Sage 690-4 Power R8

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is one of the most important rods in the series because every streamer fisherman wants a light and powerful 6-weight that can handle larger flies that would normally require a 7-weight. When streamer fishing, we cast all day. A lighter, more powerful fly rod is easy on the casting arm. Like all rods in this series, I’m really impressed with how easily this rod forms casting loops without need for overpowering, and with the sleek transition from light and accessible in the tip to rock-solid launch pad in the butt. It’s just a well-designed fly rod.

   I would fish this rod with streamers and dry flies without reserve, but for nymphing, it’s going to need an extra-heavy fly line to mend line or execute short roll casts. For heavy trout nymphs, consider fishing an SA Anadro WF7F line, for example. The Power R8 690-4 loves a streamer line, from the Rio Predator to the whole family of SA Titan and Titan long fly lines. It’s the rare trout rod that can handle a Rio Outbound, too. Fish this rod with any streamer, from size #12 Wooly Buggers to full size Dungeons and other articulated patterns. It’s a 6-weight that fishes like a 7-weight. That’s the whole idea.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   The Power R8 690 is a superb example of a 9-foot, 6-weight and a true personification of the intent of the 6-weight fly line. The 690 showcases the blank and exemplifies the bend, along with its otherworldly recovery and rebound. The stability grabs you immediately; it feels as though the rod has invisible outriggers, guiding the line back into the correct plane the moment it thinks about wandering. The Rio Gold XP is the perfect line for this rod, and the shared design intent between the two is obvious.

   The Power R8 690 is the rod to take to South America. It will help you catch more fish because it allows you to keep fishing when everyone else is crouched below the gunwales, hiding from the wind. This is the rod you want in the boat for the majority of western drift boat fishing, especially if you like throwing a big chubby with a five-foot dropper to a girdle bug or running an indicator rig. You’ll have more control casting these gangly rigs into the wind and getting your leader to turn over. The 690 is an authoritative streamer rod, and handles the same lines as its fighting butt clad sibling with equal measure.

   Classically appointed with a modified snub-nose Wells grip, lovely figuring in the reel seat, and a hot-rod red blank—the Power R8 690 is the tool for the western trout fisherman who approaches the water without compromise.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)