Author Topic: Sage ESN 4wt, any experience? (Read 1293 times)

Pascal Moreau · « **on:** September 05, 2011, 11:00:36 PM »

I was wondering if there are any reviews or experience with the Sage ESN 4 wt
many thanks !

Pascal

Aaron Laing · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2011, 01:10:19 PM »

No personal experience, but I was speaking with an acquaintance about it the other day and his verdict was that he really didn't feel it was a true euro-nymphing rod. A bit tippy but really fast.

I gave it a wiggle and was a bit underwhelmed at the feel and flex. I'm sure others will give you a better overview (and offer more informed opinions).

If you're thinking about spending that kind of coin I think you'll find a range of good options out there (I've got a soft spot for the GLoomis CZN, but I'm biased because I loved their original GLX 10' 3wt).

Aaron

Bill Strickland · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2011, 01:55:13 PM »

I have been fishing the ESN 3wt for about three weeks now and am pretty happy with its performance. Coming off the 4wt Z axis i have noticed several positives with the ESN.

#1 it's a lot lighter rod and doesn't tire my shoulder as fast especially if you have the appropriate reel size on the rod. Given the difference between the 4wt and the 3wt, its still lighter technology that a 3wt Z axis.

#2 the rod is a bit softer than my Z axis and transfers the weight of the fish and the hook set more thoughout the rod and has allowed me to be a little tougher with smaller tippet sizes all the way down to 7X. Both rods ( Z axis & ESN ) are more of a tip flex then some of the other EURO rods but it seams much more balanced than those Grey's hardy rods or the echo rods. I also like a faster rod for longer dry fly fishing and or fishing a single fly with a curly on bigger water.

#3 handles big fish very well for a 3wt. I am on the Davidson River a lot and it is known for big fish in smaller water. Very happy with how it has handled them. I guess i am fortunate to have a pro deal with Sage so financially the cost is a bit more skewed for me when making that kind of investment in your gear.

John Killinger · « **Reply #3 on:** September 06, 2011, 05:53:20 PM »

are the big fish you are referring to right by the hatchery?

Alain Barthelemy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2011, 06:19:44 PM »

There is a detailed review here:

http://info.bluequillangler.com/blog/bid/67416/Sage-ESN-European-Style-Nymph-Rod-Field-Test

- Alain

Bill Strickland · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2011, 07:10:42 PM »

John there are plenty of big fish around the hatchery itself as this stretch is the most publicized because of the amount of large fish that hold in such shallow water but the whole 13 miles or so of the river holds very large wild browns and rainbows........wild being natural reproduced in the river. Some of the biggest fish i have ever seen or that i have seen caught have actually been on the main Davidson below Looking Glass Creek which is about 2 to 3 river miles below the hatchery you speak of. According to most publications the Davidson hold more fish per mile than any other river in the state of North Carolina.

John Killinger · « **Reply #6 on:** September 06, 2011, 07:18:18 PM »

I fished it last year and didn't catch any big fish, did have a nice one on and lost it. Did catch fish every day and caught some from the Looking glass. The river was very low and clear, love that river, it's beautiful. Can't wait to go back.

Pascal Moreau · « **Reply #7 on:** September 07, 2011, 08:27:30 PM »

Bill,

What line are using for the ESN 3wt ?

Bill Strickland · « **Reply #8 on:** September 08, 2011, 09:31:40 AM »

SA GPX 3WF

William Kavanagh · « **Reply #9 on:** September 28, 2011, 07:44:11 AM »

I'm getting a blank in soon ,my friend is building the rod cant wait! 10' -4

Bob Lux · « **Reply #10 on:** September 28, 2011, 10:12:29 AM »

Bill,
How are you fishing a long rod on the D? I always find myself using the 7' 6" 5wt because of the cover around the river.

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #11 on:** September 28, 2011, 04:14:44 PM »

Here's a link to my review on the ENS fly rod: http://troutlegend.com/forum/fips-mouche-gear-talk/my-review-on-sage's-ens-fly-rod-for-european-nymphing/msg20107/?topicseen#new

Bill Strickland · « **Reply #12 on:** September 28, 2011, 11:00:44 PM »

Bob it has been a dream for me on the D. I stay low and the extra length allows me to get a much better drift on those spooky fish. You just have to be more mindful of where you want to present your flies and get a good angle from either side of the river.