Questions about older rods

Tinker

Tinker

Smolt
Since I'm trying to gear up again after a brush with death, I've learned I'm pretty stupid about older rods. I'm looking for Scott and Winston and Sage rods from before they became super- and ultra-fast actions, but I can't sort them out. I'm looking for a somewhat slower action - but faster than glass - to fit what I'm capable of these days - but I can't match an action to a rod to save my life. Is this information available somewhere? Books? Websites? Anywhere?
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
Does anyone use the Sage Sonic? I've been offered a good price on one, and I'm tempted since the pages Merle posted describe it as "between the LL and the X" and medium fast. I'll be able to test it before buying it, but I'm not sure if it's worth the drive.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
I don't know if this helps - and I should have mentioned it earlier. I own a Winston BiiT 864/4 that casts like it's part of me, and also own a Redington Voyant 8'6" 4wt near broomstick of a rod that I can cast a long distance (for a 4wt). I once owned a Redington CPS 908/4 that I sold much too soon because it was tricky to cast it from my kayak. A Scott Radian was a favorite for a couple of years, and I tried an Echo Boost but it didn't fit.

I'm comfortable casting a range of actions, short of ultra-fast, but I'd like to slow it down a bit, to moderately-fast for a while.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
My 6wt. GFL is from Warshall's, circa 81'. It's just a touch faster than my boo and Steffen glass. Super all around size. Love it, but as much for sentimental reasons. This is now on Sage's will not repair list.
Lot's of really good modern rods, too bad you're so far from somewhere to try them. Really good to hear you're feeling better and looking at fishing Tinker.

1698416856317.png
 

Attachments

  • 20230912_favorite.jpg
    20230912_favorite.jpg
    434 KB · Views: 6
  • 20230912_repair.jpg
    20230912_repair.jpg
    335 KB · Views: 6
Upvote 0 Downvote
New lines have affected rods of the past MHO. Many of today’s lines are 1/2 to 2 weights heavier. For instance the 790-4 RPL I have feels totally different with a true 7 weight line than a 7 weight Rio Grande line which is more of an 8 weight line. Not to mention all the new designed tapers of lines can also change the dynamics of your casting tool. And the other thing is we are all different and cast different. Just to point out …..Stonefish take on the X. I casted a couple of those X’s when they first came out on a hosted demo day on the Skykomish river. I thought they were mush. Casted the 591, 691, 890. Blah. Definetly a light rod but little oomph. Reminded me a bit of the heavier weights in Winston BiiX.. I also casted the newer Bolt and Salt that day. The Bolt in 6 and 7 was 👍. But that is probably my casting stroke and my inability to maximize the X rod.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Porter2 said:
New lines have affected rods of the past MHO. Many of today’s lines are 1/2 to 2 weights heavier. For instance the 790-4 RPL I have feels totally different with a true 7 weight line than a 7 weight Rio Grande line which is more of an 8 weight line. Not to mention all the new designed tapers of lines can also change the dynamics of your casting tool. And the other thing is we are all different and cast different. Just to point out …..Stonefish take on the X. I casted a couple of those X’s when they first came out on a hosted demo day on the Skykomish river. I thought they were mush. Casted the 591, 691, 890. Blah. Definetly a light rod but little oomph. Reminded me a bit of the heavier weights in Winston BiiX.. I also casted the newer Bolt and Salt that day. The Bolt in 6 and 7 was 👍. But that is probably my casting stroke and my inability to maximize the X rod.
Click to expand...
Good point, probably why that old Sage feels just right with a 6wt 444SL.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
For older Sage rods, I'm fond of my 5wt LL and 3wt LL. To me, they have a 'buttery' feel. I'd also look at the Sage SP and SLT. FYI, two SP's I was watching on eBay sold for $300 ea.
As others have said, the best way to get a feel for the rod is to try it out. Tougher to do with older Sages. I'd recommend doing some research on new rods thinking about the fishing and locations you're planning on visiting and use that to focus on the rod you need.
It seems like many fly shops just cut and paste the manufacturers specs or marketing hype about the rod on their website as a review. Not very informative to me. Two places I look to for research and reviews are Hatch magazine https://www.hatchmag.com/ and Trident Fishing https://www.tridentflyfishing.com/blog/category/fly-rod-reviews/
After your research, call that fly shop 4+ hours away, see what models they have and make an appointment to test rods in the style and weight you think you want. I've found my local shop (Avid Angler) has been very willing to let me test rods side by side (I'd suggest trying 3 rods at a time, 5 is too much info) and have made suggestions about rods I wasn't thinking about. I make some notes after casting to sort out the differences, why I liked or didn't like a rod. Sometimes I go back to reread to review to see if my notes align with the review.
Good luck.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Tinker said:
Thank you. I've seen a couple a good deals on the RPL, but didn't know enough about them to take the plunge.

I'm in Port Orford, Oregon. The closest - absolute closest - fly shop is in Eugene, Oregon, a four-and-a-half hour drive. That's why I'm asking the forum about how the rods feel to you. You use them (or have used them) and for all the years I've been on that old forum or this new one, you've all always been a great resource.

Thanks to all of you.
Click to expand...
Gig Harbor Fly Shop - very knowledgeable
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You could reach out to the Lower Umpqua Fly Club in Coos Bay. Might be helpful in getting your hand on some rods. Not necessarily close or a hugely active club but you work with what ya got in small communities.

The input you’re getting here is awesome.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Divad said:
You could reach out to the Lower Umpqua Fly Club in Coos Bay. Might be helpful in getting your hand on some rods. Not necessarily close or a hugely active club but you work with what ya got in small communities.

The input you’re getting here is awesome.
Click to expand...

Coos Bay is close when you live on the coast of Oregon. The largest store on the coast is there - and it's a Walmart...

I hadn't heard a peep from the Lower Umpqua folks in years, but it can't hurt to try to find them. Thank you for the reminder, because I'd never have thought of them.

And yes, I've received a lot of input and help in this thread, and all of it has been golden. This is quite the community and I'm lucky Evan let me in.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Alright, I'm going to try a Sage rod. I've never owned a Sage before and I better like it or I shall scowl every time I read this thread. That'll teach you.

Thanks to everyone who offered help. It saved me a lot of headaches.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Tinker said:
Alright, I'm going to try a Sage rod. I;ve never owned a Sage before and I better like it or I scowl every time I read this thread. That'll teach you.

Thanks to everyone who offered help. It saved me a lot of headaches.
Click to expand...
Cast it first - Buying your rod sight unseen and uncasted can lead to scowling.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
John Svahn said:
I have vxp’s from Sage. The marketing materials say fast but they are mod-fast imo. They come up for sale regularly and I think they are work checking out.
Click to expand...

Yes they do, but finding information about them online is difficult. Thank you for letting me know your impressions. I'll stop ignoring the VXP's.

Buzzy said:
Cast it first - Buying your rod sight unseen and uncasted can lead to scowling.
Click to expand...

Why of course I did. But it's always okay remind me of that. We don't ask questions of those with more experience and wisdom just to ignore what they have to say. That would definitely leave one of us scowling.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Just because of this thread as a reminder I took my old Sage out yesterday. Certainly more moderate action than my other graphite rods, even the classic trout. The classic trout tends to work in the upper 2/3-3/4 with a moderate action, and the GFL will load down closer to the handle. Hard to describe to someone, but more moderate, full flexing, I think would be close. 2pc, down locking reel seat, hook keeper, what's not to like.
 

Attachments

  • 20231028_sage_gfl.jpg
    20231028_sage_gfl.jpg
    1.1 MB · Views: 10
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
I saw that picture in the "What's Catching You Fish" thread but couldn't read a model name on the rod, so thank you very much for solving that mystery.

I'd say there's nothing about it that's not to like.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
wanderingrichard said:
Tinker,
Does this place qualify as close to you ?
Northwest Flyfishing Outfitters
(503) 252-1529 https://g.co/kgs/bt1aRL

Also, how far away is Ilwaco? Am thinking Spawn Fly Fish, but unsure they have rods.. though I do know they have tons of tying equipment and materials
[WR]
Click to expand...
Go through IIwaco 1-2 times every year and never knew about Spawn Fly Shop. Appears they are a full service brick and mortar type shop. Thanks.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Tinker said:
Since I'm trying to gear up again after a brush with death, I've learned I'm pretty stupid about older rods. I'm looking for Scott and Winston and Sage rods from before they became super- and ultra-fast actions, but I can't sort them out. I'm looking for a somewhat slower action - but faster than glass - to fit what I'm capable of these days - but I can't match an action to a rod to save my life. Is this information available somewhere? Books? Websites? Anywhere?
Click to expand...
I tend to like the older slower action rods. I coaxed an old friend when on the Crooked about 2004 to-let me try his 5 wt Winston Ibex… the rod was … well i thought I heard an angelic chorus on my first back cast
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top