03-02-2011, 09:54 PM
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
[signature]
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
[signature]