As the title asks - anyone fishing Sage R8 Salt 9’ 9 weight rod?
I cast it back when it was released and remember liking it, but did not need one then.
Maybe now I do.
You definitely need one👍
Well, I never expected to hear I didn’t need one.
Can you compare to the Scott Sector or any other 9s?
Unfortunately I can’t. Never had the pleasure to get behind one.
We fish it a lot here in Biscayne. From a Rio Redfish to a SA Grand Slam, it has been great.
I have the Xi3 which is the precursor in a 10Wt. It identifies as an 11WT and is a good rod. IMO, the TFO rods are the best for the money. I have what is the precursor to the Blitz (I think Axiom IIX) and its every bit as good as my sage rod is.
I’ve seen such mixed reviews on this rod. Some say they are great, some say not so much. I had someone tell me its a good all around rod good at many things but doesn’t excel at any one thing, which not sure what that means. Forgot the publication but I believe they did a write up where they compared the R8 to the Salt HD and I believe the R8 was the overall winner but the Salt HD beat it in distance, heavier lines and in tougher conditions. I may be off but that’s what I remember. Anyone care to describe the characteristics of this line? Maybe pros and cons?
I haven’t fished the 9wt, but love the 8wt. It cast most fly lines really well. I like it with the new Bonefish plus line, but it cast regular bonefish up to a grand slam really well.
Welcome aboard @Turtlegrass!
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Give it another cast when you can and go from there.
As someone who’s spent a lot of time working in fly shops I will say I believe line choice makes a bigger difference to most people than rod choice does.
Warranty service and quality will fluctuate with time between each brand and none of them are perfect.
Test a rod with as many lines as you can and find the one you enjoy casting and with aesthetics that make you feel warm and tingly when you look at it.