I had been searching for the ultimate ‘wild fishery’ stillwater fly rod for quite some time, with many hours spent pre-season mulling over the choices and then trying out a wide variety of rods, which can be found here on our rod racks at Garry Evans.
My requirement was for a 10 foot 6 weight rod with a mix of power and finesse, to tackle upland waters from 5 acres to 100 acres, with enough ‘umph’ to beat the wind, yet while retaining a forgiving action for relaxed casting and fish playing ability. Not a lot to ask for, right?
It was more difficult than I thought. Often a lot of 6 weight rods were simply too powerful - more like 7’s, or not quite there in terms of action. Two rods did nearly come close, the new Vision OnkII and Stillmaniac 2, which were both delightful rods to be fair.
I have always liked Sage rods though, being the owner of a treasured SLT, from an age when most Sage rods were not as ‘fast’.
I had heard great things about the R8 - it wasn't just a poker for long distance, but had a lot of feel. Sounded just right, although after trying the lovely 10 #6 R8 I felt it would really benefit from being lined up, so I took a gamble on ordering in a 10 Foot #5 R8, which I intended to in effect, use as a 6 weight.
I have now owned and fished with the rod since April of this year, having given it a good thrashing on a number of wild trout stillwaters for the intended purpose, on the bank, boat and float tube. So here are my findings!
Firstly, on a cosmetic level, the rod is simply stunning. It just oozes quality with every detail, from the outstanding cork handle of a perfect thickness, to the whippings and varnish. The reel seat is clean and functional, with the ‘silver pine’ colour scheme of the rod being as classy as it gets. The gloss white tube is also a nice touch.
As far as casting with it goes, wow! It was a revelation. I was correct in my assumption that a 10’ #5 R8 would take a standard weight #6 perfectly, in this case an Airflo Ridge 2.0 Universal Taper.
Lining up brings the rod into ‘full life’ - it flexes perfectly, creating tight controlled loops, yet at the same time being forgiving, allowing you to correct any error in the cast with ease. It is a relaxing, smooth rod to cast with, with bags of power still on tap, should you need it - and yes that is with a #6 line!
Another great fly line choice for this rod would be the Rio Gold XP in Elite or Premier, which in a 5 weight is actually half a rating up, so will also bring out the best in an R8.
Now for fishing with the rod - it is a delight, full of feel, pleasant to use, no arm fatigue, roll casts effortlessly and flexes ‘just right’ when you are picking up into a cast, or lifting into a fish. It also copes well even in strong, gusty head winds. It handles all sorts of flies, from small wets, dries to bigger lures with 4mm beads, with a floater and an intermediate. I don't expect it would take a heavy Di line too well though, but that's not what I bought it for.
I really do think it is the best fly rod I've ever owned, a treasured possession, something you can be proud to own. It keeps on surprising me in subtle ways, just a joy to use.
Sage has really produced an ultimate ‘fishing rod’ here and in my view it is worth the money.
I will leave you with some images from a recent fishing trip with the R8 10’ #5, which beautifully handled good numbers of cracking Welsh hill lake brown trout, with a couple reaching 3lb, along with some bruiser rainbows too, which the rod took fully in its stride.
After using the rod often this season I don't think anything else can come close to an R8 - it's the nuances and responsiveness of the rod that will give you an inner smile, each time you put it into play. It is a classic in the making and simply put, I love it.
You can purchase an R8 fly rod from our website, or why not call or email us, if you have any questions, or would like to talk about a best price.
02920 619828
sales@garryevans.co.uk
Words and Images: Ceri Thomas