Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Sage Trout Spey vs Winston Micro Spey



Here is a very good article by Gorge Fly Shop comparing Sage Trout Spey vs Winston Micro Spey. For those intending to make the foray into the small switch rod arena (2wt - 4wt), this is a good read.

http://www.gorgeflyshops.blogspot.sg/2016/04/winston-microspey-vs-sage-trout-spey.html

8 comments:

  1. Rather inexperienced Trout Spey rod caster,,, the recommended lines are all over weight IMO.

    I have own all of the Sage Trout Spey rods and have cast the Winston rods with 4-5 different lines for each rod.

    Regards,
    FK

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    Replies
    1. Hi FK, I can't comment on his recommendation for the Winston Microspey since I have not cast them but I think the recommendation for Sage ONE 4wt (330gr) is OK although more on the heavy side of the grain window. I have personally use up to 350 grain Wulff Ambush line for my Sage ONE 4wt Switch and finds that the rod handles it very well. I typically use 350 grain for my saltwater flats fishing where I need to turn over Clousers and Crab fly. For trout fishing where you need not cast so far or carry such heavy fly, I agree that moving down the grain window may be prudent. I have even use 235 grain Ambush with this rod and it still fish well. It really depends on what you want to do with it.

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  2. Hi Yuen,

    Any chance have you fished or cast the One Trout spey 3110 and what's your thoughts? Do you think it is good for pond and light saltwater application (and cast those flies)? Thinking of getting a light spey rod and couldn't decide between the 3110 and 4116 ( which you have very much positive reviews). I already have a Z Axis 6110, which is a soft 6, more a five, with grain window 325-375gr.

    If I get the 4116 I m afraid of ending up with too very similar rod but I m not sure if the 3110 would be too soft for my intended uses. I fish in similar ponds and SW like yours in Macau and China.

    Thanks.

    Ben

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ben, I think Sage 4116 would be the lightest I will go with Saltwater...mainly because of wind. The 4116 is very versatile. I use it for pond and salt all the time. For saltwater, I pair it with 350 grain Ambush. For pond, I can go as light as 265 grain if I want to. I think 3110 would be more suitable for small river trout fishing or pond fishing for smaller fish. I have not got a chance to cast the 3110 yet.

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  3. Hi Yuen,

    Thanks for your quick reply. I think I ll get the 3110 and the 4116 would be too close to the Z Axis I currently have.

    As for line choice what would be your pick? Rio suggest the 275gr Skagit Trout Max which is 11' only. Do you think this is too short for our pond fishing environment? (Standing on the bank, not wading)

    I am interested to try integrated lines as well, thinking the Wulff Ambush or Rio Switch Chucker. I have a 6wt Rio Single hand spey line already. For the Ambush line do you follow the "3 bump rule" or the grain weight? I checked the 6wt is 235gr and the 7wt is 265gr (which is closer to Rio's suggested 275gr).

    Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ben, 11' Trout Max is good when you are standing in the water but if you are standing on the bank, I think you are better off with a longer head like Wulff Ambush or Switch Chucker. Since D loop space can be very limited when you stand on banks, I suggest you go with 265 grain Ambush.

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  4. Thanks Yuen. I might try the Ambush or Switch Chucker. Could these two lines handle light MOW tips or they could only be fished with poly/Versi leader?

    I am also interested in the Scandi Short Versitip but the lowest available wt is 4wt (270gr). Do u think it would be too heavy for my 3110? I know the 270gr=4wt is Scandi rating but as its more a "Scandit" line so 270gr seems OK if this rod could cast the 275gr Skagit line?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ben, Light MOW tips are ~T8 (8 grains per foot) density. You should be able to handle them with 265 grain Ambush.
      The Scandi line recommendation by RIO for 3110 is 240-270 grains. So you should be OK. Note that the 270 grain for the Scandishort Versitip is spread over 33' instead of 20'. So even thought the line weight seems heavy but it is less condensed.

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