Close to the edge..

[PhillSmaldino]

So after several years of wondering and wandering, I am on the verge of making the plunge into the world of two handers. So far, I think I am pretty set on the Echo rods. The prices are tough to beat and I have been extremely happy with an Echo 4wt trout rod that I have been using for the past few years.

Still trying to decide on what weight to get. I plan to use it for Catt steelhead, however I would also like a rod that would be light enough for NC and TN tailraces or even bass. Right now I am leaning towards a 6wt or even a 5wt, but I fear that would be too light for steelhead, especially if throwing weighted tips. On the same token, I think a 7wt or 8wt would be a bit much for NC trout or bass.

So is there a compromise for this other than buying more than one rod? I know there is a lot of experience with spey rods on here, so any suggestions would be much appreciated and welcomed.

Also, what is the difference between the Echo DH and Echo TR that OOFS carries?

[M.Ralph]

I fish the Echo TR 13' 7 wt on the catt for steelhead and I also catch bass in the spring with it.
This rod is perfect for steelhead and I am happy to have it when I hook anything around 30 inches. I have to admit it is probably overkill for even a 5lb smallmouth though, but I just like spey casting and I don't own any other two handers.

[DanDiplock]

I went to OOFS last wk to buy the echo. I ended up getting the scott 11ft 8wt

what a sweet rod, I would look at the scott rods along with the echo's

[JoeSperanza]

Deely, do it, just do it just do it just do it, buy a double-handed rod, you probably won't go back to a single handed rod.

The Decho is a little slower action and bends into the cork a little more than the TR. You should test cast them and a few others and see what feels like your casting style will be or is. I perfer the T&T and Burkie action, The Burkie I have is a little slower than the T&T's I have. I also have a slow action rod that bends more than haf way down the cork that I get out to switch things up and it throws my timing off when casting but I get back into the groove I am good. Good luck with you choice and take them for a test drive first.

[HUNTERMULFORD]

My son and I got to play with the Echo DH 12'6" 6wt at last years SpeyNation event and really liked it. It sounds like it might be just what you are looking for. Hopefully OOFS can give you more info. Tight Lines!

[Nick Pionessa]

for the stuff you want to go after the 6wt switch would likely cover it the best. it is enough rod for average steelhead but won't overpower smallmouths. the rod would be heavy for stream trout under 14", it is damned hard to find one that covers it all. if you have more room down south i would look at a 12'6" 6wt spey but if you don't have much room the switches are great. with today's lines you don't give up much either unless you were on really big water. i fished my 1107 yesterday on the catt to try some lines and it was no problemo even at about 800 cfs.

imho the 5wt's are just too light for regular steelhead fishing. prolly better for fish under 5lbs. if we can help you decide with a demo just let me know.

[MartyRomeo]

If you ever make it to RICtown, you're welcome to check out my switch and spey rods. Maybe you should consider a trip for the shad run...March-April timeframe. The James is plenty big for a two-hander and pretty forgiving for learning the techniques.

You plan on using one just for lake-runs? If so that Scott 6wt switch would just about cover your needs unless you're getting into 10lb-plus fish regularly on the LN, Genny, or SR during respectable flows.

[PhillSmaldino]

Great info guys and thank you. The switch rod seems to be the most versatile choice, but I think I want to go cahonies-deep into this and get a true two-hander. Looks like the 6wt would be a reasonable bet.

Nick- thank you for the offer to demo, unfortunately I won't be back in WNY for several months, But I will be in touch with you shortly, once I do finally decide on something.

Marty, what are you up to the first weekend in Feb? I was planning on fishing Saturday and/or Sunday. My original plan was to fish the Catawba tailwater. I have heard good things about it from some of the TU guys here. "Squeeks" I believe they call him, said that it has really come along in the past few years after some stream restoration projects and deals made with Duke Power to regulate the flows out of Lake James. Enough room to toss around a two hander too I believe. Probably a 4 hour drive for you? Or I wouldn’t be opposed to shooting up your way and hitting some VA/SNP water either. Let me know, I’m pretty flexible that weekend.

Count me in for the shad run! Hee Yaw!!!!
"Aw, the South! Isn't that the place where the black guys are lazy, and the white guys are just as lazy, but they're mad at the black guys for being so lazy?"

[MartyRomeo]

first weekend in feb just might work Phil. I'd better check with the prime minister of scheduling, though.

[PhillSmaldino]

Nick, I sent you an email about this. It wouldn't let me send you a PM for some reason.

Marty- Let me know when (if) you get the OK. Its no coincedence that I am booking the whole weekend for fishing. In other words: my "prime minister of scheduling" is out of town for the weekend.