Best Flyfishing Review

There has been a lot of buzz around fluorocarbon the last few years. I have to tell you, I have tried them all.
Orvis, Berkley, Seaguar, P-line, Spider,and Trilene just to name a few. Here is the science behind the hoopla.

This line is created using Fluorocarbon, which by nature has the same reflective properties as does water. It literally disappears in water. Seaguar is the developer of this wonderful material. Many of the lines today are manufactured by them. That does not mean that all fluorocarbons are created equal.
So you are asking yourself, does it really work. My answer to you is yes, my friend, it really does work. It is considerably heavier than monofilament and will sink, if you are dry flying. But as a leader tippet material there is none finer. Some of these Fluorocarbon lines are not true 100% fluorocarbon. That is generally the specked out by the wholesalers choice of content. Here is the link to find out about fluorocarbon done in a true laboratory test setting.
Tackle review click here

I won't bore you with the scientific finds from that study. Instead I would rather give you a first hand experience.

This article comes from using fluorocarbon as a tippet materiel in wet fly and nymphing situations. Most of the lines I have tried have proven to be quite brittle. For me means that there have been lost fish due to faulty tippet. I was wandering through Wal-Mart one evening with my family, when I noticed that Berkley had a new fluorocarbon called Vanish. It was on sale (which always helps) I bought a spool of 2lb. The next week on the Owyhee I gave it a whirl. These fish see plenty of flies and anglers alike. No better place to try out this new line than on those huge Owyhee River Browns. It was bright and sunny, I tied on the 2lb. line and caught my first brown. Just over 20". I admit I played the fish quite a bit so as not to lose him. Soon I forgot that I was using 2lb. tippet and landed several more fish without and afterthought. The line actually helped my catch ratios for the day. Night soon fell and it was time to call it quits. I was loading up and breaking my rod down. I pulled on the fly expecting to break the line with ease. To my surprise, I got a nasty line cut instead. This Vanish line is tough, pliable and will make you a better "catcher". Since that night I have purchased 2#, 4#, 6#, and 8 lbs test lines. I use the 8 lb. Vanish line exclusively when steel heading. With great success I might add. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a less expensive and better performing tippet.

We have all heard so much about this new G5 technology, so what is it anyway? Sage went to the drawing board for the new G5. Using very complex computer software they were able to eliminate any unnecessary materials from the rod construction, such as fiberglass. Making the rods slimmer in design, faster action and much lighter than it's predecessors. It started for SAGE when they introduced the Xi2 series of rods. If you aren't familiar with the Xi2, it is a blue colored salt water bomb introduced several years ago. The Xi2 rod was a replacement for the RPLXi, which in turn replaced the RPLX.

The RPLX was an O.K. rod it just never really was the type of rod let's say as the SP or the XP. If you are an SP fan, there is no reason to read this article. As a side note, my personal favorite was the XP. Like many of you, I was devastated with the news that the XP was being abandoned for that new Z-Axis.

Then I cast one of those Z-Axis rods. I have to tell you that the first outing was a beautiful sunny day here in Idaho. It was a test drive on the Boise River in town. I loaded my favorite Lamson reel with new RIO Agent X line and headed downtown. Wayne hadn't had these rods for over a day or two; in fact most fly shops hadn't seen the new rod from SAGE. That made me all the more excited to test it out.

It felt softer than my 6 weight XP, how could this rod have more power than that? The rod is definitely lighter than any of their previous rods. I started with close casts; you know to check the tip flex. It cast with ease and amazingly smooth. I ventured deeper in to the river and my casts ventured farther from me. Again the rod had power, it is hard to describe, but maybe it had more power than the XP.

I caught fish and was enjoying myself, when the wind kicked up. AT first it came as a slight breeze, then a full blown Idaho windstorm. (Pardon the pun) To be honest, it ticked me off! Yet even in the near gale wind the new Z-Axis cast unexpectedly well. Of course the hatch stopped. So I switched spools in favor of a 7' sink tip, type 6 line. I knew that if this "wonder rod" could cast that line, I would be hooked. One of the most important aspects of my rods is versatility. I don't have the time to go back to the suburban to get a different rod.

First cast, rather a close one, felt good. The next cast I peeled off 55-60 feet of line, after a false cast or two I double hauled the rod and let her fly. The line quickly pulled fro the water and yanked another 6 inches off the reel. I had not expected that kind of power from the Z-Axis. That power only came from my TCR!

Needless to say, I did catch a few more fish. I called Wayne to let him know that I wasn't bringing this rod back. He had better order as many as he could get his hands on.

The cost of the Z-Axis is relative compared to the value. Still it will run you over 600.00.

I’ve cast a lot of different fly rods over the last thirty years, but owing to their unusual nature, I felt like I was in new territory as I rigged the Smallmouth and Largemouth outfits with six foot, 20 lb. tippet leaders and big, 3/0 hair bugs at my local bass pond. I tentatively hauled the 25 feet of line from the water and aimed at a spot 10 feet to the left. I guess I expected the leader to partially collapse on the water, with the bug to follow, because that’s what always happens with flies of this size. Not this time. I watched the tippet arc over in a tight curve and the bug WHAP! into the water with a couple of waves pulsing out. Wow! These rods cast big bugs with crisp authority, and I mean CRISP! A short roll cast to put it in the air in front of you, one quick back cast to load, then shoot. The Smallmouth and Largemouth Fly Lines are massive, short belly (33 ft.), bullet tapers designed to do exactly that: load the rod with a single backcast and store enough energy to turn over almost any leader and fly. The fly lines have fairly large diameter running lines for improved handling when fighting fish. The super fast, very stiff Sage Bass Rods respond remarkably well to this mass. An unexpected advantage of the rod’s stiff tip was apparent when retrieving flies; line strips are more definitive for a bigger “pop” on your surface flies and sub-surface flies swim more realistically. Beginners, who usually find casting bulky flies the most troublesome, will ease their problems with these outfits and a more experienced fly caster, with a reasonable double haul, will make these rods get up and dance.

The Smallmouth and Largemouth Fly Rods derive their strength and power from Sage 3e graphite technology; a reliable combination of high modulus graphite and fiberglass scrim used in the highly successful Sage XP and RPL series. This combination of materials has proven to provide superior hoop strength and impact resistance to fly rod shafts . And the best part is the price; the Smallmouth and Largemouth rods, complete with a custom fly line and case sell for a reasonable $350. One other fly rod that I’m aware of that fits into this category is the Scott Backcountry. It’s a 3-piece, 7’7” graphite rod, 3.7 ounces, rated for a 9 weight line and sells for $625. It’s worth checking out as well.

Watch the product video here!

I do a lot of float tubing for bass, and while most float tubers choose longer rods for distance and to raise their backcast, I find most of my bass fishing to be around overhanging cover with casts of twenty five feet or less. To get a fly back in under cover usually requires sidearm casting to keep your loop very low and parallel with the water’s surface. Long rods that are accurate in the vertical are very poor for this task, where shorter rods excel. With a little practice, I found both the Smallmouth and Largemouth to be extremely accurate, particularly when casting out of the vertical plane around structure. These little rods would be very maneuverable in the heavy cover one might find in the rainforest, cedar swamp, or mangroves as well as the confined space of a kayak or canoe. The extreme mass of the line and stiffness of the rod gives you great authority to direct and power your fly in, under and around thick cover. If you get hung up, (and you’re using a twenty pound tippet) this rod will pull the fly off of leaves or twigs, if it’s going to come at all! The rods will fit conveniently in a small boat, rather than being dangerously exposed over a gunwale, and will get fish closer to the boat more easily for landing.

Fly rods, like all fishing rods, serve two elementary purposes. They cast, to place your fly in position for a chance at a strike, and that being successful, they fight fish. The second element, striking and fish fighting, is where nine foot fly rods, and, in fact, almost all fly rods fall short. Although long rods displace line more quickly on the strike, their limber nature has more difficulty generating enough power to drive a large hook into bone or exerting enough pressure to pull or turn fish quickly from cover. Try dragging a six pound largemouth out from under half a foot of weed with your nine foot, eight weight. Not likely! I probably lose nineteen fish for every one that I land in a situation like this. I would guess that these little Sage rods, as short, powerful levers, should prove to be among the best fish fighting fly rods on the market.

Although these fly rods and respective lines are named “Smallmouth” and “Largemouth”, Sage suggests that their myriad potential applications in both freshwater AND saltwater would better have us view them as “Light Duty” and “Heavy Duty”. The light duty Smallmouth will serve for Smallies, White Bass, Sea Trout and Largemouth, as well, for all but the largest of flies. The heavy duty Largemouth will rock throwing big bugs for Largemouth, Peacock, Pike, and Musky and in the back country mangroves for Snook, Redfish and Tarpon. The Largemouth should be quite capable of beating fish over twenty pounds and in very experienced hands, probably over forty or fifty pounds. Overall, these rods are a lot of fun to cast and fish with, and bestow a feeling of power and control in a small, relatively lightweight package.

· Proven Sage 3e graphite construction

· Compact length and light in hand

· Extremely powerful and accurate at short to medium distances with big flies

· Great hook setting and fish fighting ability

· Heavy duty, English Hopkins and Holloway guides and tip top

· Padded nylon, PVC rod case with dividers and reel pocket

· Limited lifetime warranty

O.K., by now I have made myself perfectly clear, I Love To Fish! For me it is a matter of survival. Sububia gets to me quite frequently so....off to the river to try a new rod or just relax and let the day go by.

Today it is the new SAGE TCX. So why on earth did SAGE drop the TCR? Again pure economics. This new G5 technology is great! It takes my beloved TCR and makes it feel like a club.

It is more of a lighter, stronger, faster kinda thing than anything else. You know, just like the six million dollar man. ( I'm really not that old)

My TCR is just fine, however, my mind says buy this rod now! After picking up the rod I immediately headed for the water. I notice, as with all SAGE rods, the beautiful appointments.
In the sunlight it has a beautiful, greensih gold hue. Makes me want to hit the water even more.
It is considerably lighter than my TCR, however, it has just as much if not more punch.
Say it isn't so!
Yes my son, it is so!

The first few cast were up close, to feel the tip load, perfect is the only description here. The next few casts were in the wind at a longer distance(over 75 feet). The rod handled the floating line perfect, eve amazingly.

The real test, sinktip line. I loaded up my favorite sinktip and cast it hard. At 85ft. the TCX actually peeled another 12" off the reel as it hit the end of my line. Yeah Baby, that is exacttly what I was hoping for.

Amazingly smooth, fast and as beautiful a rod as they come.

Now my only dilemma is what will I have to sell to get one!

Watch Jerry explain the new TCX rod

Now SAGE on its' new TCX and G5 technology

o you like to go the distance? Get ready for the most powerful fly rods you’ve ever cast! The all new Sage TCX Fly Fishing Rod Series will blow your socks off with incredible G5 Technology graphite lay-up and dynamic new tapers. Sage’s rod wizard, Jerry Siem, went ‘beyond deep’ on this TCX Series to create a rod that will cast as far, or farther, than anything before it, yet, provides, in my opinion, a lightness and feel unattainable with past fly rod technologies.

Let’s face it. We’ve seen stiff, powerful, graphite tournament rods before; rods that could throw a ton of line IF you lifted weights, had a precise, vertical stroke and your last name sounded like Rajeff! Even so, these tournament-type rods of the past had very limited fishing applications for most anglers because they would not load adequately, and thus, performed poorly, at practical, short to medium fishing distances. Their broomstick-like qualities provided little or no feed back to the caster. And, they were relatively heavy and tiring to cast, so I would only recommend them to experts, and, even then, to be used primarily for throwing shooting head line systems.

The new Sage TCX Rods are much different critters than the rods from which they evolved. Yes, they are powerful and can boom out as much line as you can handle, but they’re noticeably lighter and much more responsive in hand. Sage G5 Technology, with its amazing success in the Sage Z-Axis and Xi2 Saltwater Series, gives the TCX the ability to load at virtually all distances and requires less effort to cast in the process. Yet, the TCX will generate blazing line speeds with just a couple of quick strokes! The result is a very powerful, ultra-fast action fly rod that is friendly to intermediate casters, as well as experts, and performs in a much wider range of fishing conditions utilizing overhead, roll, and single handed spey casts. So, if you’re seeking the ultimate fishing tool for reaching the far side of the river, accuracy in strong winds, and propelling big, bulky flies, you just found your Nirvana; the new Sage TCX Fly Fishing Rods. Oh, and if you’re still looking for a rod that will outcast all others in the parking lot, the TCX will do that, too! So, now you CAN have it all; unbridled power coupled with G5 sensitivity makes the Sage TCX a fishing rod first, and a casting rod second to none!

For many of my fishing buddies the SAGE TCR was the benchmark of high performance fly rods. I am also included in that group f power casters. Not that I am a champion caster, more of a practical caster. The SAGE TCR I own is in 6 weight configuration.

I spend a great deal of time fishing the main of the Salmon River in Idaho. As well as the North and South forks of the Clearwater river. I have found that the TCR gives me a great deal of diversity.
Yes it is one stiff mother, but I can literally switch from weight forward floating line to full sinking line and be able to control the whole of it. If steelheading requires a sink tip, no problem. If you are fishing the Snake and want to cast to the riser "over there" buck up and let her fly. You not only have the power but the finesse as well.

You an pick up the line and make a longgggg cast with little of no false casting a all. And yes, it is very sensitive (should you need to get in touch with your feminine side) even smaller fish still feel great.

The diversity factor is by far the largest reason I hold that TCR close to my heart. As a matter of fact it is the only rod I have worn the cork out on...

I read reviews that are critical of the "fishability" of this fine casting instrument. To those I say, "buy a 4 weight and stop blasting my favorite fly rod".

If you truly seek a high performance rod, take a look at the TCR. If you want a more relaxed or traditional rod, than why are you reading about the TCR?

Here is what Sage has to say about the TCR!

Ultra-Fast Action Rods: Available in line weights 4 through 9.
TCR

"We created the Technical Casting Rod (TCR) Series rods to push the boundaries of fast-action tapers and high line speed, while maintaining the all-important fishability. To be clear, these rods are not for the casual angler. The TCR Series is designed for skilled casters facing the most demanding conditions-where technical precision, distance and the ability to cut through wind are at a premium. Try a TCRS-we think you'll be amazed."

Sage on Choices

"In the old days, it was a pretty simple. In fact, not too long ago, most fly anglers had a single, do-everything rod. It was most likely fiberglass, say a seven-weight, around eight feet long and weighed in at approximately 27 pounds. And that was it. Trout, bass, steelhead, salmon, bonefish... you just had to make do with the old workhorse. Fly fishing gained the reputation for being difficult because in those days, well, it was.

Now, nothing could be more different. Along with constantly evolving materials and construction techniques, the graphite age has brought us a dizzying array of lighter, longer and easier-to-cast fly rods. Suddenly, it seems as though there's a fly rod for every species, every condition and every subtle difference in casting style and preference. And believe it or not, this is good news for fly anglers. Why? Simply put, technology and modern design have made fly fishing easier. Much easier.

Of course, with so many choices, choosing the right fly rod has never been more difficult. At Sage, we believe each angler has a specific set of needs--from personal casting style and angling techniques to fish size, fly size and, yes, even your bank account size. The right rod for you is the one that allows you to cast better, fish more effectively and enjoy yourself more. For example, if your natural casting motion tends to be quick and precise, our faster action rods like the TCR or the XP will fit you perfectly. If, on the other hand, you prefer a more relaxed casting stroke, the SLT is the rod for you. We've even created a new series of rods that are specifically designed to make learning to cast easier for everyone.

We also offer rods for special applications to help you make the most of your precious time on the water. Two-handed rods in fast and medium-fast actions, ultra-light high-performance rods, saltwater-specific rods--how do you know which one's right for you? Visit our Web site for more information; then spend a few hours at the fly shop, talk to your dealer and try the rods you're interested in. Then make your decision based on one simple factor: Choose the rod that makes your fishing the most fun.

Best Flyfishing Review: Sage has a new Bass flyrod?

SAGE has finally posted an entry into the fly fishing for Bass arena.
You are probably scratching your head right now as I am. The truth be known, bass fishing is a much larger target market, it only makes fiscal sense for SAGE to enter that market. I have been using my 8 weight for years to try and launch heavier bugs to those feisty
Snake River smallmouths.

But what about that nasty overgrown bank that you know holds a new state record? This little compact rod will give you the advantage necessary to catch that pig and all his friends. If fly fishing is your passion and catching bass is your forte, here is the rod of your dreams.

It takes a great deal of power to be able to launch bass flies into the wind or across a river current.

After using long rods for the better part of my life, shorter stubbier rods just "feel funny" to me.

However, after the initial shock wore off, I realized that this rod is a rocket. It could be very well suited for catching steelhead on the brushy river banks in Idaho.

Not to mention heavier lines for any fish you crave. Very smooth and incredibly powerful and believe it or not it is incredibly light. In fact much lighter than my 8weight.

I give SAGE a 9.5 for this little gem.

What Sage has to say about their new line of Bass rods.

Sage Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass Fly Fishing Rods

Specifications

Line Weight ratings:

Smallmouth: 290 grains (Smallmouth floating line included)
Largemouth: 330 grains (Largemouth floating line included)

Rod Length: 7’11”

Sections: 4 pieces

Rod Weights: Smallmouth: 3 1/2 ounces

Largemouth: 3 5/8 ounces

Handle: Portuguese cork - full wells shaped grip

Reel Seat: Matte black aluminum big game with double locking retainer

Action: Very fast and very stiff

What’s the word…


Jerry Siem, head rod designing guru at Sage, was sitting in his office at the Sage factory on forested Bainbridge Island, WA. His desk was surrounded by, literally, hundreds of fly rods leaning at precarious angles against walls and book cases. “Hmmm”, I said to myself, “Just like my office at home, except he has more rods than me. A lot more!” Out of the stack, Jerry plucked one of the shortest and brightest colored of the rods, and with a big smile, walked to the lily padded bass pond “test center” behind the factory building. “This is our latest project “, he said as he proceeded to tied on a huge deer hair popper.

The “Latest Project” from Jerry and the folks at Sage turns out to be two very unusual, high performance Bass Fly Fishing Rods, aptly named the Smallmouth and the Largemouth.

At first glance, these two Bass Fly rods appear to be small-stream trout rods because they’re just 7’11” in length. But believe me, the similarities end there! These specialized rods conform to Bass Tournament rules that limit allowable rod lengths to 8 feet and under. Traditionally, the understanding is that Pro Bass circuits have rejected fly gear as being “too dangerous”, but my guess is there is some conventional tackle industry bias (i.e. $$$) there as well. A careful reading of the rules finds that some tournaments allow fly rods, where others do not. Regardless, one could imagine the efficacy a fly rodder might have on the deck of a bass boat, where a pick-up and lay-down would eliminate the extra time required to reel in between casts as with conventional gear.

But whether you fish tournaments or not, The Sage Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass rods have a lot more going for them than just their compact size. These rods are specifically designed to do two things better than any other fly rod;1) accurately cast very big, wind resistant flies, and 2) allow maximum leverage to fight fish and pull big fish from cover. So what makes these rods capable of this performance?

Most anglers typically select a nine foot, six or seven weight line and rod for smallmouth bass fishing, casting, (on average), size 4 to 12 flies for one to five pound fish, and an eight or nine weight line weight rod for largemouth bass, throwing flies sizes 4/0 to 6, for two to eight pound fish. The new Sage Bass rods, in stark contrast, cast much heavier lines. The Sage Largemouth Bass Fly Rod is rated for 330 grains, which is the average heft for an 11 weight line and the Smallmouth is rated for 290 grains, which is at the high end of the weight range for a10 weight line! Yet, these little outfits feel like you’re only casting light seven weights, as you’ll read shortly! The two rods are extremely fast in action and very stiff and powerful to cast these big lines. In fact, to ensure proper loading, Sage has included a specially designed, matched, grain weight specific floating line with each of their new Bass rods.

Watch a short video about the new Sage Bass rods.