Hey I was wondering if anyone owns or has casted one of the sage FLi fly rods. I am looking to buy a new 3 weight and I found one on sale and was wondering if it was worth buying. Let me know if you have any opinions or whatever. Thanks, Dan
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"In the long run, fishing usually amounts to a lifetime of pratfalls punctuated by rare moments of perfection"
I have casted one, and I have a friend who has a four piece 5 weight. I through it was a nice rod, fast action, and overall I was impressed with it. My buddy who uses it on a regular basis is very happy that he purchased it and has recommended it to other people.
Dan, I have casted the 9 foot 4, 5, 6, and 8 weight FLi models before. These rods are quick loading, but not overly stiff. Generating high line speed is fairly easy, but I know I can get more line speed out of other models (Scott S4, Sage Z-Axis, Winston B2X). Of course those rods cost a lot more.
Cast the rod for yourself and make the decision. If you feel comfortable casting it, buy it.
this may sound like a dumb question but, What is the advantage to high line speeds ? personaly I cannot stand fast action rods, Gimme a nice soft noodley medium action rod.
Another rod in that range worth mentioning is the Redington CPS another rod I own in an 8 wt. Never casted one of the smaller ones but it got the FRR mags kudo award two years ago for best rod 300 and under. Captain as far as my two trout rods I can cast my 5 as far as my 6 no question. It's a medium-ish rod. Doesn't matter how much weight, flies whatever. For me it's easier to cast the faster action 6 when it's windy. That's one of the reasons I like the faster rod. There has to be a 1000 different reasons each one personal.
Yeah, Its funny my 4 weight easily can outcast my 6 weight no problem, You'd figure the heavier rod and line of a 6 weight would easily outcast the 4 weight but no way. It's proof that you get what you pay for. There's about a $550.00 difference in cost between these rods.
this may sound like a dumb question but, What is the advantage to high line speeds ? personaly I cannot stand fast action rods, Gimme a nice soft noodley medium action rod.
Advantage of high line speed comes into play when you have to deal with casting into the wind or if you just have to cover a lot of open water. By using rods that are generally faster, one can form tighter loops that will shoot more efficiently.
Since the original post was in regards to a 3 weight, getting higher line speeds isn't as important as presentation. Usually medium/medium-fast will allow for softer presentations.
If you want a good fishing rod, get a Scott A2, they should be on sale soon. If you want a faster rod, the E2 is dynamite and it will also be on sale...
Casting is unrolling your loops, whether it be on a stream or a competition pond.
Fishing means they can set the hook without breaking the tippet, it flexes well to give you a nice fight, it has backbone to pull big boys up from the deep or out of fast water. It means you are in control of the fish. Fishing means the whole deal, not just gettting the fly out there. Its getting the fly out there, catching a fish and landing it and doing it with style.
My buddy works for a very high end lodge in Alaska and last week 8 Sage rods were broken, 4 of the 8 were Z-Axis....All his rods are Scott that he brought up from guiding in CA are holding up to serious daily abuse and are bringing in more fish than the other guides. Did I mention he's been there for only 3 weeks?
I used to own a 9' 5wt 4pc FLi. What a piece of junk. Kept breaking fish off. Sold it shortly afterwards. Hated the orange color the whole time. I have never fished the 3 wt FLi, maybe they are better.
This is just my opinion, I'm sure plenty of guys like the FLi series. But the bottom line is, if my rod isn't performing to my expectation, I look for one that will. Try an A2 or E2. Just cast them side by side with the FLi. The E2 is a sick sick rod. The A2 has a smooth feel and flex to it. Might want to check out an Echo, I've heard nothing but good things about them.
Look at the whole river before you pick the spot to fish
Had a client that brought his own 490 FLi and did very well with it. Most of the day was high stick nymphing and it worked well for that. He did pull the hook out a few times and lost some fish, I think the tip might be a little stiff.
dont know if it has been said yet, but check out echo and tfo. i know jt has a 4wt tfo and he loves it.
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Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
I just got a Sage Fli 5 wt. and love it. I tested it out over the weekend on the lake and it worked great. Was very easy to cast even when there were some strong winds. When the fish took the fly you could still have a good fight and as far as breaking line because of the tip flex it wasn't a problem for me. I would recomend this rod even though I hear it is being discontinued.
