I just completed a new Switch Rod for Mary Ann. This one is my 10′ 6″ 3/2 5 wt Progressive Action Rod designed for swinging streamers and soft hackles for trout. It’s casts great with a light Scandi Head or 5 wt Switch Line, perfect for medium-sized rivers and larger trout. I’ll have this rod at the Fly Fishing Expo in Boise next week for attendees to cast, fondle, and oggle!
Is the big knob on the butt to keep the hand from slipping off during the cast? I never learned to Spey cast so that is my assumption.
Skip,
Yes the butt cap at the lower end of the rod is for the lower hand in spey casting. A lot of the old-time spey rods had butt caps made of hard rubber. I think a nicely turned piece of hardwood looks much nicer, but you have to be a little watchful that you don’t ding it up from setting the rod down on rocks.