Sage One Custom

[Lucky Craft Man]

I found a great deal on a Sage One 10'0" 7wt. blank and figured it would make a good Steelhead rod.  So I contacted good old Scott (a.k.a. SHFishinSticks) and told him that my only restrictions were a fighting butt, a reverse half-wells grip, and oversized guides.  I left everything else up to him (as a side note, I have found if I just let Scott use his creative genius, he will produce a masterpiece). 

 

Scott called me last week to let me know the rod was complete.  When I went to pick it up, I was amazed.  He exceeded my expectations!  This thing is gorgeous and it just balances perfectly.  The steelhead season is coming to a close, so I hope to at least get one chance to break this thing in (though, it is almost too pretty to use).

 

Here are a few pictures I pulled from Scott's website...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott just builds some great rods.  I think this is the fourth or fifth project he has done for me and every one just turns out better than I could have anticipated.  Thanks again, Scott!!!!

 

[flyfisher]

That is a great rod!!

 

I cast one before, more out of the thinking there is no way i would spend the money on that rod, well i would

 

Enjoy that thing.

[Lucky Craft Man]

That is a great rod!!

 

I cast one before, more out of the thinking there is no way i would spend the money on that rod, well i would

 

Enjoy that thing.

 

Thanks!

 

I am a big fan of the Reverse Half-Wells handle (which are almost nonexistent on all 7 weights in the industry), so when the opportunity came up to get a Sage One blank cheap, I figured this was my chance to get the grip that I wanted.  Upon just playing with the rod in the yard, I am very impressed with the Sage One blank.  I am just pleased overall.  I can't wait to get it out.

[flyfisher]

I like that grip as well....I toyed with getting a 6wt xp instead of my 7wt just for that reason.  I am sure there is a reason for not using them on heavier weight rods but hell if i know what it is.  Maybe on a 10wt or something....but not a 7.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I like that grip as well....I toyed with getting a 6wt xp instead of my 7wt just for that reason.  I am sure there is a reason for not using them on heavier weight rods but hell if i know what it is.  Maybe on a 10wt or something....but not a 7.

 

Look at all the Sage One production rods.  Everyone of them have a Full-Wells.  I don't get that trend, but I hope it doesn't catch on.

[Jrob78]

I love his cork work!  Nice rod!

[flyfisher]

Look at all the Sage One production rods.  Everyone of them have a Full-Wells.  I don't get that trend, but I hope it doesn't catch on.

Agreed....I guess one could shape the cork to whatever you wanted if you had the skill and tools to do so.  I don't notice the handle as much on my Bass II rod but for some reason on my XP it does bug me on occasion.

[Lucky Craft Man]

Agreed....I guess one could shape the cork to whatever you wanted if you had the skill and tools to do so.  I don't notice the handle as much on my Bass II rod but for some reason on my XP it does bug me on occasion.

 

If I am casting streamers or dries, I don't mind a Full-Wells Handle, but if I am nymphing, I like to keep a finger on the blank, which is both easy to do and comfortable with a Reverse Half Wells handle.

[flyfisher]

Interesting you like a finger on the blank....i never tried that when nymphing.  I am usually watching the line like a hawk and feeling the line in my casting hand to hopefully detect any subtle strikes....or if i am feeling lazy, i just watch my strike indicator

[Lucky Craft Man]

Interesting you like a finger on the blank....i never tried that when nymphing.  I am usually watching the line like a hawk and feeling the line in my casting hand to hopefully detect any subtle strikes....or if i am feeling lazy, i just watch my strike indicator

 

I don't use an indicator much when nymphing and I have found I can detect a bite through either movement in the line or feel through the rod.  I don't usually feel it in the line, because it seems that fly line dampens the vibration (but the vibration that does make it to the tip of the rod seems to transmit through the blank better than the line).

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

That's a nice clean build. I like the customized look without being gaudy. Nice work.

[S Hovanec]

Thank you DVT and thank you LC Man for being so patient on this one. I was actually scared to build it as I've never worked on such a high-end stick. All I've done prior were NFCs and SCVs. I can't take credit for the grip design, just the execution. I borrowed it from a JP Timberlake, a builder from NC. I saw it at his booth at the ICRBE last year and just knew I had to use it on this Sage. I had to do something different to try and keep him from putting that god awful rod wrap on the grips. He put that stuff on the last 4 projects I worked on.

[Lucky Craft Man]

Man, you know I love those Rod Wraps! Though, this maybe the only rod I own that won't get the wrap, just out of respect for your work (and wishes).

[S Hovanec]

Too bad there isn't a clear wrap. Then both of us could be happy!

[Comfortably Numb]

Wow saw one just like that at Walmart 

 

J/k very very nice