The Sage Foundation Review You Need To Read Instead

With so many fly rod manufactures out there, its tough to blindly select a rod. Questions will roll around in your mind like: will it cast well?, is the fit and finish good? will it present dry flies and still cast a weighted streamer?

At this point I recommend two things, trial the rod first and go with a PROVEN brand.

Very few have manufactures have managed to produce a truly versatile fly rod. And even fewer companies can provide the kind of quality, versatility and warranty like the Sage Foundation Outfit (👈 link to Amazon). In this article, I’ll show you why you this kit is an exceptional value by including a balanced RIO fly line, matching Spectrum C Reel, Fly Rod and Case.

Product Description

This outfit screams value, the fly rod built in the USA by folks on Bainbridge Island, WA is individually handcrafted. These are the same folks that build rods costing a thousand dollars more. The Spectrum C line of reels is a proven winner with SCS Drag and tuned for the rod size and fish type.

RIO Gold fly line is a premium weight forward floating line that will cast with the big boy brands. With all of this MATCHED to provided a balance outfit that is going to cast like a dream without the experimenting with different lines and reels to get the right setup. Sage Foundation fly rod is a reliable fast action fly rod that that guarantees effortless control and exceptional casting power. (source)

The Sage Foundation is the first of its line, and so far, they have not introduced another rod to this product line.

Like all Sage products, the foundation outfit will deliver the exceptional sage feel that the company has perfected over the last three decades. Therefore, it promises to help you catch something every time you cast your line and even reel in your trophy catch without worrying about your rod breaking. Just like their other fly rod lines, their rods are built one part at a time and pass through 23 pairs of experienced hands. (source)

Guide Pro Tip: Wondering what size fly rod you should get? I’ve got you covered with this article. 👉 How to Select a Fly Rod (a complete guide)

How Does It Compare to Others?

Several top fly rod brands in the market can compete with the Safe foundation outfit, but one brand that has always stood out for me is the Orvis. After all, most top manufacturers have at least one versatile fly rod that can rival the Foundation outfit, but what stands out for me is the Orvis Clearwater fly rod.

Like the Sage Foundation, the Clearwater fly rod is only ideal for beginners, but you can find some experts with this rod as their spare outfit. Another thing that makes them similar is that they are both budget options that you can find within the same price range. They are both made of aluminum; therefore, you should expect them to serve you for a very long time. Plus, the fact that they are both fast-action fly rods is a bonus. 

What Do You Get When You Purchase the Sage Foundation Outfit?

Besides the Fly Rod, when you purchase this outfit, you also get a beautiful Fly Rod Tube, a matching Spectrum C Reel and a RIO Gold Fly Line. The rod tube has an integrated reel pouch that will keep your rod and reel protected.

Who Produces the Sage Foundation Fly Rods?

The Sage Foundation Outfit is produced under the brand Sage which Far Bank Enterprises own. Far Bank Enterprises Inc. has been manufacturing these fly rods for over 35 years. Their parent company owns several other brands, including Redington, Fly Water Travel, and RIO. Therefore, they have everything you will ever need for your next fly fishing trip under one company.

Guide Pro Tip: 4 Weight Rods are one of may favorites, but what can you catch with them? Let me help 👉 What is a 4 Weight Fly Rod Good For

Things I Love About the Sage Foundation Outfit

• Most versatile fly rod on the market
• Durable
• Affordable
• Comfortable grip
• It has an attractive finish

Cons

• Some anglers have complained that it is a tad heavy

Things To Consider When Purchasing a Fly Rod

As aforementioned, the Sage foundation is ideal for beginners and experienced anglers who love fly fishing under different conditions. It is the best option for folks looking for high-quality gear at a reasonable cost. But before you decide on purchasing this fly rod, here are a few things you have to consider:

Value

If you add up each of the components of this kit you’ll find you save over $110 versus getting the complete combo. If you want to check the current prices, here’s a shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Sage Foundation Fly Rod Combo

Item	Cost
Foundation Fly Rod 690-4	$435
Spectrum C 5/6 Fly Reel	$165
RIO Gold Premier Fly Line	$100
Fly Rod Tube	$70
Total for individual components	$760

Warranty

The tip of most fly rods is very delicate; therefore, they can easily break under pressure. And considering how much these gears cost, it’s always a good idea to be protected. Consequently, you must get a brand with a lifetime warranty. With a lifetime warranty, you can have your rod repaired, whether it was broken by a big catch or fell while being transported. (source)

Does It Come with A Protective Tube?

Fly rods are expensive and sensitive gear that can be easily damaged by a fall or while being transported. Therefore, you must purchase a fly rod with a protective tube instead of buying them separately.   

Length, Strength, And Flexibility

Depending on your casting style, fishing conditions, and type of fish you’re targeting, the rod’s flexibility, length, and strength. Therefore, make sure you pick the right size for your next rod, or you can add more than one fly rod to your fly fishing gear. (source)

The flexibility of the fly rod will affect your casting technique and make it almost impossible for you to land your fly at its intended position. Fortunately, the rod action is rated fast, medium-fast, medium, and fully flexible. Remember, the faster your fly rod is, the stiffer it will be, so you have to pick the right option per your experience level. (source)

Other Factors

Other than your budget, another critical factor you have to consider is the material used to make it. Fortunately, modern fly rods are made using a wide range of materials, but most high-end options use carbon fiber or graphite. On the other hand, most budget options are made from aluminum which is equally solid and reliable. (source)

What Weight Fly Rod is the Sage Foundation Outfit

Model	Line WT	Pcs / Length	Reel
Foundation 490-4	4 Weight	4 pcs / 9 foot	Spectrum C 3/4
Foundation 590-4	5 Weight	4 pcs / 9 foot	Spectrum C 5/6
Foundation 690-4	6 Weight	4 pcs / 9 foot	Spectrum C 5/6
Foundation 790-4 (Fighting Butt)	7 Weight	4 pcs / 9 foot	Spectrum C 7/8
Foundation 890-4 (Fighting Butt)	8 Weight	4 pcs / 9 foot	Spectrum C 7/8

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With so much to learn about fly rods let me help with these articles:

• Setting up a fly rod for the first time? – How to Setup a Fly Rod and Reel
• Looking to setup a child for fly fishing, read – Best Fly Rod for Kids
• What Weight Fly Rod for Bass – Guides you to catching bass with the right equipment
• Salmon, I broke a fly rod fishing for salmon. Read this – Best Fly Rod for Salmon

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Features And Benefits

As an introductory fly rod, the Sage foundation is a fantastic fly rod that hits most of the requirements for a reliable fly rod. And considering its price range, we were more surprised by its quality, design, and features; plus, the fact that it’s made in the United States is a bonus. After all, you can’t find such quality at that price range made in the United States.

Being a fast action fly, you should expect it to be quite stiff with a bit of flex on the tippet. Since it’s about 9 feet long, it can also serve you in many situations. Some of its key features include:

Fast Action

As aforementioned, this rod is one of my favorite quick-action rods on the planet; it is powerful and stiffer than most rods in its price range. It is one of the most powerful and accurate; plus, it can cast a wide range of flies. I have used it to accurately cast casting lines with streamers, indicator eggs, and large dry flies.

Its unique design and how it holds its own make it one of the most forgiving fly rods on the market. And that is because its sensitive tip makes it very easy to cast your dry fly to the right target. (source)

Guide Tip: Ever wonder what all those numbers mean on a fly rod? Let me help with this article. 👉 Understanding the Numbers on a Fly Rod

The Anodized Aluminum Reel Seat

Most brands include a cheap wooden reel seat that can break down with time or be unreliable when dealing with a huge catch. But that is not the case with Safe, as this rod comes with an anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat with an excellent gloss black finish. The anodized reel seat is durable and can be a great option for an introductory fly rod. (source)

Rod’s Blank

This rod has a strong black blank with silvery trim wraps, giving it strength. Its unique blank plays a vital role in its strength and casting capability. It also plays a significant role in the casting speed of the fly rod.

Cork Grip

Sage added a uniquely designed cork grip that provides both rear and foregrip to give you a reliable grip. So, you will never have to worry about it slipping off your hands when fighting an aggressive fish species. The cork grip is comfortable and can help cast different dry flies, wet flies, and even nymphs. (source) You can even fish with your bare hands and still not get blisters.

Sage Foundation Outfit Performance

Generally, the internet is populated with several product reviews on this product, but finding the right and detailed review can be quite challenging. Therefore, I had a thorough, and with my experience in the fly fishing industry, I managed to separate the fake from the true ones and even found some more positive reviews on this product.

From my research, I discovered that people love this brand, and as an introductory product, it is even loved by avid anglers. Its unique design and quick action make it the best option for many; its flexible tip allows you to accurately deliver your bait to the right spot. It is one of the most highly recommended fly rod brands in the United States that most anglers love.

My Experience with The Sage Foundation Rod

The first fly rod I ever owned and even used to perfect my fly fishing skills was the Piscifun Sword fly rod. It was a gift from my granddad, who taught me how to cast to small, less aggressive fish. It was the perfect option since I had not tried casting using any other fly rod, and my fishing partner was always my granddad.

I joined a few of my pals on a fly fishing weekend getaway to a river that dumps into Lake Michigan. Fishing for lake run fish is completely different game. What I quickly found out was that my rod didn’t cast as well, fisght as well – heck it was just way to light and didn’t have the backbone needed to chase big trout and salmon. A local guide agreed to loan me his Sage Foundation rod, which was love at first sight.

That day, I learned the difference between fast, medium, and slow action rods. And the Sage Foundation felt perfect in my hands, and I could accurately cast a long distance and manage an aggressive catch for the first time. When I got home, I purchased my current sage foundation rod, and I have never looked back. It is one of my fly fishing arsenal that has never failed me, even when saltwater fishing.

One More Cast with the Foundation Combo

Other than being costly, most fast-action rods tend to be more versatile, and in my case, the slow-action rods that I was using made it almost impossible to cast heavier nymph setups and streamers. Plus, the grip always left me with blisters, especially when I fished with no gloves. On top of that, most budget fly rods come with a plastic reel whose main function is holding the line.

But that is not an issue with the Sage Foundation outfit, as it is a highly durable fast-action rod that can ensure that you always deliver your fly to the right spot. It comes with a strong blank that guarantees fast casting speed, and thanks to its cork grip, you will never have to worry about slipping from your hands while casting or leaving you with blisters. So, instead of breaking the bank for a high-end rod, why don’t you try this mid-range fly rod that functions like a premium option?

Sources

1. Amazon contributors, Sage Fly Fishing Foundation, https://www.amazon.com/Sage-Fly-Fishing-Foundation-Rod/dp/B074D4Q5YB?th=1/ accessed August 19, 2022
2. Far Bank staff, https://farbank.com/pages/sage/ accessed August 19, 2022
3. Jim Auckley, an introduction to fly fishing, https://mdc.mo.gov/magazines/conservationist/2002-01/introduction-fly-fishing/ accessed August 19, 2022
4. National park service staff, gearing up for fishing, https://www.nps.gov/articles/gearing-up-for-fishing.htm/ accessed August 19, 2022
5. Wikipedia contributors Fly Fishing Tackle, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fly_fishing_tackle#Fly_rods/ accessed August 19, 2022
6. Ashland Flyshop, Sage Foundation Fly Rod Review – Ashland Fly Shop, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8WH3KBtpFI/ accessed August 19, 2022