Sage SALT R8 Fly Rod Review

The SALT R8 is a whole new kind of animal from SAGE in that it is truly easy to cast in close and at distance – for anglers of mixed skill levels. New technology in carbon fiber and resins has been used in the SALT R8 to deliver more accurate fiber placement and taper precision than previously possible. Sage saltwater fly rods have always been known for power, the new SALT R8 has more pulling power than its predecessor yet gives the angler the feel of more connectedness to the line and fly than any heavy-duty Sage rod in the past. Light in hand, incredible pulling power, and easy loading with an intuitive casting stroke make the SALT R8 one of the best choices out there today.

Sage SALT R8 890 and 990 Experience

I have fished the 890 and 990 extensively since Fall 2023 on several Redfish trips to the Louisiana coast. Myself - and everyone else that I fished with – was immediately impressed with how easy the rod is to load and deliver accurate cast on those in-close, quick shots that often are racked up as “missed opportunities” at the end of the day. Redfish often eat even when spooked and pushing away at high speed, the SALT R8 goes from in close to 60’ and then 80’ with minimal false-casting and again, intuitive ease. We put this to the test on many an occasion and came back rewarded more times than not on fish that seemed like they would also be “missed opportunities.” We put the rods to the test in terms of power and ease of casting – they lived up to the billing, surpassed my expectations, and earned more than one spot in my rod quiver.

Sage SALT R8 Fly Rod Details

In addition to the new graphite and resins – which is not to be minimized here as it is truly transformative – the SALT R8 is well finished with the premium components and attention to detail that American craftsmanship is renowned for. The Titanium Fuji K-Guide stripper guide is slightly angled forward for quicker line clearing when shooting stiffer core lines used in Tropical settings. The Anodized reel seat features an integrated hook holder and an etched line weight designation for quick identification. Oversized snake guides and tip-top round-out performance components intended to help these easy-casting rods clear the fly line quickly and cleanly.

All Sage rods are made on Bainbridge Island by skilled, American craftsmen. The Made in USA designation means attention to detail at every point of construction – from design to the final coat of epoxy on the thread wraps. Sage stands behind their commitment to quality with one of the best warranties and repair policies in the market today.