I tried a Sage One a couple of weeks ago. By the second cast I sensed that this rod was designed for ME.
Printable View
I tried a Sage One a couple of weeks ago. By the second cast I sensed that this rod was designed for ME.
I thought I had found it in 2004 when I acquired a Winston BIIx (9' 5 wt). Then about 3 or 4 years, I came across an old, unsanded Far & Fine (7'9" 5 wt) and it's giving the BIIx some competition as my "go to" rod. I don't know what they sold for back in the 80's, but I bet the F&Fs have held their value pretty well over time. It's a beautiful rod.
I think most people tend to gravitate to certain rods that particularly suit their style. That is why you have so many different opinions on specific rods and even specific lines on specific rods. It is sort of like the sweet spot in tennis. Once you find just the right rod lined with just the right line for you, everything feels perfect. It is also why, when you lovingly hand it to someone else, they think it sucks.:)
I have an older St Croix Avid 8 1/2' 4wt 2 pc that I really like. I also have a St Croix new Imperial 8 1/2' 4wt 4 pc that I really like. Everytime I pick that rod up I can't get over how light it is. And I have a Pennington 4' 4wt 2 pc bamboo rod that I really like. All three of these rods though made of different material seem to suit my casting style. My Scott G 885/3 isn't bad either but I don't fish that rod much anymore.
My Orvis Far-and-Fine 7'9" 5wt (unsanded) is exactly THAT rod for me. I pick that rod up....look where I want to drop the fly....and it does it.
Greywolf S Glass and the Scott G2
tfo deer creek 12'6" 5/6 for a two-hander, and an old Orvis 6'6" madison 4wt boo for a single hander.
I have an older St Croix Avid 8' 4wt, 2-piece that is that "natural" rod for me. The Avid I have is a pre-IPC/ART stuff with the gray blank. According to the serial number it is a 2003 model. It is my primary trout rod for medium to larger water. I have it matched with a 2nd generation Lamson Velocity 1.5 in the "gunsmoke" finish and a Cortland 444 "peach" WF4F line. It will lay a #18 dry fly on the water like a whisper and casting it is like an extension of my arm. I just look at the spot I want the fly and it's there. This model is well out of production, and if I ever break it, I'll probably cry. But that aint gonna stop me from fishing it!
I also have an older Sage RPL 9ft 6wt 2-piece that is much the same. When I first got the Sage, it was a "love-hate" relationship, but once I figured the rod out (and found a line it likes), it's become the same to me as my 4wt Avid.
I feel the choice depends on the waters fished.Wide open waters allow longer rods but in my trout streams i prefer rods under 8' because of trees and cover.Out of all the rods i have used i will always keep my loomis 7'6" 2pc 4 weight glx,i pamper that rod,wax it with duragloss polish and after ten years it doesn't have one mark on it after many trips.I have had a few i wish i had kept,T&T lps,Sage xp,Loomis gl3,even a lesser rod a cabelas sli now discontinued and surprise rod that cost and looked great.