Sage 599 vs. 699

[stevenj24k]

hi all - am considering one of these for a dedicated nymph indicator rig. big flies, shot, indos, etc. primary use will be wading larger rivers, like deschutes, lower sac, yuba, etc. have always used 6 weights for this kind of work in past, but not at this rod length. am wondering if anyone has real world experience with either and a reco. i'm leaning towards the 5 as i feel like a 699 would be more in line for a small steelhead nymph stick. thoughts?? thanks!!

[Rossflyguy]

I use a sage xp 10' 6wt for my dedicated nymph rod. I don't think it really matters with the weight cause I use a 7 wt line for better roll casts with bigger nymph rigs. I can roll cast about 40 to 50 feet with this set up. The 10' definitely make things easier to controll and for high sticking. I've also heard of people using a 5 wt switch rod with 7 wt line. Just my two cents.

[Jed Peters]

I use the 699 for my nymph stick. It's really got some backbone...I have caught steelhead to 15 pounds on it,

I use a 7wt rio nymph line on it...great stick.

I would choose the 599 as a less versatile stick, more for trout fishing only.

[OceanSunfish]

I've heard that the 99s are roll casting machines...... Therefore, has anyone tried the Ambush lines on the 99s?

[bigfly]

The 699, is my go-to nymph rod for clients on the Truckee. Will be getting another....
I run an 8wt Rio Steelhead taper on it to get maximum turnover with all the junk we throw.
Good for up to 4+ AB split shot.
Even do some snap-T with it.
Some clients that can't handle single hand thing, on my switch rod, love this setup.....
Roll cast across the river, and water load upstream to 60 ft.
About the only way you can pry my switch from hands (I like the 11ft reach), is to hand me a 699.
Serious fishing tool.

Jim

[Jed Peters]

I've heard that the 99s are roll casting machines...... Therefore, has anyone tried the Ambush lines on the 99s?

Yes, I have. I used a 7wt ambush on it with great success. Lots of fun swinging with a single hander.

[stevenj24k]

thanks for all the feedback. going with the 5-99, decided it was a better complement to the rest of the arsenal :)