Sage Dart Fly Rod Review | Rio Creek Was MADE For This Rod (Rod & Line Review)

[@jaspervos4345]

1:55... always stay sharp!!!

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Never let your guard down on the trout stream!

[@FlyFishingChronicles]

I love my 4WT Dart! In my opinion super versatile. I can fish nymphing rigs on it, dries and even streamers. I also use the creek line. Reel is a Hardy Light weight L.R.H. Dream combo!

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Very fun setup!

[@axelg4263]

Why it's better than the trout ll ? I prefer medium action for small stream.

[@bluelineangler8450]

The 7’6” 2wt is by far the best small stream rod I’ve ever fished. Paired with the Rio creek line it just can’t be beat. That being said, I’m not a fan of sage’s customer service recently, but they hit it out of the park with this combo.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Great combo, for sure.

[@franklandis5528]

If the rod is a three weight, and they design a line that is a full size heavy specifically for the rod, why not call it a four weight?

[@ibookje]

Exactly! This happens more often than not since the fast action rods became dominant

[@kingsleyzissou2356]

I have the 7’6” 2wt and 6’6” 3wt and love them both! I fish them mostly for brookies in the Shenandoah National Park and they are the perfect tools for the job. Neither of them feel overly fast to me (especially with the creek line) and surprisingly do not over power small fish while fighting. I haven’t had an issue with the taper spooking fish, although I guess it is possible.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Solid rods for Blue Ridge brookies

[@paulallen7651]

You can buy a really nice old bamboo rod, fit it with a used Hardy or medalist and a cortland dt for less money than this outfit and it will do the job properly.

[@Kgib338]

I’ve been fishing this set up for a couple years. I really like it. It’s a small water wonder.

[@Kgib338]

I’ll add primarily on in the Wisconsin driftless areas

[@Tridentflyfishing]

@@Kgib338 Jealous! The Dart is perfect for the driftless

[@larryh9525]

In looking at the line's taper, it doesn't seem to make sense for small quiet streams when stealth is essential. A line with that much weight concentrated over a small distance will likely hit the water heavily. Compare that with SA Mastery ART which is only a half-line size heavy and most of the weight comes after the first 10' of the line. This line loads well, but at the same time hits the water gently. SA did discontinue the line, but it's still available to find with a little effort. I use this on a Lamson Purist which is a wonderful combination. Trident is a great organization, so I'm sure if you asked they could find a spool.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

A short, faster action rod like the Dart needs a heavier line like the Creek to help it load in close. If you are fishing in clear water and spring creeks, it's probably not the best line. But for roll casting in faster pocket water, it's great.

[@troutfitter547]

I fish the Purist 8' 9" 3wt with the Rio Technical Trout, Wonderful rod!

[@larryh9525]

@@troutfitter547 I agree, these rods are like the best-kept secret.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

@@troutfitter547 Nice!

[@tonyhunter6397]

Interested in a rod of this stature for small water, but haven’t tried one, are there comparable rods that you could do a shootout with ???

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Hi Tony, check out our reviews on the G. Loomis IMX Creek and Hardy Ultralite SR. Shorter, faster graphite rods designed for creek fishing. Cheers!

[@aa-ron.]

I believe you are missing out on a key place to use these types of rods: Still waters. These rods paired with a float tube make for some phenomenal fishing. The rods do a great job of protecting the tippet and allow some incredibly large still water bass to be landed. I’ve been fishing the zero weight for panfish and bass and have been having the time of my life with the sage dart / rio creek combo.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Great point!

[@caseysayre4250]

I'm quite interested in the use of the 376 Dart for this application. What kind of distance are you able to get on your tube with it? I'm hoping I can throw it in the canoe as a fast and ready dedicated dry set up for some bigger dries. The creek line seems up to the task, but I wondered about distance.

[@troutbhoy1]

How does the Sage Dart 376 compare with the Sage Sonic 376 for fishing small dries and nymphs on small rivers/spring creeks?

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Definitely go with the Dart

[@thomasgallo7271]

Fish jumping at 1:54

[@Tridentflyfishing]

Got to love a show-off!

[@michaellacy8510]

I've loved Sage rods in the past. Still fish them. But, recent customer service sucks so I likely won't buy another one.

[@vadims4589]

Great rod but looks little bit too fast. Light in hands and looking very well as well. Have questions about presentation but otherwise this rod one of the best rods for small streams.

[@Tridentflyfishing]

It's really fun with a RIO Creek line!

[@raywalteroutdoors]

Rio line splits in less than 1 full season