Does anyone here use one of these rods? In researching, it seems like they might be a pretty good fit for Lake Powell bass, especially when throwing into the weed and brush choked backs of the bays and canyons.
Of course casting distance would not be an issue. My normal still water set-up 9' 6wt. just does not seem at all approprate for this.
Any reviews or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
TIA
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seems like a good rod from all the reviews i have read. i use a 9 foot 7 weight and a 10 foot 7 weight also. the cool thing about the sage rod is that it is tourney legal in length.
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I have talked to a guy that has used them on willard for wiper and he really likes it. i think that they are nice i have casted on but never caught a fish on it. I was casting a 8wt 9 ft and i liked the feel.
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Perfect choice in my opinion, match with a nice Bass taper line. I am looking at the Bluegill version.
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I've heard great reviews about them from guys fishing in the saltwater, around the mangroves and up small creeks that are choked with overhanging roots and branches. Thick stuff with limited casting room. They all say the shorter length is a huge plus. They're catching large snook, red fish, and baby tarpon to 40 pounds on them.
I'm going to do just that tomorrow, but I didn't spring for one of the Sage's since I already have two 9' 8-wts. I'd love to try one though. I've heard nothing but positive comments.
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I have the sage launch which was the predecessor to the bass line in a 9' 6 wt... it is a sweet rod...
MacFly [cool]
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Hey guys,
Thanks a lot for the replies. Was just down in Vegas, and stopped in at Bass Pro Shops. The clerk said they carry the Sage Bass series, but they didn't have any in stock. I'd like to get my hands on one before I spring. I found an online supplier that sells them for $25 cheaper than Bass Pro or Cabela's, no tax, no shipping charge and Sage ships these rods with a custom line to match... I'm leaning toward the Small Mouth version but I would like to find out weather the design criteria is more for the size fly used, or the size fish... If it's more for the size of fly, I think the Small Mouth version would be the ticket. I might just call Sage and see if I can get some info from them.
Anyway, I am planning a trip down to Powell when ever the next high pressure sets in, and I'd sure like to have one of these rods to try... Just thinking about one of those 4-6 lb. Striper's on a fly rod get the old adrenaline pumping :-)))
Hope you guys are all having a good day..
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That is such a sweet rod...can't wait to hear what you think...AND THE BIG FISH YOU WILL CATCH!
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I have the Smallmouth and Bluegill series SAGE Bass rods (soon to be completing the cycle with the Largemouth). Because I fish a lot from a bass boat, the shorter length comes in handy because they can stow on the boat without getting in the way too much.
I think the thing I enjoy most is the line matches really well with the rods. Short, stout and powerful. You can roll-cast big flies and can pick up line in a hurry without much false casting. I fish a lot of topwater with the Bluegill rod and do more of the baitfish or "jig" style flies with the Smallmouth. I have a 9 wt I use with the Sage Largemouth 330 grain line for the bigger stuff. Comes in handy for Stripers at Powell. When I get the Largemouth rod, that will be the go-to rod for the big boys.
And like you said, it really boils down to the flies you chuck with the rods. Most smallies or largemouth I'm catching wouldn't necessarily warrant an 8 wt, but the flies I throw require it. Plus, I use braid instead mono for some of my leaders so I can rip fish and flies out of the reeds and weeds and crap. The bigger rod comes in handy (that's what she said).
I'll have my bass flies and rods at the Wasatch Expo if you're interested.
Good luck!
Curtis
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Thanks for the info Curtis. I just received the Sage Bass Smallmouth model (290 gr.) in the mail today. I decided to buy this rod specifically for Lake Powell bass fishing.
I'd really like to target some Striper action with this set-up and have been tying up a BUNCH of flies, kind of based on what was going on up there last spring and again in fall. I've never fished with a bass taper before and am very excited to try it out. None of my ties are super big, so I'm thinking this Smallmouth model will be quite adequate.
Can I ask you which reel you coupled your Smallmouth rod with? I am leaning toward a Ross CLA 7-9 wt. model. After wrestling with those Striper's up there last year, I definitely want a reel with some backing capacity. The Ross seems to fit that bill pretty well. Those Striper's are some mean suckers boy....When we were trolling for them they would slam that lure and strip off 60-80' of line before you could even get your rod out of the holder. WOW....I'm hooked :-))) And don't even talk to me about those "boils". Have we left yet........
Randy
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I have a Lamson Konic on the Smallmouth. I have a Vosseler S2 on my 9 wt that I use for Stripers. I'll likely move that to my Largemouth rod and use that for stipers.
Fun rods!
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