Sage Classic R8 690-4

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   The Sage Classic R8 690/4 is an excellent 6wt. It is designed with dry fly fishing in mind but can handle a modest nymph set-up as well. The rod itself is an incredibly smooth caster and feels light and responsive in hand. This rod will shine when it comes to long leader dry fly fishing with big dry flies where mending can make or break an angler’s day. It mends and roll casts better than virtually any other 6wt out there. You can easily form a nice loop in close and hold up a loop at distance. This is a rod that any dry fly angler is sure to love; from its silky smooth casting to the timeless look and feel of it. I played around with the Rio Elite Gold XP WF6F on this rod and was very pleased with the overall performance and line to rod connection.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   A strikingly smooth caster with admirable progressive flex, the Sage Classic R8 690-4 is ideal for large dry flies including modest bass bugs, stoneflies and hoppers, as well as nymph rigs of all types.  I recommend pairing this rod with any fly line that has a long head.   I would personally choose the Rio Gold XP WF6 for nymphs and the Rio Technical Trout for dry flies, although the SA Trout Taper would be an excellent choice with smaller dries.  A rod of this style naturally casts a somewhat open loop, which really helps with wind-resistant flies and nymph/indicator rigs.  It has plenty of power throughout the blank to lob your strike indicator and weighted flies to the middle of the river.  It’s a rod that does a lot of work for the angler, but I prefer a faster action rod for streamer fishing because this rod doesn’t hold the line high enough on the backcast for a short guy like me to keep my streamer out of the willows.  I love the character of this fly rod, however.  Its line mending and roll casting capabilities will help me catch more fish.  It’s a better angling tool within limitations and a true pleasure to cast.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)