Sage 596-4 FB Arrow

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   A superb fly rod and clear descendent of the X 597-4, the Arrow 596-4 is one of the best rods in the series, as the 597 was in the X series. Sage just makes terrific 9 ½ foot fly rods. Most plus-length trout rods have a distinct flex point, loading to a hinge on every cast, regardless of distance or power. That’s because it’s a unique design challenge to build a long rod (or a really short rod) with a progressive taper. Sage consistently rises to the task with its 9’6” rods and this one is outstanding. It swings light enough to fish small dry flies at great distance yet responds to a powerful casting stroke resiliently. Roll casting and line mending capability is next level.

   This is an incredible rod for nymphing big rivers, whether heavy water or glassy, because you can throw a stack mend across several seam lines, piling precise loops of slack just upstream or downstream from your strike indicator. Most 9 ½’ trout rods are tiring to fish all day, but not this one because it does so much work for the angler. Fish it with a Rio Gold XP or SA Infinity taper to bring the very best qualities out of this outstanding fishing tool.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)