the sage 99

Slow and Low · 01-23-2010, 05:36 PM

Not a huge fan of nymphing...in general, but the sage 99 8wt with an SA 9wt steel taper line is a supreme nymphing rod. Get a chance fish one I now have two. Much improved stick over the XP, RPL+, and the FLI.

AndyK · 01-23-2010, 07:03 PM

What's the advantage over a long (9'6" - 10") rod?

I've aways done well with a long rod and a RIO Clouser line.

Slow and Low · 01-24-2010, 06:30 AM

it's basically a 9'9" z-axis. i'm usually underwhelmed by most single handers but I like this one a lot.

358norma · 01-24-2010, 09:45 AM

Your shoulder will appreciate the 9'9 as well. Fishing the 11' z axis single handed all day nymphing will cripple a dude after a few days. I know this first (shouldered) handed.

FLGator · 01-25-2010, 11:01 AM

Sam,
Have you tried single handed spey/skagit fishing with this rod?

Slow and Low · 01-25-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLGator

Sam,
Have you tried single handed spey/skagit fishing with this rod?

You know it. I haven't totally dialed the skagit on this rod. The new super compact 425 grn is what I am throwing. it could be lighter.

It dry line booms the SA 9 wt steelhead taper.

Mike Marcus · 01-25-2010, 02:20 PM

Thanks for the review. I have heard good things about this rod as well, but haven't had a chance to throw one yet.

Steelbum · 01-25-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 358norma

Your shoulder will appreciate the 9'9 as well. Fishing the 11' z axis single handed all day nymphing will cripple a dude after a few days. I know this first (shouldered) handed.

If you are going to spend that kind of money, might as well buy a 7110 z axis. Best "nymphing" rod on the market. Learn to use a switch a rod the way it was intended to do and you can fish them all day long with less fatigue than throwing a long single hander.

Slow and Low · 01-25-2010, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelbum

If you are going to spend that kind of money, might as well buy a 7110 z axis. Best "nymphing" rod on the market. Learn to use a switch a rod the way it was intended to do and you can fish them all day long with less fatigue than throwing a long single hander.

Some like nymphing with a short spey but stack mending and hook setting is much easier with a one hander. BTW you can spey cast with a one hander with one hand very effectively.

Zugbug66 · 01-25-2010, 07:13 PM

Sam,
Is that rod fast or a little softer? I'm asking because my 8wt single hander is a 9' orvis tls, and eventhough i used to spend lots o time nymphing with it I would like something longer and softer.

Steelbum · 01-25-2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slow and Low

Some like nymphing with a short spey but stack mending and hook setting is much easier with a one hander. BTW you can spey cast with a one hander with one hand very effectively.

I agree with you completely about some people enjoying to nymph with a single hand rod better. I break out the 9'6" glx in water that I feel warrants it (higher up in most coastal water sheds) but it is extremely hard to cover the same water on medium to larger sized coastal water with a single hand rod effectively. Sure, it works when throwing shorter leaders in shallower slots but if someone wants to cover the bigger runs that most fly fisherman are, to be quite honest, afraid of, a switch rod ,properly wielded, will cover the water more effectively. The beauty of a high quality switch is they are made of light enough material that a person can spey (switch) cast with two hands and stack mend it one handed. I would have to disagree with you about a switches lack of hook setting ability. I find that when making long drifts (100+ ft), the amount of slack line a switch will pick up is much greater than a single hand rod.

I see too many of my clients try to fish and cast a switch rod one handed and they complain about how hard it is to use. Once they are shown the proper way to cast them, many have gone out and bought one the next week. (sage should pay me for all of the z axis rods I have sold for them)

I agree with you however that a person can single hand spey cast a one hander very effectively. It is a damn fun way to fish when the conditions warrant it as well.

358norma · 01-25-2010, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelbum

If you are going to spend that kind of money, might as well buy a 7110 z axis. Best "nymphing" rod on the market. Learn to use a switch a rod the way it was intended to do and you can fish them all day long with less fatigue than throwing a long single hander.

I politely disagree. I am perfectly competent as far as switch/spey fishing goes. i found the sage 11' 7wt switch to be too slow and soft for my taste when throwing heavy girdles and large indicators. I have a 10'6 beulah 8/9 switch now that suits me better. It also single speys like a rocket.

Slow and Low · 01-26-2010, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zugbug66

Sam,
Is that rod fast or a little softer? I'm asking because my 8wt single hander is a 9' orvis tls, and eventhough i used to spend lots o time nymphing with it I would like something longer and softer.

The overall action is fairly fast but it is very tippy...so it is a very good nymph stick.