Preview:
A flippin' stick for fly guys and gals. We know plenty of places to
give this one a try. Let us hope the pictures will be worth a thousand
words. New in 2008 there is a Largemounth ($350) and a Smallmouth
($350) rod and new for 2009 is a Bluegill rod ($395).
Preseason Preview: 4 out of 5 - I needed a reason to buy a new rod, bass is as good a reason as any.
First Impression 6 Days In:
I wade for bass and while most tubers like longer rods to raise their
backcast, most of my bassing is in and around overhanging cover with
relatively short casts. To get a bug under cover requires sidearm casts
with low loops parallel with the water. The short Sage Bass Series rods
excel at this type of casting. The Smallmouth, Largemouth and Panfish
options are very accurate, specifically presenting bugs outside the
vertical plane and around structure. The Bluegill is lighter and
designed for smallbass and panfish. Cost: $350/$395
Preseason Preview: 4 out of 5 - I needed a reason to buy a new rod, bass is as good a reason as any.
1st Impression, Day 6: 4 out of 5 - Two days on each rod and I think
there is a cross over application with big bug for trout, especially in
heavy water.
30 Days In
- I emphasize how effortlessly I can jam big, wind-sock type bugs into
tight spots. All rods measure 7'11", just under the strict bass
tournament rules for rod length. Use the Largemouth for heavy iron
angling, pulling power is the main advantage. The Smallmouth has become
my go to for Colorado bass and local warm water pursuits including Carp
and the new Bluegill Rod is lighter, for smaller bugs and a more
sensitive presentation. As crossover rods, they are ideal for hulking
huge flies for pike or muskie and I like the Bluegill for hoppers to
trout in tight places. Make sure you use the super short, custom fly
line included in the package as it will help maximize performance.
Cost: $350/$395
Preseason Preview: 4 out of 5 - I needed a reason to buy a new rod, bass is as good a reason as any.
1st Impression, Day 6: 4 out of 5 - Two days on each rod and I think
there is a cross over application with big bug for trout, especially in
heavy water.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 -
Big flies go where you want them to go.
End of Season 120 Days In
- Go big or go home if you are fishing less than 2X leaders and tippets
you are fooling yourself and these rods will break you off. This is a
very specialized rod series and you should have extra money to spend
before you run out and buy it. For the Colorado angler it does have
some crossover appeal but you are going to have to fish a bunch or be a
dedicated warm water angler to find a place to really use it. I like
the rod and since I already have too many rods I will be adding the
Smallmouth to my quiver. As the demand for guiding on our private bass
ponds increases we may add a couple to the rental pool. Cost: $350/$395
Preseason Preview: 4 out of 5 - I needed a reason to buy a new rod, bass is as good a reason as any.
1st Impression, Day 6: 4 out of 5 - Two days on each rod and I think
there is a cross over application with big bug for trout, especially in
heavy water.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 -
Big flies go where you want them to go.
120 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 -
You have seen the pulling power of the BASS guy, new we have it too.
mattieb
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