Scott Session 904-4

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is my favorite of the three 4wt rods in the Session series. There is admittedly a great deal of competition in the 9’ 4wt fly rod world and this model stands up against even some of the higher priced options. It isn’t as stable or powerful as a rod like the 904/4 Centric but still a wonderfully crafted rod, a truly “well-rounded” 4wt that will be happy in several different fishing situations. The first thing I noticed was how light off the tip the rod feels. It is easy to control your loop shape, as smooth of a caster as any rod in the Session family. There are several fly lines that this rod can handle. I tested the rod with the Rio Elite Gold and liked it pretty well. If you want to stiffen the rod up consider a line like the Rio Elite Technical Trout. Similarly to the Centric 904/4, this rod will be happy with several different fly lines.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 4 out of 5

   It took me a second to figure out how the rod and line wanted to work together, but it didn’t take me a minute. This rod is a shade deeper flexing than the 854 and has a more progressive and nuanced feel. A relaxed but firm stroke and with an even haul was what the rod asked of me. When I listened and was a little more patient, I got the sit-back-and-let-the-rod-roll kind of feeling. If I quickened up the stroke a little too much or put a little too much power into the cast, I overran the taper. It’s not the lightest in the hand, but very light through the cast with the line in the air. I liked the playful nature of the blank with an action that was almost coy. It kept me engaged and held my attention throughout the cast. I liked the Rio Technical Trout WF4F on the rod and in my mind this rod represents a very tuned tactical dry fly 4 weight. You get that sense of time slowing down as the line leaves the tip, allowing you to focus on where your line will land in the current with the peace of mind that your fly will be where you intended.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Perhaps my favorite rod in the series, the Session 904-4 competes with most high end rods in this length and line weight. Everything about this rod contributes to a sense of lightness: the slender blank, thin wire snake guides, low swing weight, fast tip recovery, optimal grip size and shape and even the lightweight reel seat. I would fish this rod alongside my G Series and Centric rods anywhere in trout country. The Session 904-4 is a fast action rod, but it flexes deep enough for the relaxed casting rhythm that I desire in a 4-weight. I’m fishing my 4-weight today, not my 6-weight. You can make the rod bend a lot or a little. It snaps back with surprising resilience for excellent line speed and loop control. It’s playful, yet reliable, a lovely fly rod that will cast and fish in a super wide range of casting distances with dry flies, dry-dropper and light nymph rigs. I loved it with a Rio Gold, SA Trout Taper and Rio Tech Trout, the latter of which offers superb presentation qualities for challenging dry fly scenarios and selective trout.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)