Sage TCX 691-4 for Steelhead

[Pimpinmeat]

I have not thrown a TCX yet but I like a the faster rods myself. I'm not a newbie but my question is...."Is this to much rod for steelhead?". Right now I throw a 7wt 9'6" XP, which I love but I want to add 6wt for bigger trout and smaller steelhead. This will also be double duty rod that see's some time in the surf chasing perch and corbina. I'm looking at a few different rods, Z-axis(I have the 5wt), Xi2, TCX, , VXP and the 99. What I'm worried about is some of these rods might be to stiff for trout and steelhead. Any opinions would be great.

[Mike R]

This might be the first time someone has asked if a rod is too much for steelhead. Usually, someone wants to use their 4wt for steelhead and isn't sure if it is "enough" (it's not btw).

That being said, you should be fine. Go with a 9'6" though, the extra length really helps with nymphing (which you do most of the time for steelhead). Any of the rods you mentioned would be great? Find which one works well for you and go fish it.

Mike

[easymends]

Picked up a Sage 699 a few months back, really loving the rod more and more I use it. The added length makes for great stack mending from a boat and getting great drifts, but also plenty of power and length to swing with single hand spey casts. It really flies with a 7 WT Rio Versitip. The best floating line for it I have found is the 7 WT Rio Salmon Steelhead taper.

[aaron]

If you are fishing from a boat a little bit longer rod might be in order. The VXP in a 696 is pretty damn nice stick.

[HOG-ON]

I have not thrown a TCX yet but I like a the faster rods myself. I'm not a newbie but my question is...."Is this to much rod for steelhead?". Right now I throw a 7wt 9'6" XP, which I love but I want to add 6wt for bigger trout and smaller steelhead. This will also be double duty rod that see's some time in the surf chasing perch and corbina. I'm looking at a few different rods, Z-axis(I have the 5wt), Xi2, TCX, , VXP and the 99. What I'm worried about is some of these rods might be to stiff for trout and steelhead. Any opinions would be great.


Check your home email

[AbelBoy]

If you like a super fast rod, the 691-4 TCX could be the rod for you. It would make a great fit as a streamer or heavy line rod.

For myself, the TCX is too fast. I use a 691-4 Z-Axis instead as my heavy trout/light steelhead and shad single hander. I mostly line it up with sink tip lines ranging from 175 to 250 grains. I occassionally use it with a WF7F Sage Performance Taper floating line. Last summer during a three week span, it was my main stick on the Yuba when the trout were gobbling up size 6 Fat Alberts off the top.

AB