Sage — Local services in Bainbridge Island

These are/were the finest rods in the world. They have a rod the fits every fishing scenario. The rods combine precise functionality, beauty, and soul. The people at Sage (and I know many) are genuinely passionate about fly fishing, preserving wild fish resources, and are good people. I am always proud to fish Sage rods!

9/2024: Lowering my review to four stars because: they have been skimping on quality of components, in particular the reel seats (no more nickel silver hardware…like Winston still does), and the cork handles (not true flor grade…way too many filled in holes that eventually pop loose). Winston’s cork handles are of higher quality now. The price of Sage’s top rods, however, is still at a premium. Also, the cost of repair is now cost prohibitive to many people and causing many to jump ship. I have had multiple guides tell me this in the past year….and this will catch up to Sage because guides talk to clients and other guides about these things. Word spreads and reputations are won or lost this way. The low cost of repair used to be a main reason people would invest in a high end Sage rod, but now it feels like the warranty isn’t very good. It is nice that they still repair rods at all, but other manufacturers do as well. The days with good faith in repairing/replacing rods at a decent cost ($25 per section) and with no questions asked are gone with Sage. Sign of the times I guess, but Winston has held steady and true to it’s earned reputation and tradition and now surpasses Sage in both quality and warranty. Winston also matches on performance, so…..I think are starting to erode Sage’s market share on the high end rod market. We’ll see. That said, I am still a Sage fan, but I am starting to buy...

I really wouldn’t recommend this company unless you plan on not having a fly rod for six months to a year after it breaks which it will break no matter how much money you’ve paid. They are not the same company you’re not buying a product anymore you’re buying a brand, they have absorbed into one big incorporated company, Redington Sage Farb bank who the hell knows but they don’t care about you anymore. You’re not a customer you’re a purchaser which means you don’t matter. Once you’ve bought a product you’re just another chump who gave your money away. If you does, you might have to pay $50-$100 to have it fixed which will take up to six months or a year to get it back. Meaning you won’t have a rod for an entire season if you paid for the most expensive rod you’ll get it fixed for free but it will still take at least six months and that is if it’s determined it was, the rods fault. Meaning it was a point if you damage it on accident in the door of your car or you run it into a tree and snap it you to blame and they’re not going to fix it without a fee there is no more no questions asked warrant, it is all fine print red tape. Don’t believe me while you will the first time you rod breaks willingness to recommend...

To say I was a Sage fan would be a huge understatement, operative word being WAS (see pic). I am dumbfounded that the first rod that I have ever sent in (because I broke the tip fishing) was declined as it didn't qualify for their "lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmaship". Go fly a kite Sage, lesson learned. Posting this so you make a better choice than I did, if this is how they treat someone who has purchased this many rods then how do you think they are going to treat you? There won't be any more Sage rods in my boat. Lots more fish in the sea, fish named Orvis, Scott, and Winston. They all make great rods and have service that at least matches the...