Fly Fishing

jason-c · Posted: Sat 01/06/07 4:54 pm Post subject: Sage Fly Rod And Reels

Hey I am looking and purchasing the Sage 7110-4 Z axis rod. It is a 7wt 11 foot switch rod. I am looking at putting a Sage 3500RDB reel on it but am afraid that may be a little too much reel for that rod. I don't want to go too small becuse it will be a mostly steelhead rod and want room for a spey line and ample backing. Speaking of lines, is anyone running a spey line on that rod? Does anyones own that rod or a similar 11 foot 7 wt switch rod. What reel/line balances well with it? Thanks for the help Jason.

Boz · Location: Portland

Jason,

I'll be meeting with the Sage reps on Tuesday to check out and cast the new Z-axis rods as well as the folks from Scientific Anglers. I'll see
what they recommend on that 11 ft 7 for lines and reels and get back to you. Can't wait to check them out...

jason-c · Posted: Sun 01/07/07 1:51 am Post subject: Sage

That would be great. Are you going to the Denver show? I think that is why I am having trouble gettting an answer-everyone is at the trade show. I can't wait to hear what you find out.
Jason

lunchbox · Location: Utah

3500D! we discussed this...

jason-c · Posted: Wed 01/10/07 5:45 pm Post subject: lunch Box

I needed reassurance

lunchbox · Location: Utah

Eh, don't blame ya. I wouldn't trust me eighter. If you plan on fishing a spey line you will not get the backing capacity you need on the reel. You would get maybe 50 yards AT MOST with the 3400D. Because of the extra length of the Z-Axis, your rod with feel extremely tip heavy when swinging flies because the lighter reel will not balance it correctly, putting your balance point out near your stripper guide. IMHO of course. If you were fishing a full sized spey rod you would need to go up even to the 3600D.

lunchbox · Location: Utah

I'll make some calls for ya tomorrow and figure out a line recommendation.

jason-c · Posted: Wed 01/10/07 8:57 pm Post subject: Thanks

I am going with your suggestion, but would still like to hear what Boz has to say.

cruncher · Posted: Wed 04/22/09 10:09 am Post subject: line options

Kind of reviving this post but I picked up a Sage 7110 blank to build and also have a 3500D and was wondering what lines people have found match up well with this rod. Maybe after 2 years some folks can share their experiences, bad or good. Thanks in advance- AL

waterwhippa · Location: Upstate, NY

I threw one with an SA Mastery Steelhead in a 10wt. Seemed to turn big flies and bulky indicators over quite well.

kory_k · Location: New York, NY

I have that rod as well and love it. I have a rio afs shooting head on it now that I believe is a 5/6 but will have to double check the size. I have used it pretty extensively on the salmon in upstate ny. I really like the line for spey casting and swinging flies but for nymphing it isnt the best line as it isnt designed for that. The head on the line is very short and being a shooting head, the running line is very narrow. As a result when I nymph with it it doesn't do well on very long casts with indicators and weight and it doesn't mend easily with more line out. This isn't too surprising being that this particular line is designed specifically for Spey casting.

kory_k · Location: New York, NY

Like whip says...for nymphing or overhead casting with this rod, steelhead tapers seem to be best with long bellies and extended rear tapers. But then you sacrifice on the Spey side although the line will still make decent Spey casts, adding sink tips though might not make for easy casting not sure though as I haven't tried it. Has anyone else used one of these types of lines on a switch rod for Spey casting with or without tips?