New Scott Session Review - by Jim Bartschi

The new Scott Session Fly Rod is here and ready to be picked up from your nearest dealer. Of course, with fly fishing, it's hard to know exactly what a rod feels like until you try it yourself. If you haven't had a chance to do that, then here's the next best thing. Getting the full rundown from the man who designed it, Jim Bartschi, President of Scott Fly Rods...well, that just has to be perfect.
Check out the Scott Session here: bit.ly/ScottSession
Find it at your local Manic Dealer here: bit.ly/Manic-Dealers
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[@rhonda837]

At last, a new rod that is not a thousand or more dollars! thank you SCOTT.

[@ManicTackle]

Yeah, its got some great elements...and it's definitely not just a budget version of a great rod, it's got componentry that would match top priced rods that other companies put out.

[@trevorsmart844]

I own the 904 and 905 Session and have the 907 on order. These fly rods could easily have been Scott's flagship series. I have extensive experience with the Centric series, and I must say, for me, I much prefer the 905 Session to the 905 Centric. In 904, I'd say the centric and session are a tie for me (the centric being a little more well-rounded, while the session has a touch more feel when throwing dries). Good call on the double locking rings. My one gripe with Centric is the single ring comes loose way too easily.

[@ManicTackle]

- thanks - again, great analysis is always appreciated

[@Dream-season]

Stunning rod!

[@ManicTackle]

Could not agree more :)

[@samspell1]

I purchased the 9'5wt and paired it with a green Galvan T5 and Rio gold. Looks fantastic!

[@ManicTackle]

How's the new rod treating you?

[@barry4fish19]

The 803 has the same action as the A4 in the 803 did, stiffer tip and more flex in the butt, great for transmitting vibration to your hand when playing fish. Because of that action profile, It also has a hesitation in the forward cast that helps with timing for inexperienced casters. I have not tried the other models. But the Session has lighter snake guides than the A4 did and it really makes it better.

[@ManicTackle]

Excellent analysis - thank you!!

[@trevorsmart844]

Curious how similar it is to the 803 S4. 803 s4 has the exact action you’re describing. I’ve owned or cast just about all of Scott’s offerings in the past few generations but only recently happened upon an 803 s4, and the taper is like nothing else I’ve ever cast. If anything, it’s reminiscent of some of Paul Young’s parabolic bamboo tapers.

[@barry4fish19]

@@trevorsmart844 I know what you mean, I have the S4 in both the 803 and 804. All great rods, it will be difficult one day to part with them. I also have the S4 in the 903, which I think is one of the best 9 ft 3 weights that Scott ever made.

[@trevorsmart844]

@@barry4fish19 I'll have to search out the 903 S4. For me, I have an idea of what a 903 could be, but I've never seen it fully realized. Every 903 I've owned has fallen short of my expectations. I've seen some that were good, but none that were great. Once you step up to a 904, the world is your oyster. There are so many 9ft 4wt rods that are dialed into perfection. I would love to see Mr. Bartschi's take on 903 in the vein of Radian/Centric/Session.

[@ManicTackle]

@@trevorsmart844 - good chat lads, most appreciated and in depth analysis. Scott definitely have a history of making some great models - and always looking to improve too :)

[@williambyington4864]

I just purchased the 4 wt Session and love the rod. But the dyed green wood could be overkill.

[@ManicTackle]

How's the rod going for you?

[@rhonda837]

COOL!

[@ManicTackle]

It sure is!

[@casperd6388]

How is it compared to Scott wave

[@ManicTackle]

Well...simply, the Wave is for salt and the Session is for fresh. But...there's no reason why you can't use a 6wt or even 8wt Wave in the fresh. The Wave is stiffer than the Session, it will really punch line out there and give you lots of power. The Session though, will still do that, but has more feel to it. The componentry on both is all high end, though the Wave is going to fair better in the salt ie - not rusting.