I understand that Scott is discontinuing it’s S-3 line - what do you guys hear?
I have been thinking of buying myself a B-day present for my 60th in April. I’m looking at a 6wt. that I can throw streamers with. I wanted to stay in the $400 range and was thinking of the Sage VT2, I have their 3wt and its a beaut. My fly shop recommended that I go to a faster rod for streamers and suggested the Winston B2X, the Sage Z-axis, or the Scott S-3. I was thinking the Sage VT2 or the SLT (since it’s being discontinued), but the guys felt both of those would be too “soft” for tossing big flies.
If the Scott is being fazed out, then it should fall into my price range. What say you guys - faster rod for streamers and big flies or no? Does Elkhorn have a rod that would fill my need? Thanks.
S3 would fit the bill nicely if you can find one. SLT would be too soft (to me) for streamer work. VT2 would be fine, but if I could get an S3 for the same money, it’s a no brainer. I use my 5-weight S3 for exactly that similar tasks and have had no problems. The BIIx and the Z-Axis are both good rods but considerably more money right now.
You could find good deals on a Sage XP. I think it’s a better rod than the S3. I had a 9’ 5wt S3 and I never did like it. It probably didn’t suit my casting style. I know a lot of guys like the S3.
I toss streamers and larger flies with my SLT (590-4) as long as the winds are not heavy (whitecaps). You’ll find that the SLT cuts through the wind very well.
I’m torn between a couple of the choices put forth here. I use a 905/4 Scott S3 for a lot of my subsurface work including moderately sized streamers. Yet I have a Sage 697-4 XP that gets the nod during most of the colder months when I tend to be dredging streamers with heads and integrated heads.
They’re both wonderful rods to fish and cast, but the Scott’s got a bit more beef in the butt.
Probably should see someone about that, huh?