Holy Cow, Sage rods are back!

Huh, what do you mean?

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I mean, for years the Sage salmon and steelhead were out of production; no where to be found except in Canada.
They only make and sell fly blanks and rods.
Now the salmon/steelhead spinning and casting blanks are coming back.
You got to fish a Sage to really know one.

Great avatar Peter!

I'd love to try a new sage baitcaster rod. Any demo's available for us locals?

I posted this info right after I visited my favorite Angler's Workshop site.
One of them 12 footers will be my project for next year.
Their prices are a bit high, but what the heck.
A good hand made rod will last several generations.
An advice for all custom enthusiests, choose your seat and corks really well because the rod will not look the same if you ever have to rework them.

The last rod I built was with a Sage, GIISH2106 6LLB many moons ago. Sweet rod, especially after fishing a Fenwick 12' early production graphite battle axe, one of my earlier creations.

As far as I know sage is still on Braindead (bainbridge) Island, its been there for years.

I still say you can not beat a TH Custom Sage GSH II 290! Nicest rod I own, hands down.

Great all around steelhead rod.

Not as sensitive as an IMX 1025 or a IMX 1084, but much better and nicer guides, reel seat, and craftsmanship.

Too bad you don't get what you pay for in an IMX these days. Why they don't put high-end guides and reel seats on the IMX line of rods is beyond me......

Oh yeah, because the IMX keeps breaking all the time, that's why!

Hey Parker,
If they put high quality guides, seat, and cork, it would cost in the range of $300-$400.
How many beginners and average fishermen will put out this much of money?
Heck beginners wouldn't be able to appreciate a quality rod from an ugly stick any way.

Retail, the IMX's ALREADY sell in the $300 to $400 range. Not too sure what you mean in your first sentence. As is, you have to spend $300+ for a high end piece of brittle graphite with crapola for guides and a non-exposed reel seat.

Beginners won't be buying an IMX.

Well, someone (including me) are buying these crap-ola IMX's. Just would be nice that if I had to spend $300+ on a fishing rod, I'd get the highest quality guides and reel seats.

I didn't pay retail for my IMX's, so I don't feel too bad.

I did pay close to full retail for my Sage, and it was worth every penny - high end parts and all.

All I'm saying is that if you are going to make a high-end graphite rod, you might as well put some good, high-end parts on it.

I guess I was also saying that someone should really consider a custom Sage over the IMX.....if you are gonna be spending that kind of money.

I have not seen a complete factory rod out of sage, so I have no idea on what components they are putting on their rods. Like Loomis, I would disppointed if the factory GSH II 290 came with crappy guides and reel seats.

I got you Parker.
I'll tell you what, how about a set of Fuji's Titanium Gold Cermet guides, the highest quality cork, and Fuji's Palm Reel Seats?
Lets not forget about the worksmanship of 3 coats of epoxy and cork seal.
You like?
Well, I do.
Why? Because I am stupid, I absolutely reckless with my money, and it feels so good to hold a weapon of my choice battling slimmy, stinky fish.

Any way, just build your own weapons.
It is very easy and fun.