Scott Centric 906-4 FB

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   There is little perceptible difference in feel between the 906-4 and 906-4 FB. In most cases, a trout rod with a fighting butt will feel stiffer and a little heavier than its non-fighting butt counterpart, but in this case, I can’t feel a difference. Scott kept the micarta reel seat insert rather than going with an all-aluminum seat, which would be noticeably heavier. So, the only additional weight is the fighting butt itself, which is insignificant. If you prefer a fighting butt on your 9′ 6-weight, there is no reason not to choose this model. Like the regular Centric 906-4, this is a world class fly rod, for my tastes the finest 9′ 6 weight ever designed.

   In case you haven’t read our review on the regular Centric 906-4, here it is:

   This is the 6-weight I’ve wanted from Scott for more than 20 years, the combination of every desirable design element with casting range that is simply bottomless. In casting all of the original prototypes, this was my favorite rod. Casting back through the finished rods, it is still my favorite and the first Centric to go in my quiver. My first real fishing experience with this rod came during the salmonfly hatch in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, June, 2020. I could retire all other Gunnison rods for this one. With an SA Amplitude Infinity Taper, I could cast the entire line with a size #4 dry fly while standing thigh deep. The rod is so smooth and progressive it seems crafted by nature rather than in a factory. It casts short just as well as long. How many 6-weights are terrific at both 20’ and 80’? I have fished several lines on the rod, including the Infinity Taper, Rio Elite Gold, SA Trout Taper, SA Titan Taper and Rio Big Nasty. It handles them all equally. I’ve fished #24 tricos and #4 conehead buggers in the same day without even considering changing rods. This rod could lure a committed 3-weight angler to fish nothing but a 6-weight all season. It’s all-world.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is a great example of a 9-foot 6-weight that is not affected by the addition of fighting butt. Whatever your 6-weight preferences are, rest assured that you have made a sound decision with either Centric 906. Highly spirited with a casual cadence that seems to slow down time when the line is in the air, this rod is breathtaking to cast and all smiles. The Infinity taper is my favorite all around line on the rod and it is just right for doing a little bit of everything. Jump up to a Big Nasty line for streamer work and feel confident that this rod will fish all but the biggest trout streamers. Mini-Dungeons are perfect but if you’re throwing large Dungeons or bigger articulated flies with wool and rabbit, jump up to the Centric 907 for optimum performance with those sized flies.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   The Scott Centric 906-4 with or without the fighting butt is seemingly the same rod. The action is not compromised with the addition of the fighting butt. I would make my decision between these two unbelievable rods based on my preference for having a fighting butt, as the rods are cut from the exact same cloth. Reference my Scott Centric 906-4 review for more detail.

   Jim Harris (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   This rod is only slightly different from the non fighting butt version of the Centric. In short, the FB version will be better for fighting and turning bigger fish. If anything, I would say that the FB model is slightly stiffer, but not noticeable enough to really make a measurable difference. If you prefer a fighting butt on your 6wt, go with the FB. If not, go with the regular 906/4.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)