How to Identify Sage Fly Rod Models

Sage fly rods are widely recognized as some of the finest rods made for catching a wide variety of fish species. There are six different series or classifications of fly rods made by Sage which cover finesse trout fishing to wide open salt water fishing. The series include the TCX, ZXL, Z-Axis, BASS, TXL, Xi2, VT2, Flight, and Launch. The price for these rods will range from $100 to $800 or more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Sage fly rod
Sage fly rod

Step 1

Locate the rod manufacturer's information on the rod blank near the handle. The Sage company provides a model number which, when deciphered, provides a buyer with information to make a rod choice.

Step 2

Break down the model number into separate but specific parts. A typical Sage fly rod model number may be 4100-4 Z-AXIS.

Step 3

Locate the first number, or pair of numbers, at the beginning of the model number. This will refer to the line number or line weight. In our example, 4 will be the line weight. Fly lines are classified by line weight ranging from 1 to 10. The weight of the line refers to the actual weight of the line and provides a reference for pairing the line to a particular rod.

Step 4

Refer to the next set of numbers to determine the length of the rod. Once again, using the example, 100 will refer to a length of 10'0" or ten feet and no inches.

Step 5

Reference the final number to determine the number of sections in which the rod may be broken down. Our example indicates the number 4 for the number of sections. Section number is important especially to traveling fishermen as they may require rods which may be more easily packed for travel.

Tips & Warnings

Other tips to identifying fly rods include the grip of the rod. Small and finely tapered grips may indicate trout or pan fish while a larger, and longer, two handed grip may indicate large game fish or even salt water fish species.

It is important to understand a manufacturer's coding of information placed on a rod. This information can be crucial to selecting the right rod as well as matching line and leader to the rod.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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