Scott designs rods that are purposeful and distinct. In this article, we will compare the action, feel and versatility of Scott single-handed fly rods. We hope the following evaluations help you choose the right Scott rod for your fishing. We begin by defining our categories of evaluation, followed by comparisons of all single-handed Scott rods.
Comparative Fly Rod Characteristics
Stiffness: We grade the rods on a scale of 1-10 for relative action (higher number = stiffer fly rod). The stiffest, “fastest action” rods are the Centric for freshwater and Sector for saltwater. These rods showcase power, but with nuances appropriate for their water types and primary angling techniques. The “slowest action” Scott rod is the F Series, designed to specifically for small stream fishing.
Distance: The range in which each rod excels. When choosing a rod, the angler should consider his or her most typical casting situations to select a rod that casts best in those high percentage scenarios.
Touch: On a scale of 1-10, how well does the rod respond to subtle input from the angler? Line mending, high sticking, slack line casts and tea cup accuracy are abetted by a responsive rod that may easily be manipulated by its caster.
Versatility: On a scale of 1-10, is this rod everything to everyone (10) or highly specialized (1)? This is not a quality grade, but rather a relative scale of specialization. Many premium rods receive low versatility marks because they were designed for a specialized purpose (like tarpon fishing or long leader dry fly angling).
Feel: As distinguished from “Touch,” “Feel” is our mark for how much feedback the angler receives in the palm of the hand while casting. When paired with an appropriate line, some rods merely get the job done while others feel exceptional. In general, rods with high stiffness marks offer more power but less feel to the caster.
 | Stiffness | Distance | Touch | Versatility | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G Series | 6 | mid | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| Centric | 8 | long | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| F Series | 2 | short | 10 | 2 | 10 |
| Sector | 9 | longest | 6 | 7 | 9 |
| Wave | 8 | long | 6 | 8 | 7 |
Scott Freshwater Rods
G Series
Many anglers will own both G Series and Centric rods in similar models. There is a considerable gulf between their actions, yet the popularity of both rods is testament to the wide range of casting styles and action preferences in our sport. In our view, the G Series is an all-around, most versatile fly rod. While considered “medium action,” or “mid flex,” the G Series possesses uncanny ability to cast both short and long in addition to its prowess in the mid range. The G Series is the living definition of “progressive action,” or a rod that flexes evenly based upon the amount of line being cast. If you specifically prefer fast action rods and just can’t make a moderate action rod work for you, then choose a Centric as your all-arounder. Otherwise, fish the G Series and add Centrics to your quiver for long casting and windy conditions. In other words, fish the G unless you just can’t fish the G. In addition to being the most finely tuned graphite fly rods on the planet, G Series rods are superior to Centrics in the following techniques: casting short distances, roll casting, slack line casting, line mending and tippet protection.
Lines: Lines that are true-to-line-weight bring the best out of the G. The SA Trout Taper, in all its iterations, must be considered the best line for these rods.
Outstanding model: Pick one. You can’t miss.
Centric
The Centric is a normalizer for the Scott company, a versatile freshwater rod designed to cover the full range of fast action rod applications: big water, wind, large or multiple flies and wind-resistant streamers, all with exquisite casting feel and the all-around fishability of a rod that anglers will reach for without caveat. Every caster will notice how easy it is to find the rhythm with a Centric. They are more forgiving than the Radian, but capable of fishing at even greater distances thanks to superior loop control, reserve power in the butt section and the ability to mend line more effectively. The Centric is to fast action rods what the G Series is to medium action rods, a fly rod with global versatility and range.
Line pairings: On most Centric models, we recommend the SA Infinity Taper for longer casting scenarios and the Rio Elite Gold for fishing at short and mid range. On the 7-weight, a streamer line of any kind will fish magnificently, such as the Rio Big Nasty or SA SBT. Centrics will handle any line you choose, but the Elite Gold and Infinity Taper accentuate the feel and efficiency of these spectacular fly rods.
Outstanding models: Centric 904-4, 905-4 906-4
F Series
The Scott F Series is easily pegged as the most specialized creek rod in the modern industry. No fly rod from any maker competes with the F at short distance. They cast with only the leader out of the rod tip. The longest rod in the series is only 7′ 2″. They swing under willows and trees like nothing else. Short graphite rods generally do not bend enough to mend line or roll cast very well. The F Series competes with any 9-foot rod in these techniques because they bend toward the cork with little power application. Also, in our opinion, the F Series is more fun to fish on creeks than any other rod. These are highly refined fly rods, but no rod screams “TOY” like a Scott F. The F Series is anti-versatile, however. If you want versatility, choose a Scott G 772-4 or G 773-4.
Lines: We like Double Tapers on our F rods, but if you prefer a WF, go with a Rio Gold or SA Trout Taper. Avoid the Rio Creek, which is overweighted for use with short graphite rods.
Outstanding model: all are equal in quality, but the F 663-4 is the most fishable in a wide variety of creek environments.
Scott Saltwater Fly Rods
Sector Series
The Sector is Scott’s bid for “finest saltwater fly rod ever designed.” These wonder rods leave us wishing for nothing. They cast with the ease of the beloved Meridian Series, but possess 10-15% more power in the butt and mid-sections. The Sector is the your best choice for flats, inshore, offshore and beach fishing. They cast well from short to very long distances, pick up line easily for 2nd and 3rd shots and possess tremendous bottom end strength for the end game. Equipped with the highest quality components of any rod on the market, the Sector is the complete package. Even our favorite Meridians have been improved in the Sector, including the core 9′ 4-piece models.
Lines: The Rio Direct Core Bonefish and Direct Core Tarpon lines are truly spectacular on these rods. The Sector will handle any fly line, but these are standouts.
Outstanding model: Sector 908-4, 909-4, 9010-4, 9011-4
Wave Series
The Wave are mid-priced saltwater fly rods that challenge the casting performance of high end rods across the industry. Easy to handle, there is no governor on line speed or fishing application. Well-tuned to their respective line weights, the Wave are up-to-the-task for hardcore saltwater fishing and cross over nicely to freshwater applications in the lower line weights. While not built for the apocalypse like the Sector, Wave rods are well constructed with thoughtful components that beautify, strengthen and protect. While the only reason to choose a Wave over a Sector is price, we unconditionally recommend the Wave Series as a leading option in the mid-price category.
Lines: Standard bonefish, permit and tarpon tapers cast admirably on these rods. Sink tip and full sinking lines also cast just fine, but we recommend staying away from Outbound, Titan and Jungle tapers, which have extra-heavy heads. If a large-fly taper is required, consider underlining by one line weight.
Outstanding model: Wave 909-4