[JonT]

I have a 10'10" switch rod that I use for summer steelhead here in Oregon. I need some line advice for taking it to Florida to visit my folks. I want a line that I can water load but also be able to cast one-handed on the beach. I've seen a few lines that pretty much say the same thing, but it's a big price range ($40-90). I don't mind paying more if the line is really worth it. I won't drop any company names here (not sure if it's ok), but PM me if you have any advice.

Thanks, tight lines

JT

 

[Guest]

Switch

You could get a good start by doing a SEARCH right here. There have been several discussions recently that would likely answer most of your questions. For overhead work, the Airflo Sniper, Rio Outbound, and Beulah Serum are all highly thought of by most guys who do overhead in the salt.

 

[Only On A Fly]

Where in Fla ?

 

[reelstory]

From what I understand such a line will be a compromise from ones that are designed exclusively for water-loading or OH casting. That being said if you have any SH lines give them a try for OH casting.
I fly fish in Florida for 3 months of the winter, and stripping is an important factor. Be sure to consider that if you choose just a head with running line as some don't go through the guides as well as others in my limited experience. I will also be taking my Beulah 11' 8 wt switch to Florida this year for the first time with both switch and SH lines, and am curious how it will work out. I don't use a stripping basket with SH rods, but it may be necessary with the DH rod.

 

[bender]

I don't use a stripping basket with SH rods, but it may be necessary with the DH rod.

I do just opposite! I coil line to bottom hand fingers when DH casting and line tangles less than when I use stripping basket. Basket also rises to bottom hand casting territory when wading deep. When SH casting coils become a mess when double hauling so line basket or tray is useful.

Jon, you should be able to use same Steelhead lines in Florida. Just don't let reel get direct sun when you don't fish as it makes cold water line soft and might weaken it. When fishing it should be OK but if running line softens too much it does not shoot very well. Many years ago one cold water line lost coating when I double hauled in hot sun but that has happened in cold climate as well.

Esa

 

[lsteinb]

salt

Jon,
When surf fishing in the Sun Diego area, we're using a sinktip with
an intermediate running line and a stripping basket. Most of our
fish are bottom feeders and the basket is a big aid with the wave action.
The same setup has worked well the few times I've fished on the New England
beaches. I used to fish Tampa Bay's Mullet Key/Ft DeSoto area and
used an Outbound line. No basket needed. Watch out for oyster beds
(line) and buried sting rays (feet.)
Have fun,
lsteinb

 

[surfnfish]

I have a 10'10" switch rod that I use for summer steelhead here in Oregon. I need some line advice for taking it to Florida to visit my folks. I want a line that I can water load but also be able to cast one-handed on the beach. I've seen a few lines that pretty much say the same thing, but it's a big price range ($40-90). I don't mind paying more if the line is really worth it. I won't drop any company names here (not sure if it's ok), but PM me if you have any advice.

Thanks, tight lines

JT

At times I use a switch rod for casting to salmon - 30' intermediate head, 40#Trilene Big Game mono for running line, one false cast of most of the the head and then rip a two handed cast. Good distance, fairly inexpensive to buy varying density shooting heads.