Sage 696-4 FB Arrow

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   I love this rod right alongside the 596-4. Many 9 ½’ 6-weights are stiff, heavy and hard to fish all day. Not this one. The Arrow 696-4 FB has an ideal action for its purpose: fast but not stiff, powerful but not heavy. It loads deeply and recovers with an impressive snap, a rod that really engages the line and casts it with an optimized sense of connection and efficiency. I generally fish long-headed lines on rods over 9’ in length. My first choice for this rod would be the SA Infinity, followed closely by the Rio Gold Max. It’s terrific with a sink tip and versatile enough for streamer lines, too, especially the Rio Predator series which has exceptionally smooth transitions in its taper. The number one purpose for this rod will be big water nymphing. Surgical with the roll cast and mend, this is your rod for fishing tandem stonefly nymphs on the Gunnison and other heavy western rivers.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)