Sage SP 690 2 Piece Rod

[Jeff Brooks]

Although the fantastic SP series from Sage (http://www.sageflyfish.com/flash/home.shtml) has been discontinued in favor of the new SLT series, I still think a quick review of the SP 690 is in order. My fly-fishing is primarily on Stillwater and I've found that for my casting style, and specifically when casting type III and type V sinking lines that the medium-fast action of the SP 690 is just about perfect (when casting lines such as Cortland's "Clear Camo" intermediate line, I prefer a fast action rod). I have also used the SP rod on rivers such as the Colorado at Lee's Ferry and on the Provo and Green River's in Utah, and on Henry's Fork in Idaho, and in certain dry-fly fishing conditions the rod has been a dream to cast. However when it comes to nymph fishing, especially on some of the larger waters or when using big bugs, the rod is lacking a bit of muscle and I prefer a fast action model for those situations.

By the way, I added a fighting butt to my SP 690 and now it is just about the perfect Stillwater rod for the situations in which I like to use the SP 690. I hope to soon fish a Sage SLT rod on Stillwater and then I'll post a comparison report between the two.

Jeff

[Boomer]

I have this rod in the 590 size. Great on the Green and the Lower when the wind is howling. Also delicate enough to drop # 24 baetis lightly on spooky risers. Broke the tip on the Green a few years back and was very satisfied with the service that I received from Sage. I understand that there are some great deals on this rod out there now - go for it , you won't be dissapointed.

[Crosby]

Great rod-- broke my tip-- my fault- sent back the 8th of Jan- back in my hands the 15th.---- thats customer service at its best.

[Indylab]

I use the 690 3 piece version on lakes and for nymphing bigger rivers. It is a smooth rod, with a softer tip to handle lighter tippets. Casts very well in the wind on the Green.