This is our most popular high-end rod. Sage went back to the drawing board to create the incredible Z-Axis Series Fast Action Rods. By improving the entire rod-building process, they created a rod that's significantly lighter, stronger and easier to cast for anglers of all skill levels. The Z-Axis offers an entirely new level of fishability with unprecedented line feel, response and performance. Take our word for it the Z-axis 9'6" 4 weight 4 piece rod is the best selling high-end rod. It can do everything, from streamers to small dries. The extra length facilitates mending. A few year ago there was not one rod that could do everything. Now there is the 9'6" Z-axis! The most popular Z-Axis rods we sell are the 9' 4-6 weights and the 9'6" 4 weight in four piece rods. The price runs between $690-700.

ZXL

The ZXL is a slower action rod and very smooth - a joy to cast. The ZXL rods are significantly lighter, stronger and easier to cast for everyone who enjoys the relaxed casting rhythm of a smooth progressive taper. Through the miracle of Sage's G5 process, they were able to remove every gram of unnecessary material from each blank and replace traditional glass hoop fibers with lighter, more responsive graphite.
Ready to experience life on the smooth side? The most popular ZXL rods we sell are 4 piece 9' 4-5 weights. The price runs between $690-695.

Flight

The Flight is the next step up from the Launch rod. Through a further application of the analysis and construction methods developed for our G5 Technology, Sage has completely updated their FLi Series with a range of even lighter, smoother fly rods. Introducing the all-new Flight Series. Now you’ll be able to generate high line speed and feel the rod load more precisely for improved power transfer and efficiency. In fishing situations, that means you will instinctively cast better without having to think about it. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again with more emphasis: These are simply great fly rods. The most popular Flight Rods we sell are the 4 piece 9' 4-6 weights. The price is $330.

Launch

The Launch is a great value quality entry level rod. We challenge you to find a better casting rod for the money. There are many low-end rods but they can't stand-up to the Launch. Developing G5 Technology clearly demonstrated that the key to better casting is the ability to feel the rod load. With the Launch Series rods, Sage applied what they had learned to create a smooth, progressive power curve and an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio. This means Launch Series rods provide exceptional line connection or feel, allowing anglers to cast better and more easily. The most popular Launch rods we sell are the 4 piece 9' 4-6 weights. The price is $245.

The ROSS Essence FS Fly Fishing Packages are complete outfits - just tie on a fly and you are ready to fish! All of the products included with these outfits are top quality. In fact, they are the same high quality Ross products that we sell individually, but when purchased together as part of a complete outfit, you save money! includes the following products: Essence FS Series Fly Rod, 4-piece design - great for travel! Flystart Series Fly Reel Outfit - Pre-spooled with premium fly line, backing and a tapered leader. Cordura Rod Case, Microfiber Rod Sock and Neoprene Reel Bag. Mel Krieger's Instructional DVD Beginnings - An Introduction To Fly Fishing. Offered in 9' 5/6wt. 4pc. $199

At Sage, every piece of angling equipment they make is designed, tested and hand built with one goal in mind: Maximum Fishability. It's a term to describe the kind of performance that helps you cast better, fish more effectively and have more fun. In short, every Sage rod, reel and line is specifically designed to help you make the most of your precious time on the water. Some say Sage rods are legendary for their magical properties, their propensity for placing flies just above the ripple. We don't know about magic, but we do know that every Sage rod is made by hand and made for anglers of every stripe...

When you purchase something with the Sage name on it, you get a lot more than just a great product. You get access to the finest customer service in the industry, including their famously fast turnaround on warranty repairs, real person-to-person phone support on the Sage Techline and a worldwide network of the best dealers in the business. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, we're here to help.

Let's start with selecting the proper fly rod.

If you're new to the sport of fly fishing, you've probably discovered there's a lot to learn. From reading holding water and understanding fish habitat, to learning your fly patterns and how to rig your equipment - there are a million details to consider.

So if you get frustrated, remember the infinite details that cause frustration to the beginner are the same details that offer the veteran fly fisher continual challenges and endless excitement. No matter how many years you've been fly fishing, there is always more to learn. So start simply and be patient, because there's a whole new underwater world that you can have a good time getting to know and traveling to discover.

How To Select A Rod

Sage believes that selecting the correct fly rod is the first step in having a satisfying fly fishing experience. They manufacture nine different series of rods, in a variety of rod models and sizes, for every fishing situation around the world. Here is a quick three-step procedure to help you determine which Sage rod is right for your fishing situation or casting preference.

STEP 1 To select the ideal line weight, determine the species you will be pursuing and the size and type of flies you will be using. Generally, the lighter line weights are for smaller flies and fish; the heavier line weights are for larger flies and fish.

At Sage, you can determine the rod model by using this handy decoder.

A. The "9" means that this rod will use a 9-weight fly line

B. The "90" means that the length of this rod is 9 feet, 0 inches

C. The "-4" means that this rod comes in 4 pieces so you can pack it small to

use for travel (if a rod model does not have a "-3, -4 or -5" suffix, that simply means that the rod comes in a 2-piece configuration)

D. The "TCX" is the rod family it belongs to.

STEP 2 Determine the type of rod action you prefer. Sage offers medium to ultra-fast action rods to suit many types of anglers.

STEP 3 The proper rod length is determined by the type and size of water you will be fishing. Generally, shorter rods are used on smaller spring creeks and streams. Longer rods are used on larger rivers, lakes and in saltwater locations.

Casting Tips

Here is a simple 5-step guide to assist you with the basics in fly casting. Use this mnemonic device to help you remember these important steps:

So Simple So Please Practice

Straight Line Relationship
Tracking the hand, wrist, forearm & shoulder in a straight line. Rod tip should travel in a straight line and in a single plane.

Stroke
Stroke length changes with the length of line being casted. The longer the cast, the longer the casting stroke.

Slack Line Kept to a Minimum
Maintain a tight or taunt line during the cast. A tight line means the fly moves when the tip moves. Keep rod tip down to start the cast.

Power
The smooth acceleration and stop of the rod provides energy to the cast. The amount of power is important: more power for long casts, wind, big flies; less power for more calm, lighter, shorter scenarios.

Pause
Allow the line to straighten before beginning the forward or backcast. Pause changes with the length of line. A longer pause is used for longer casts. Just watch the line to understand timing.

Casting Problems


		1. Wind Knot Cast By applying the power early in the forward or backward cast, you're sure to put several wind knots in your leader.



		2. Lose Your Hat Cast By not waiting for your backcast to straighten out, you're sure to take your hat off a few times (or perform self-ear piercing).



		3. Buck-Fifty Cast By overloading your rod, you're sure to snap off $1.50 flies time after time (this can get expensive).

Fly Fishing Lingo

Load

When a rod loads, it is capturing the energy of the casting stroke. When the rod unloads, it imparts this energy to the fly line resulting in the cast. It sounds really scientific, but it's actually very simple. Every rod is designed to load and unload at a particular place on the rod, depending on whether it's a faster or slower action rod. Since different rods have different actions, anglers need to adjust their casting stroke and application of power to maximize a rod's performance.

Tip cast

Tip casting means you back off the power of the rod and utilize the rod's tip to perform the cast. This generally requires a very fast-action rod, such as Sage's Z-Axis Series, and a crisp, compact casting stroke.

Line speed

Line speed is the key to casting performance. Line speed enables the angler to achieve superior distance, control and accuracy. High line speed also creates tight loops, which helps drive a fly through the wind. It is achieved through the loading and unloading of a fly rod. Sage pioneered the development of high line speed fly rods with the RP rods in the mid 80s and we recommend the Z-axis as our premier high line speed rod.

Rod Care Tips

Take extra care when stringing your rod. Thread a loop of fly line through the guides and tip top and pull the line and leader straight through without bending the rod.

Avoid placing or transporting your rod against metal or abrasive objects. Small nicks and scratches damage the graphite and lead to broken rods.

When using weighted or large flies, adjust to an open casting stroke. This allows the fly to pass over the tip or to the side of the rod (a fly hitting the rod can also damage the graphite).

Avoid severe rod angles when fighting and landing fish. Snagged flies should be broken off by pulling on the line with the rod tip pointed directly at the snag.

Periodically wax the ferrules (where the rod pieces separate) lightly with paraffin to ensure a firm fit and proper function.

Take the rod apart when you are done fishing to avoid stuck ferrules.
Completely air dry your rod and place it in a cloth bag and tube before storing. The rod tubes can trap moisture, which can swell reel seats and ruin the rod finish.

To protect the tip, it is best to bag your rod with the tip top and cork handle up.

Occasionally clean your rod with warm water and soap and completely dry.

To shine, apply furniture polish and don't forget to protect the rod when finished.