Scott G 904-4 (50th anniversary)

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Several modern manufacturers are still trying to design medium action fly rods as silky as the G 904-4. It is slower action than the current model GS 904-4, but doesn’t feel heavier. Unmatched for fishing long dry fly leaders, the G 904-4 is also a hall of fame fly rod for all-water fishing capabilities, including roll casts, reach casts, snake casts and protection of the finest tippets. For anyone who has ever complained that fly rods seem to get stiffer with each generation, the G 904-4 is a throwback to the time when presentation was the only criteria.

   This rod is most fully engaged by a Rio Elite Technical Trout WF4, which seems to pull all of the bounce out of its limber blank at about 25’ for an effortless cast at typical tough-trout casting distances. Slow down your stroke and let this magnificent trout rod do its thing.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   Full disclosure, I’m unapologetically a G series guy. From an OG G 843/5 to the modern G 886/4, I love them all. The moderate to slowish action of the G series has always been my happy place when it comes to trout fishing. I absolutely love the top third flex of the G series models for long leader dry fly fishing. I own and fish a number of classic G’s so it came as no surprise that the reboot of the 904/4 would feel like an old friend. The biggest change is really the advent of modern fly lines and how it can completely transform the feel of a fly rod you think you know so well. It is akin to putting a modern engine in your ’66 Mustang. This classic model really shines with a WF4 Rio Tech Trout, such a joy to cast.

   Troy Youngfleish (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   A rod for the angler who approaches the water with preference and deference. This is a tool for the one in the know who appreciates the gift of getting a found trout to take their dry fly. Delightful and beautiful with line in the air, the G 904/4 is a tool for the technical dry fly angler that requires the nuances of an easily adaptable blank with a light touch. You get a feeling of the line unrolling along its entire length and the blank reminds you to be smooth and deliberate, to focus on your timing and stay in the moment of the cast. A well-timed and matched haul sort of kicks the rod into that slow motion line in the air with ample time to place it at my whim dream like state. We had plenty of wind to play around with and you could tell that this rod would fish through it along with you. The aesthetics are awesome, nostalgic and updated where appropriate. The cool old school wraps remain, and that is what you get overall with this rod compared to the modern version, a little more of that old school supple sweetness. My favorite line was the Rio Elite Technical Trout WF4F. It gave me a hair more load and line speed and livened up the blank just the way I like it.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)