for existing anglers would be to get the best rod your budget can afford, whereas for beginners (who may not yet appreciate the marginal performance gains offered by more expensive rods) it’s probably best to go for something more affordable. Here’s where expensive and cheap fly rods will differ:

Materials: expensive fly rods will use more advanced technologies in their carbon fibre to get the optimum balance of weight and power and they will use higher quality fixtures and fittings (quality cork handles, rod guides, reel seats), whereas cheaper rods often use basic carbon fibre and lower grade fixtures and fitting (such as poor grade cork or EVA foam handles, plastic reel seats)
Performance: expensive rods generally perform better in all aspect of casting (distance, presentation, accuracy) and line control, and while cheaper rods can still cast a fly, they are much less refined in their action and feel
Enjoyment: an expensive rod should have a better feel to it and can improve your casting and line management, and combined with the beauty of a better aesthetic this all makes them more enjoyable to use and enhances your whole fishing experience
Durability: expensive rods are usually built with better quality control and materials built to last longer, whereas cheaper rods you might find some of the fittings failing sooner
Warranty: expensive rods tend to be backed by more generous and longer warranties due to the manufacturers confidence in the products they make…the very cheap rods will have no warranties at all

Two final things to remember:

If you’re investing in an expensive rod, you should also do the same with your fly line if you want the rod to perform at its best
Always look to improve your casting skills as your technique will have a bigger impact on your success than the rod itself…everyone can benefit from tuition by qualified casting instructors

Man casting a double-handed fly rod whilst stood in the river

Guide by Sportfish expert Chris Ryan

STILL NEED SOME HELP?

Give our friendly team a call on 01544 327111 and don’t forget you can try before you buy on the water at both our Sportfish stores and book casting tuition at the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre.