I took my newly built Sage XP for its first fishing trip when I went
fishing with Larry last night, and I couldn't have asked for a better
anointing.
I have mentioned that I always thought of the XP one of the sweetest
rods I have ever cast, and have dreamed for years of building one.
But just because a rod casts well doesn't necessarily mean it FISHES
well, and the XP is no exception.
The XP will be a wonderful lake rod or dry fly fishing rod, but as a
nymphing rod it was a bit of a disappointment. Even though it is a
very fast rod, it has a softer tip, and that soft tip made it more
difficult to keep in touch with my fly while nymphing, especially
when "high sticking".
Out of the dozen or so rods I have owned and fished, my favorite all
around river rod remains my Scott SAS (a discontinued model, I
think). It has wonderful tip sensitivity and of course works fine
as a dry fly rod as well.
I'm curious what the rest of you have to say about the fishing vs.
casting personality of your favorite rods, and what your favorite
brands are and why.
Tom Davenport
