Sage 389-4 Trout LL

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   I was so excited to cast this rod, successor to the definining original Light Line model. I tried it with both a Rio Technical Trout WF3F and also a Rio Gold WF3F. It is superb with both lines, with the predictable effect upon action. The Technical Trout line is lighter than the Gold, so the rod casts with a quicker cadence and allows the angler to “push” it more at distance. Paired with a technical trout, it throws tight loops at every distance and easily accepts a double haul. Casting a Gold, the rod feels noticeably slower in action, especially from 10-40 feet. If anything, it feels even better with a Gold because it flexes more deeply and the caster can appreciate the sweet, springy action. At distance, the Gold carries more line momentum and turns over long leaders spectacularly. However, the caster must be a little careful with double hauling with the whole line head out of the tip top because it’s easy to overpower the rod. Less power is more power. In the end, I prefer the 389-4 Trout LL with a Rio Gold because I want this rod to be more distinguished from a comparable Sage X.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   I sure do like a long 3-weight and the Sage Trout LL 389-4 is a longer 3 weight to pay attention to. I loved this rod from the first cast with the Rio Technical Trout and I didn’t want to put it down. Loop formation was instant, and this rod threw lovely loops with only a couple feet of line and the leader. You can feel the rod load up right in front of your feet. At 30 feet the 389-4 was simply delightful. The loops unrolled confidently with measured and appropriate line speed in a way that made me feel like I could set the line down in six inch increments after each false cast. The 389-4 didn’t shy away from a longer shot, either. We set up targets at 15 feet, 30 feet and 60 feet. I could land the fly in the 60-foot circle and curve cast around the middle target while reach casting around the close target. For a 3-weight to be able to pull off this little lawn casting trick it has to be predictable, stable and intuitive and the 389 possesses these characteristics in spades. The Technical Trout line does require a little more input from the caster on the Trout LL 389, but it affords an experienced caster a long window of line control while the cast is in the air. With the Technical Trout line on the 389, the caster needs to be smooth and relaxed and this rod provides the confident feedback for the caster to do just that. Switching over to a Rio Gold was predictable with the upper third of the rod becoming more involved through the cast. The Gold gives the 389 a little bit more to turn over a bigger dry fly and helps to give the rod more automatic accuracy. Both lines cast exceptionally well on the Trout LL 389, so line selection is more about flies and conditions than the rod’s performance. I would line up a Rio Gold on the 389 for hopper fishing, a little bit of wind or a very long leader. I believe the Gold makes the 389 a touch more versatile and gives the angler the option to fish a bigger fly. I love the feel of the Technical Trout line on this rod and would reach for that line to solve the puzzle of a finicky mayfly hatch or long down stream reach cast presentations. The Trout LL 389 is a 3 weight for the ages and should certainly be considered by fans of the fabled LL 389 from the past.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Being someone who fishes lower line weight rods most often, I was very excited to pick this guy up. From the first false cast I knew exactly what I thought about the rod. It’s superb! It is almost effortless to cast and the rod does a great deal of the work for the caster. It feels great at all distances and is beyond accurate. I cast this rod with both the Rio Technical Trout and the Rio Gold. Though I liked both lines relatively well, I found a significant “hitch” with the Gold once I got in the 25+ foot range. The Technical Trout felt amazing at all distances. This is easily one of the finest 3wt dry fly rods that I have ever cast. The 389 is a great rod for the angler that likes to fish small flies, long leaders, and technical waters.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   I found both the Rio Technical Trout and the SA Trout to pair very nicely with this rod, with the SA taking the slight advantage. This rod is certainly more in the medium action realm vs. the faster action of the 379. I tend to like a slower stroke for my lighter weight rods, so the action on this rod was ideal. Super smooth flex profile and tight loops roll out with ease. I tested this with a 14 ft leader which it handled extremely well. Fine tippet and tiny dry flies to picky fish is where this rod will excel. Another excellent rod in the Trout LL line up.

   Jason Moshonas (Telluride Angler)