[shadfreak]

Tinman I have the same problem with some 9 wts especially fast action rods. I now use an 8 wt penn international 95% of the time. It works great for me and my arm doesn't take a pounding. I have a lamiglass 9wt that is a medium action that fishes nicely without arm discomfort. If you want to stay with a nine try a slower rod otherwise go eight all the way.
shadfreak

 

[TinMan]

Great, thanks for the feedback. One thing I've been considering is an 8wt, but still using my 9wt line (on a Teton Tioga). I'm considering a Sage RPLXi 8wt 3-pc, has anyone fished this setup? I currently have two spools, one with Cortland 444 325 QD and the other with Cortland Intermediate. I'm sure the intermediate 9wt line will load the Sage nicely, but will the QD be too much? Should I worry? I can always just get another spool loaded with 8wt QD, but wanted to know going into this.

Thanks!

 

[grego]

I just ordered a Redington Wayfarer 8-wgt, 5-piece. I casted it at the Wilmington show & really liked it. I wanted it for Schoolies & Travel (bonefish, etc.), but could not justify the cost of another rod at that time. However, after racking-up 85 Cabela's bucks, it seemed like a "no-Brainer."

 

[striblue]

Mike, I have the RPLXi 8 wt. and it's a sweet rod... handles anything... well almost anything. Smooth cast ,stiff but has some decent flex and I use a 350 grain sinker. Bueatiful rod as far as the construction also.Landed a 38 incher last year... no problem, it had the stoping power.

 

[TinMan]

striblue (06-09-2001 04:45 p.m.):
Mike, I have the RPLXi 8 wt. and it's a sweet rod... handles anything... well almost anything. Smooth cast ,stiff but has some decent flex and I use a 350 grain sinker. Bueatiful rod as far as the construction also.Landed a 38 incher last year... no problem, it had the stoping power.

Thanks for the feedback guys, I'll probably go with the Sage 3pc. Only thing is I'm somewhat hooked on Redington's warranty and policy of being able to return a rod at place of purchase in case of breakage. I'm guessing I shouldn't worry about that so much given Sage's reputation?

 

[tomd]

Tinman, I've heard that sage sent fedex, a replacement to someone that broke their rod before a trip. if you're worried about such, call and ask. I think the Powells have an excellent warranty as well. contact Ed at [email protected] for details on it, and come to the demo! Tom D

 

[bill]

Sage is great when it comes to replacing broken rods - just mail it in and you get it fixed/replaced.

When considering an 8wt vs. 9wt for its impact on your arm, i would suggest taking the weight of the rod itself into the equation. Sages are very light, and I believe that my Sage 990 rplx is probably easier on the arm than a lot of heavier 8wts out there.

I appreciate its ability to toss big flys when i want to, and i'm told that a beefier rod is a good thing if you ever find yourself fishing from a boat. Also, it's nice to be able to put the brakes on big ones quickly, before they get so wiped it's like pulling in like a wet rug. Not that you can't put the brakes on fast with an 8wt, just easier with a 9wt, IMHO.

bill