Scott GT Series 984-4

Reviews

1. Rated 4 out of 5

   A light line, medium action rod of such length is a tough engineering challenge, but the performance advantages for the experienced angler are numerous. Bartschi polished this model through several prototypes to deliver a rod that flexes deeply yet remains perfectly connected to its fly line. It fishes best with an SA Trout Expert WF4, DT4, and other long-headed, true-to-line-weight lines. This is a technical fly rod for the angler trying to decode the toughest trout. It casts a single dry fly elegantly and softly. After the cast, it lifts and mends with impressive range and precision. The tactical advantages in tech nymphing sought by dedicated tailwater anglers are complete in this fly rod. It is stealthy and rangy on all small fly presentations, and the ultimate shock absorber for heavy fish on hair-thin tippets.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   The longer rods in the GT Series are definitely the two rods that stick out in the bunch. They are different in terms of design and intended purpose. Traditionally longer rods are reserved for nymph fishing on bigger water. The 984/4 GT Series rod will 100% fish a nymph set-up under an indicator, but I like this rod for long leader dry fly fishing to technical trout on bigger water. Whether it be on a classic western dry fly fishery like the Henry’s Fork in Idaho, or your favorite stillwater, the 984/4 will perform wonderfully. The only inhibiting factor for this rod would be wind. It won’t excel on super windy days as well as a shorter rod, but if the conditions are right, it’s a great tool. The rod itself flexes deep and gives the caster a lot of feedback in hand. It will mend and roll cast better than virtually any other 4wt on the water and has incredible sensitivity in the tip. I’ve messed around with a few different lines on this rod and found the Rio Elite Gold WF4F and SA Amplitude Trout GP WF4F to pair best for all-around fishing and various applications.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Similar to the 743-4 creeking rod, these 9’8″ models are specialty rods. The 984-4 would be a great high sticking nymph tool as well as a go-to stillwater rod. Use that length to your advantage whether you are tight lining a deep run or elevating your back cast on your favorite high country lake. For a rod of this length, I thought it was an impressive overhand caster. A classic WF Rio Gold was my line of choice.

   Troy Youngfleish (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   The Scott GT Series 984/4 is truly unique. I’ve said that about each GT model, but this one takes it a step further—perhaps even beyond the 985/4. This rod is defined by its touch and lightness, offering an exceptional sense of finesse and control. It feels just a shade more moderate in action than the 985/4, with an emphasis on delicacy and precision over power.

   Lines with extra weight forward in the taper felt mismatched, giving an impression of excess mass in the tip. This isn’t a rod that wants to throw big indicators or heavy flies—it knows what it’s meant for. With the Rio Gold XP, the feedback was clear: “That’s not my job.” Switch to the Scientific Anglers Trout Expert, though, and everything clicks. Suddenly, the rod settles into a long, smooth, effortless rhythm.

   Casts with the SA Trout Expert unfold with unhurried grace—tight, controlled loops that unroll with a kind of suspended satisfaction. You can see the line stretch out, inch by inch, and savor the control the rod offers. The flex point feels adjustable at will, and the feedback is immediate and nuanced.

   The GT 984/4 will reward the technical trout angler fishing pressured waters who demands ultimate feel and finesse. Its lightness and sensitivity also make it an intriguing option for anglers curious about euro-nymph crossover applications—providing tactile feedback and control without straying from its dry-fly roots.

   Like the 985/4, the GT 984/4 is a rod designed to open doors—to extend your reach, your touch, and your imagination on familiar water. It’s a tool for those looking to fish differently, to feel more, and to connect more deeply with every cast.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   This rod is a really fun caster with a sweet, responsive feel. It flexes deep into the blank yet remains impressively stable at longer distances. I could see it shining as a technical nymphing rod or a stillwater tool where precision and delicacy are key to success. Both the SA Trout Expert and Rio Technical Trout lines pair well with this rod, but I preferred the Trout Expert. It tightened up the loops nicely and gave the rod a lighter, crisper feel.

   Curtis Nelson (Telluride Angler)