To be clear, I have already cast this rod and really like it. It casts both short and long very well, but it felt softer than the other 9’s I cast which makes me wonder how it’d hold up on a long cast in high winds with a heavy permit fly. Does anyone have any actual experience with fishing this rod vs other 9’s on the market?
I do. What line are you using?
I just sold @Piratedave my 9wt 9’ sector, he loved it. Maybe he’ll chime in for you
1 Like
I don’t own it yet, wanted to hear about fishing opinions on it before I pulled the trigger
1 Like
Also curious why you sold!
For where I currently fish 95% of the time it’s shorter blind casting, mangroves and docks etc, and I I really fell in love with the 8’4” sectors so I bought a 6,8,10 weight and sold Dave the 9’ 9wt. I’ll get another when I’m back to sight fishing with longer casts.
Gotta adjust the quiver and wallet.
1 Like
Very solid reason, thanks for clarifying
Used mine all last week Mexico. Didn’t have many permit shots. Used it on bones and tarpon. Running a SA warm water redfish 9wt line. I like the way it cast.
2 Likes
The 8’4” Sectors are awesome…not much shorter but they feel so much lighter in hand and track straighter. Love mine also… have the 8 & 10. I’m definitely a better caster w/ the 8’4 Sector 8 vs. my 9’ Meridian 8.
if you haven’t tried one get the 6wt, either a sector 8’4” or Winston air 2 max 8’6”. Most fun you’ll ever have.
Trident has a used Winston air 2 max 6wt for $775 right now.
I have the two piece (8 ‘ 10“) 9 weight sector. Love the rod, but no permit shots with it yet. Used primarily for snook, smallish tarpon.
2 Likes
I think the nine weight sector is a great heavy bonefish rod and I think it’s a little bit lacking for permit. Under ideal conditions, you can probably get by with it, but I fish a 10 because it makes it so much easier to cast a heavy fly, and especially easier when it’s a heavy fly and wind. The 9 wt. sector is a great rod and one of my favorites, but when push comes to shove, conditions are tough, and you finally get a shot, a heavier rod is better.
1 Like
I have a sector 9’ 9wt. I think it would be more than fine as a permit rod.
I throw an 8wt balance taper from The Angling Company. He made that line specifically to go on the sector.
Surprised by the responses here.
how big of flies are you throwing at permit!?!
2 Likes
Have to go with Hank on this one… a good 9wt is fine under ideal conditions - but nothing like a 10wt when you’re not only hunting permit - but hunting them in bad conditions.. and “bad conditions” R us - most days… That’s why I always recommend beginners buy rods that are two sizes apart… A seven weight to go with a nine weight (or an eleven weight to go with a nine..). My standard load when we’re fishing with every kind of gear in the backcountry (fly, spin, plug) the fly side will see me with a an 8wt and a 10wt (as well as a 12 if we’re looking to tangle with big tarpon, sharks, etc…). By the way - we’re perfectly comfortable with a 10wt for tarpon up to around 60lbs, and every now and then - a bit bigger.. but really want an 11 or 12 for fish in the 80 and above range…
2 Likes
I already have a 7, 8, and 11, and was looking for a 9 over a 10 because the rod will double as a windy day redfish rod for where I fish. That said, I have been doing just fine with my 8’s on super windy days here so the rod’s primary focus will be as a permit stick. These comments are confirming what I felt when I cast it in the parking lot, so i’ll look at other 9’s with a better power reserve for those bigger flys and windier days.
In the future I do want to add a 10wt to the arsenal, but I can’t go too crazy with super expensive rods and a 9 makes more sense right now. I appreciate the input!
1 Like
Try to cast the 8’4 10wt if you can before deciding. You might be surprised…it doesn’t feel like you’re throwing a 10wt.
1 Like
Its the weight of the line that carries the fly.