It's not often I can bring you a review of a fly rod not
yet on the market, I got lucky. If you are going to attend
big Fly Tackle Retailers show in Denver this week be sure
to stop at Sage and cast this rod. It stands out from any
yet designed. Caution, it may not be for everybody, and
not all fly-fishers will have a need for the TCR series rods.
This rod is not for the average or casual fly-flinger, certainly
not for the new caster.
To try to give you some perspective on the rod let me say this.
For some time now, when asked about an eight weight fly rod,
which did I prefer for casting for salmon and bone fish, I
would say something like this: "For my style of casting I
like the Gatti 9 foot, eight weight, 3piece, Progressive
Action (PA) series. Next, the Sage XP, and then the G. Loomis
GLX or the top T&T rod, in that order. In other words, I could
be very happy fishing any of them, but for me, the Gatti suited
best.
About a year ago we went to Sage, they are only nine miles from us,
and asked why couldn't they make a different type of fly rod, a
rod for the 'Casters.' Or a tournament-type rod. I am sure this
was not a new idea but they listened patiently. I won't begin to
take any credit for this new rod, but certainly am pleased to
bring it to you now. Sage definitely has done just that. This
rod is indeed new. It is very strong, yet will present a line
at all distances with control and authority. I have never, let
me repeat that, never cast a fly rod which casts with a feeling
like these have. The rods have been designed (not re-designed or
modified) without vibrations; they did not need to be dampened.
This becomes instantly obvious during their casting. Vibrations
cause the fly line to bump into the guides costing distance and
requiring more effort at any distance. The power transfers as
is required for any desired line length.
To make a long cast it is necessary to get the line out in stages.
The intermediate casts must be easily developed and controlled
without compensation by the caster. The whole series must be
smooth and require no manipulation during the process. This
rod meets that high standard as no rod I have ever cast. I
tested this rod on land and during fishing, under a calm test
and into a strong breeze. The rod delivered the tight loops
needed at all distances and conditions. It is perfectly
balanced and feels very light in hand because of this.
There was no indication of incorrect weight placement at any
point, not tip-heavy, no bounce during the cast and no
manipulation needed while extending line. It was not tiring
to cast as are most other performance rods, many of which are
simply stiff rods, with or without some modification to the
tip for shorter casts. This rod was designed by Jerry Siem
to be exactly what it is, the strongest, most powerful,
full-performance rod made. You will see these rods
(bright 'Chili-Pepper Red') soon in the hands of the top
casters. They will be taking home the trophies and reaching
out for the salmon, steelhead, bonefish, permit and tarpon
which have been just out of range.
Sage can be proud of what they have produced. The fly-fisher
who has been looking for 'The' top performance rod now can
find them in two sizes, all four piece, nine-foot, 'Chili-Pepper
Red.' The five weight lists at $700.00 and the eight is $725.00
Just a fly-rod? No, all the others are. ~ JC
Sage Manufacturing Corporation
8500 Northeast Day Road
Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110
Phone: 800/533-3004
Fax: 206/842-6830
E-mail SAGE: sage@sageflyfish.com
Website: www.sageflyfish.com
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