Sage 890-4 Maverick

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is another “saltwater rod” that has a niche trout purpose. I bought this rod to dredge deep cuts and holes on a unique river with heavy fish. I am running a SA Sonar Titan S3/S5/S7 on it for this purpose. I initially bought a different 8 wt for this purpose, which may be one of the finest flats rods available, but it did not have the backbone I needed to pick up that heavy of a sinking line. I realize that this is a tall order, but the Maverick does it without batting an eye. To me the tip fells faster with a more flexible mid-section (compared to the Igniter which is stiffer overall, but a “softer” tip) so this also helps open up casting loops. This is especially helpful for heavy waterlogged articulated streamers. I mostly jig-strip on this rig, and do less jerk-stripping, but it does this fine as well. I don’t often use an 8 wt for trout, but when I do, the Maverick steps up to the plate ready to swing.
   I think another fun application to this rod would be Bull Trout, north of the border. Hybrid Stripers holding off a deep cut near the dam face…yes. Also, I really want to take this rod down to the White River in Arkansas (soon…) during wide open generation with a 330 grain Shovelhead. I think it would perform well for that purpose as well. Also, not a bad “backup” rod for a salt trip!

   Greg N