12ft short double-handed salmon rods
AAPGAI chairman and senior instructor Clive Mitchelhill tests a selection of the latest short double-handed salmon fly rods
With the growing popularity of switch rods, many anglers now instinctively consider swapping their usual 13ft or 14ft double-handed rod for one around 11ft when faced with smaller rivers or low, clear summer conditions. While this may not necessarily be a poor choice, there are several advantages to sticking with a short double-handed salmon fly rod – albeit a lighter model.
Why use a short double-handed salmon fly rod
Firstly, you benefit from a proper double handle, which is particularly important if you favour a bottom-hand casting style. Secondly, the extra length and power provide greater control – both over the water you’re fishing and any fish you may hook. And finally, you gain far more versatility. If you’re on a trip or limited to using a single rod, and conditions deteriorate, you’ll still be able to fish effectively with larger flies, sinking lines or Skagit set-ups, remaining fully in control of the situation – a potential trip-saver.
Why choose short double-handed salmon fly rods over a switch?
In fact, unless you’re casting your switch rod single-handed – which few of us do – it is in effect a short double-hander. So why not use the real thing instead?
I tested ten different rods ranging from 12ft to 12ft 9in, rated for lines from 6wt to 8/9wt, to see how they performed. My goal was to find something lighter and more responsive than a big rod, yet still capable of covering water efficiently, casting heavier heads, and handling challenging conditions – which I certainly encountered on a windswept and showery stretch of the River Eden in Cumbria.
Given the variety of line ratings, I used either a 26g, 31ft integrated Scandi head or a 33g, 34ft Scandi head, as well as Skagit heads in 450 and 520 grains, all fitted with 10ft polytips – whichever best suited each rod.
The results presented here reflect my opinions and are intended to help you make an informed decision. I strongly recommend you visit your local tackle dealer to try the rods for yourself before making a purchase.
“My goal was to find something lighter and more responsive than a big rod”
CND NORDIC
£749
12ft 6in, 7/8wt, 4pc
Rated a 7/8wt, I paired it with a 26g Scandi – a perfect match. The Nordic offers a rare mix: flex and feel deep into the butt, which might suggest a through-action rod with a slow delivery, yet its fast tip recovery delivers tight loops, excellent accuracy and effortless distance.
It welcomed bottom-hand input but remained forgiving, provided the forward stroke was smooth and unforced. Its progressive, deep-loading action and reserve power down low meant the 450grn Skagit felt less cumbersome – almost like casting a Scandi. Though not the lightest rod on test, the long, slim handle added to a responsive feel. Alongside the Hardy, it was the best roll caster by far – a rod where less effort truly delivered more.
A true all-rounder, it’s a rod I’d be more than happy to fish with all day long.
“Delivers effortless distance”
Contact
Glasgow Angling Centre; 0141 212 8880;
Frodin Salar S3
£990
12ft 6in, 8/9wt, 6pc
One of the heavier-rated rods, it paired well with a 26g Scandi, but could have handled more. This is a powerful tool that thrives on positive bottom-hand input and prefers a short, high delivery, producing excellent line speed and distance. Less forgiving than some, it demands precise anchor placement to perform at its best.
The quick-recovering tip aids accuracy.
Not a classic Skagit rod, it managed the 450grn head surprisingly well, with no tip bounce and respectable presentation, even into an upstream wind. A 520grn line felt clumsy by comparison.
The short, cigar-shaped top handle won’t suit everyone, but complements the rod’s bottom-hand bias. Fittings are smart, with a burgundy blank and red butt cap.
A rod with serious potential – rewarding a dynamic caster prepared to work for results.
“Thrives on positive bottom-hand input”
Contact frodinflies.com
G.Loomis NRX+
£1,049.99
12ft 6in, 6wt, 4PC
One of two six-weights tested and the 26g Scandi line proved the perfect match with a variety of stroke lengths. The rod’s medium-fast action was very forgiving with stroke and tempo, with the tip recovering cleanly and producing some of the best all-round crisp and accurate presentations.
A slim handle contributed to the NRX+ feeling notably light, as a six-weight should, with excellent feedback through the blank and down into the handle. Fittings and finish were good, if understated.
The 450grn Skagit was at the upper end of its range, but the rod cast it beautifully – provided the swing into the D-loop was slow and relaxed, and delivery smooth. It didn’t respond well to being overpowered.
Perhaps a little light for some fishers. If allowed to do the work, it would be more than capable on most medium-sized rivers.
“Medium-fast action was very forgiving”
Contact gloomis.com
Guideline LPX Chrome
£679.99
12ft 6in, 7/8wt, 4pc
Delivered the 26g Scandi line and tip with excellent accuracy, thanks to its fast-recovering, stable tip. Not as forgiving as some, it required a precise anchor and responded well to extra input from the bottom hand – producing wind-cutting loops and impressive distance.
Its high-quality tip allowed it to carry a significant amount of overhang, and when combined with added line speed, it delivered a well-presented cast with the 450grn Skagit – right in the middle of its ideal range.
It has typical Guideline quality fittings with an attractive grey blank accented by subtle green detailing. The top handle is on the shorter side – a nod to its Scandi roots and bottom-hand casting style.
The Chrome is suited to an assertive caster, and in the right hands would handle a wider range of rivers and conditions than many rods in this test.
“Suited to an assertive caster”
Contact Guideline; 07973 291 367;
HARDY Aydon
£579.99
12ft 9in, 8/9wt, 4pc
With the 26g Scandi, which is at the lower end of its rating, the Aydon delivered effortless distance and pinpoint presentation with spey and overhead casts. Alongside the CND, it was the best roll caster on test. It liked a touch of bottom-hand input and a high stop but was forgiving of stroke length and speed.
Easing off the pace and letting the rod work brought out its best. A slow swing and longer forward stroke improved presentation with the 450grn Skagit, giving better turnover and softer landings, even into a headwind. The lighter Skagit still gave superior results. Its added length suggests a longer 14ft–15ft tip could boost performance further.
With a slim, well-shaped handle, the Aydon felt as light and responsive as any of the shorter rods tested. Effortless to cast and a pleasure to fish.
“Forgiving of stroke length and speed”
Contact Pure Fishing; 01665 602 771;
LOOP Z1
£710
12ft 4in, 7wt, 4pc
Crisp and accurate, the Z1 handled a range of casting styles – from a slow stroke to a forceful bottom-hand pull – and, with smooth delivery, distance came easily. The tip recovered fast and tracked true, transferring energy efficiently to form tight, wind-cutting loops. It handled the 450grn Skagit well, responding best to a slightly quicker stroke, which revealed power low in the blank.
The stealthy matt finish, well-shaped handle, up-locking reel seat and Z logo were all nice touches.
Paired with the 26g Scandi, it made a beautifully light set-up that could step up to 28g for bigger flies or rivers.
It would suit a wide range of casters.
If nit-picking, it lacked some feedback of the top rods – though a heavier line could enhance feel, especially for less experienced casters.
“Would suit a wide range of casters”
Contact uk.looptackle.com
Mackenzie FX2 Graphene Atlas
£1,069
12ft 7in, 8wt, 6pc
Matched with the 33g Scandi, the FX2 produced some of the best loop shapes on test – pinging them cleanly off the tip. It was precise and forgiving through the stroke, provided some bottom hand was used to generate line speed. The tip was exceptionally stable, making distance and presentation easy, even into a stiff upstream wind.
Although the 450grn Skagit was light for this rod, it handled it with ease. Its progressive power gave time to set the D-loop, encouraging an unhurried stroke and effortless delivery. The blank performed flawlessly – it felt like you only had to point and cast.
A versatile rod for a wide range of casting styles, with first-rate fittings. One minor gripe: the otherwise well-shaped handle felt bulky, making this light rod feel bigger than it is.
“The blank performed flawlessly”
Contact Mackenzie Fly Fishing; 07771 330 729;
NAM VOR
£670
12ft 6in, 7wt, 6pc
This new offering from NAM favoured a long, smooth delivery stroke, losing a degree of accuracy when the stroke was shortened. With its notably progressive action, you almost couldn’t go too slowly in the set-up and delivery – whether using the 26g Scandi or the 450grn Skagit line.
It performed well overhead, offering plenty of feel, but while the tip was good, it wasn’t as quick to recover as some others in the test. With the Skagit, it proved important to push through the cast with a long forward stroke – otherwise, the line faded and struggled to turn over at distance.
The NAM has minimal styling, quality finish and a comfortable handle. It has a pleasant action and is capable of delivering strong performance. However, it wasn’t intuitive to cast – it’s a rod that requires careful thought about technique to get the best from it, compared to some other rods on test.
“Favoured a long, smooth delivery stroke”
Contact namproducts.com
Orvis Clearwater
£419
12ft, 6wt, 4pc
The shortest and lightest rod on test, it paired beautifully with the 26g line for a delightfully light set-up. It was accommodating on stroke length, favouring a slightly longer forward push. Despite its through action, the tip recovered well and offered good accuracy. A strong performer in roll and overhead casting, it provided ample feel and a solid reserve of mid-section power, useful when casting the 450grn Skagit.
The rod encouraged a relaxed, unhurried swing with consistently tidy presentation – provided everything stayed smooth. It lost a little accuracy at longer range, but then, a six-weight isn’t built for extreme distance. What it did, it did well, with enough feel and forgiveness to suit a beginner or less experienced caster. For light-line summer salmon and sea-trout, the Orvis is an affordable, capable and confidence-building choice.
“A delightfully light set-up”
Contact Orvis; 0333 400 4188;
Sage Spey R8
£1,300
12ft 6in, 7wt 4pc
The lighter of the two Scandi lines suited the R8 perfectly, tightening loops and sharpening delivery.
This rod offers more low-down feel and power than earlier Sage models, and with precise anchor placement, casting felt effortless. It responded well to subtle bottom-hand input, allowing smooth acceleration in the forward cast and making full use of its progressive action and fast-recovering tip. Paired with a 450grn Skagit, only a gentle acceleration was needed — a case of ‘lead before speed’, rewarding finesse over force.
The R8 could carry more overhang than most on test but demanded thought and precision to reach its full potential.
It has a slim handle, which made the rod feel light and responsive, as a short double-hander should. With quality fittings and subtle, refined looks, the R8 is a class act – but one best suited to the more experienced caster.
“Rewarding finesse over force”
Contact Guide Fly Fishing; 01977 681 300;
In summary, short double-handed salmon fly rods strike the perfect balance between control, power, and versatility. Whether pursuing summer salmon on smaller rivers or switching between Scandi and Skagit lines, they deliver uncompromising performance.
Prices correct as at September 2025
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