Has anyone fished with the Sage Bass Rods?

Yes, they're good, but have been designed specifically for one reason, the Bass pro comps in the USA and their restictive rules, I wouldn't buy one to use in the UK.

It was good though, felt odd for a heavy rod as it was so short.

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http://www.flyfishinglessons.co.uk
http://www.aapgai.co.uk

Exactly right. Specialized rods built only to get around BASS rule restrictions that limit the length of any rod used in a tournament to <8 feet.

Completely the wrong way to go for the non-tournament fly angler looking for a good bass rod.

Grouse

The one I tried was the Bass Large Mouth Fly Rod 330gr 7' 11". It was a very windy day and that rod was throwing that line like a canon ball. Well matched rod and line with the type of flies one will be using it for if you want to fish tournaments in the US.

I like the sound of them and their actions as I have to wonder if they'd excel at small river pike fishing. Actually wish I could test one out sometime, think it'd work wonders on overgrown streams

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ugly casts catch fish too
http://nadder-diary.net

It would be a nightmare on overgrown streams, no length of rod to manage the line and keep it away from bankside vegetation, unless you're in the river then you're deep, with a big fly falling out of the sky on a short rod, so very short casts, and you can't work the fly very well with the rod so it'll all be hand work to get the lure moving.

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http://www.flyfishinglessons.co.uk
http://www.aapgai.co.uk

This thing will chuck one hell of a big fly/Bass Popper with authority, but unless you want to 'shell out' for a single purpose rod ...... questionable purchase.

fae

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"The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a
living are now outnumbered by those who vote for a living." -- Anonymous

These short rods are meant for throwing stuff under overhanging branches, usually from a boat. Tight, fast casts with a low trajectory - more difficult with a longer rod.
Winston once produced a "Bass rod", a BL5 and 8'3", so only 4" shorter than this model, and specifically designed for that task above.

bingo.

under trees, not much room for backcast, in river. Like the idea of a short rod that loads incredibly quickly and just throws the fly into a hole. Presentation not required.

Not suggesting im about to spend $350 to try it out, but I think there could be something there for tight quarters piking.

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ugly casts catch fish too
http://nadder-diary.net

I think I'll stick toa 9' rod.