The Salt R8 is Sage's saltwater rod, built on the Revolution 8 blank with saltwater-specific tapers. Sage claims 25% more strength per weight than the previous generation, and — more useful day to day — they moved the sweet spot closer to the hand, so the quick 30-foot shot at a tailing fish loads instantly instead of needing two false casts you do not have time for.
Handcrafted on Bainbridge Island, Washington. We stock the complete Salt R8 lineup, all nine models, 6 weight through 15.
Full lineup
| Model | Line | Length | Pieces | Weight | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 690-4 | 6 wt | 9' 0" | 4 | 3⅝ oz | Slim full-wells, EVA fighting butt |
| 790-4 | 7 wt | 9' 0" | 4 | 3¹³⁄₁₆ oz | Slim full-wells, EVA fighting butt |
| 890-4 | 8 wt | 9' 0" | 4 | 4 oz | Full-wells, EVA fighting butt |
| 990-4 | 9 wt | 9' 0" | 4 | 4⅛ oz | Full-wells, EVA fighting butt |
| 1090-4 | 10 wt | 9' 0" | 4 | 4½ oz | Full-wells, EVA fighting butt |
| 1190-4 | 11 wt | 9' 0" | 4 | 5 oz | Full-wells, EVA fighting butt |
| 1290-4 | 12 wt | 9' 0" | 4 | 5⅛ oz | Full-wells, EVA fighting butt |
| 1290-4FG | 12 wt | 9' 0" | 4 | 5⁵⁄₁₆ oz | Extended full-wells fighting grip |
| 1586-4 | 15 wt | 8' 6" | 4 | 7⅛ oz | Extended full-wells, extended EVA butt |
All four-piece. Current pricing is on the selector above.
Picking one
- First saltwater rod? The 890-4. Bonefish, redfish, schoolie stripers, baby tarpon — the 8 weight is the answer until you have a specific reason otherwise.
- Permit and windy flats? The 990-4 or 1090-4 — same casting stroke, more authority in wind.
- Tarpon? The 1190-4 or 1290-4. The FG version adds an extended fighting grip for long fights on big fish.
- Bluewater? The 1586-4 is a lifting tool for tuna and billfish — short, brutally strong, and not a casting rod in any normal sense.
- The 6 and 7 weights are also superb heavy freshwater rods — big streamers, pike, carp — with corrosion-proof hardware as a bonus.
Technology and components
- Blank: Revolution 8 with saltwater tapers — sweet spot moved closer to the hand for quick short shots
- Guides: titanium Fuji K-Series ceramic strippers — corrosion-resistant and tangle-free — with oversized hard-chrome snakes that pass big knots and loop-to-loops
- Reel seat: heavy-duty anodized aluminum uplocking, oversized locking rings, hidden hook keeper
- Grip: premium Flor grade cork
- Finish: Tempest Blue blank, slate wraps
- Included: aluminum tube with Sage medallion, black bag with quick-tie cord lock
Warranty: Sage lifetime original-owner warranty against defects — worth having on a rod that lives around salt.
Booking a trip? Come cast the size you are considering and we will line it correctly before you fly. Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.