Straight from Bainbridge Island the new Sage One arrived at the shop today. After having a chance to test cast a few last week i was impressed with how well the rod tracked through the casting stroke. Most of the newer lighter rods tend to wobble or bend causing shock waves and sloppy casts while the new Sage one stayed true and on target. I also like the way sage has gone with the grips on not only this rod but all there new rods, they are just more comfortable than any other grips right now. Aesthetically the rod is very pretty to look at resembling the more traditional sage blanks from back in the day. A couple of downsides for this rod however in my opinion, and you all know i like to tell it how it is. First off is cost, ranging from $715-$745 this rod is not going to be for everybody but that is what it is. Secondly the Sage One may come with the most hideous rod tube i have ever seen, it's bad. However you don't cast the rod tube and for my money sage rods are the best across the board from top to bottom. Overall i would give this rod a 9 out of 10 which for me is a pretty high score. With this new rod and the VXP line introduced earlier in the year if you are looking for a mid range to high end rod sage has the best of both worlds.
Avenger: Deadly Fall Swinging Pattern

After fishing different versions of this fly the past few Falls i decided this was a winner and worth sharing. The inspiration or thinking behind this fly came about when looking through my box of hardware i used to cast from the shoreline, marinas, and lower rivers in September and October for steelhead way back when. What i noticed was lots of bright flashy spoons, spinners, and plugs in mainly chartruese, blues, and silvers. Lightbulb, tie a fly that emulates these other lures and colors that worked so well. Guess what???? It works.

The fly tying sections is being restocked and we have a great supply of Lady Amherst and Rhea feathers for only $8 for your intuder style patterns.

Not a great pic but coming in next week we will have the new intruder shanks that have just come out from the fellows at Fish Skull. Great shanks for articulated and extended hook patterns.