Re: Rod for SRC in Salt

[The Coles]

My son has an RPL 690-4 that I built for him and since he isn't around (attending school back east) I don't get jealous as often of his rod ;-)  Sage offers the VPS series now which is comparable to the RPL, from what I understand - in fact it is the same taper.  Does anybody use the VPS 690-4 and care to comment on it's performance throwing saltwater flies? ----- Original Message ----- From: Tim Harris To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 8:41 PM Subject: RE: Rod for SRC in Salt It is the 9� 6-weight Sage.  Sage made an old RPL, an RPL+, then an RPLXi.  There could even be some more variations in there.  In general they are a fast action rod.  The RPLXi is a �saltwater� series, and I think they older RPL or RPL+ was basically a saltwater rod in higher line weights and a freshwater rod in lighter lines.  They are all pretty good rods, I have the bulk of the RPLXi series from 6-12 weight along with a 590 RPL that I use when floating trout rivers.   The one thing I�ll say about all these rods is overload them.  I throw one weight above what they recommend because otherwise they are hard to load up until you get a LOT of line out.     Tim   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mark Steudel Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 6:23 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: Rod for SRC in Salt   Is the rpl 690 a 6wt 9 ft type rod? Seems like a lot of people have this rod? Fast, medium action?     -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Hamilton Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 5:11 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Rod for SRC in Salt   I was using a sage 690 rpl+ til I did something with it? not sure what- been using a 690 rpl for all my saltwater beach fishing for the past 3+ years for src, silvers & even the odd chum.  My favorite reel is the ross canyon wide arbor reel.  I dearly love the wulf triangle taper lines- they seem to cast about 10' farther than the rest, for me anyway.  I use poppers etc. & have no problem throwing them. ----- Original Message ----- From: The Coles To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 11:11 AM Subject: Rod for SRC in Salt   One of my winter projects is to build an affordable yet well designed fly rod that is specifically for fishing cutthroat in the salt.  I just read the section in Les Johnson's new book to get his take on the subject and Les lays out a very practical description for what is needed, particularly with respect to componentry (aluminum or graphite reel seats, salt resistant guideset, and thorough epoxy to seal the guide feet from saltwater intrusion).    I am looking for input from other list members on what their favorite SRC saltwater set up is and why?  So far I am leaning towards a two piece moderately fast action rod 8'8" to 9'6" in length There are lots of candidates for all metal and graphite reel seats that would fit the bill - Struble, REC, T&T, PacBay, Bellinger, et al all offer quality aluminum (and titanium) seats specifically for saltwater use, with prices ranging from $15 - $140 for a seat.  I haven't been able to find an objective review comparing the performance qualities of reel seats, though (does such a thing exist?).  The other design question is whether the "ideal" SRC-in-salt rod would have a fighting butt.  Guides seem easy enough to make decisions about as I'd think that any stainless steel with either black chrome or titanium nitrate finishes would do an adequate job.  What style of grip?  I fish alot with a Scott SAS 906/5 that has a "western" style grip but I am thinking that full wells might be the way to go.  Any insights on grip styles?   That's it for now...  look forward to hearing from you all on my topic   Steve Cole