Sage Rod

[txspecks04]

So I have a 5 wt beginner's combo that I use for trout and I am pretty happy with it for that purpose, but I have been trying recently to use it for smallmouth as well and I am finding quite a bit of difficulty in casting some of the larger flies involved with this new species. I have been doing some research and trying to find out what kind of new rod I would like to get and I am thinking that a new 6 or 7 wt Sage Launch should do the trick. I looked various different places online and it seems that everyone just has good things to say about them. Does anyone have any experience with these? Would 6 or 7 wt be better? Also, what kind of reel and line would be best to match with the rod for some good smallmouth fishing? Does anyone know of any good sites where I might find one for cheap? Looks like the going rate is about $200 but I am thinking that if I shop around I could find one for under $150....thanks for all of your help!

[Flysmallie]

Seems to be a lot of people that like the Launch. I have cast one once. It did cast nice, but that was in a yard with no fly. Some of the smallmouth flies can be a little heavy and/or bulky to cast, but if you will slow down and let the rod and line work for you it can be done with a 5wt. The only reason I say that is because moving to a larger weight rod will not eliminate all of the problems associated with casting larger flies.

Several of years ago I had the same thoughts. If I would buy a bigger rod the problem with casting these large flies would go away. I purchased a 7wt. TFO, great rod at a great price. But it only seemed to make it more frustrating. But all it took was slowing down a little and being patient. Well once I had the rod figured out and was starting to enjoy it, I decided to release it to the waters of the Eleven Point River so that it could be free. The only positive thing about that is that it was one of the most spectacular canoe crashes of all time.

All I use for smallmouth now is a 5wt. But it is a very nice 5wt with a very high quality line. The combo that you have probably has a less expensive line that isn't helping you either. I guess my recommendation would be to get a 6 or 5wt. and spend some money on a quality line. A good line can make a lot of difference.

[Paola Cat]

Great advice Flysmallie on slowing down and good line ..... A 5-6 weight should be sufficient. I own a 5 weight Launch amongst 3 or 4 other 5 weights. The Launch would make a great smallie rod .... so would the TFO Pro. PC

[Danimal]

I use a 6wt Launch for most of my smallie fishing. Works great with weighted patterns and sink tip lines. Fairly cheap too in case you break it while hauling in your canoe. Dan-o