(Advantages/disadvantages) Singles are light, easy to maneuver, well-suited to smaller/overhung waters (or smaller/tighter sections of big waters), well-suited to relatively lighter lines. Can be harder to Spey cast at longer ranges (or at least with longer lines, light shooting heads can be a game changer), and while hauling can be used, they are dependent on one hand for the casting motions. Doubles (when properly set-up) can be quite nice to handle (though physically longer and bulkier), allow easy longer-range Spey casting (and heavy heads), can allow for better long-line control, allow for some extensive big-water coverage. Switches are in-between and offer versatility in many situations, unless you are in a situation that is more intelligently handled with either smaller or bigger gear.

(Shoot/Strip) Singles and doubles can both be set-up with systems that range from long-bellies (less shoot/strip) to heads (more shoot/strip). Depends on what you want to do (and that’s its own book).

(Efficiency) Long bellies can allow for less line handling in the shoot/strip department, but heads offer other advantages, so don’t automatically think that double-handed=long-belly only/best, that’s just one fishing method. Skagit, for example, is a method built around heads (serious heads), and is very successful at what it does. Any of my Euro friends care to comment on the successful nature of heads and double-handers? I think that there must be a few of you… ;-)

(System) Whatever I need to get to the fish, but…My ultimate preference (only if conditions are right, of course): A switch rod with a dry fly or light streamer (who wouldn’t like that, really?). A fave from my Great Lakes haunts: single-hander, floating line (or floater with a short piece of lead core looped on) and sight-fishing a streamer (perhaps with a small amount of weight). I’ve also heaved nasty-heavy heads in icing conditions for the better part of a day, feeling shivery and gloomy—until the line suddenly stopped swinging and all was forgotten in a moment…

(Learning) Fastest/most direct: Competent instructor (emphasis on the “competent” part). Comfort of your own home: DVD. I often recommend Spey to Z for introductory use since it is well-tuned for transitioning from single-handed to double-handed (and if you want a pile of info, check out Simon Gawesworth’s 3-DVD set). For reference: Simon’s Spey Casting book is a strong choice, as is Dec Hogan’s Passion for Steelhead (from a fishing perspective).

what type of system do you like (Jason) when fly fishing for steelhead?

how can one learn how to cast with a double handed rod?

best,