Sage Launch 9' 5 Weight Setup

[Mack]

Hi all,

I am new here and relatively new to Fly Fishing. I started about 6 months ago and started reading this forum about 3 months ago. Invaluable stuff which has shortened my learning curve tremendously and I want to thank you all.

My question is this:
I recently picked up a Sage Launch 5 weight for streamers since my TFO Lefty Pro 4 weight gets bogged down throwing the big stuff. Also hoping the Launch will be a nice rod for general nymphing.

I have done some research and found that some people recommend putting a 6 weight line on this rod because it loads better. Any thoughts here??

I appreciate any recommendations/confirmations of this especially from anyone who has experience with the Launch. Seems to be a decent entry level rod with good reviews and I want to set it up right.

Also would appreciate any reel recommendations up to the $100 range for the rod.

Thanks in advance for the help.

And yes, 2 rods in 6 months so I think I caught the equipment bug...

 

[LyNcH]

And yes, 2 rods in 6 months so I think I caught the equipment bug...

Oh Mack, this is just the beginning.............but it does show your infected.

I have never cast the Launch, so won't offer any suggestions. For your first 2 rods, you've gone with 2 great companies.

A decent, and classic real for under $100 is the tried and true Orvis Battenkill reel. Best Fly Reels / Battenkill Disc Drag Fly Reel -- Orvis This is the reel my wife wishes she never bought me (with assistance from Rugby10) as this gave me the green light to start this addiction we refer to as fly fishing. The reel will take on any average to large trout, but don't fool yourself, she ain't up to the task of the big boys like steelhead. Their are other reels out there for under $100 that others will tell you about as well. You want a reel that will balance the rod nicely.

Keep us up to date and welcome to the sport and the board! Where are you, where do you like to fish?

The LyNcH

 

[JUSTYN]

Hey Mack, I just got a sage launch 8 ft 4 wt for christmas. I love the way the rod loads. I did not put heavier line on it and it still casts great. I got a lamson Konic with it for around 120 and that is also a great reel and i love the way they are matched together. Good Luck.

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

I have a 9wt Launch and I like it very much. I don't know about the 5wt but based on my experience with my 9wt I would not put heavier line on it. Its reputation, and I find this to be accurate, is that it is a medium action rod. Meaning it has a decent amount of flex and thus it loads easily. The main reason you'd want to over-line the rod is if you've got a really fast action rod that doesn't load easily. I doubt that will be a problem with the Launch and based on the amount of flex the rod already has, you might actually run into problems with it flexing too much with the 6wt line.

Look for Lamson Reels on sale. They recently discontinued many of their reels and you can find them for nice prices if you look around. They've got really nice sealed drags and can handle most fish.

 

[tompg]

just an opinion but you don't need spend more than $20-$40 for a line holder (reel) on a trout rod unless you like the aesthetics. Your palm will provide all the drag you need.

 

[Mack]

Thanks for the replies, advice and welcome.

So, proper introduction... I am located in North West NJ so I usually hit the BFB, Pequest, Musky, Paulinskill, WTS in the area and sometimes the KLW gorge. I have my sights on the Catskill region and just picked up a book on the BeaverKill.

Like I said, still a newbie so I can count my 10"+ C&Rs on one hand. I almost made my nickname "Skunk"... but, I have been doing alot of research to get up to speed and this site has helped plenty, so thanks for that. I am still amazed how generous everyone is with tips, technique, etc.

I tried spin reel many years ago and it just wasn't for me. I like the challenge that flies bring (maybe too much at times) and Fly Fishing to me just seems more in tune with nature.

The rod and reel feedback given helps alot. I will go with the proper line on the rod. Makes sense that since the Launch loads so well, why put a heavier line on it? My other rod has a Rio double taper Mainstream line and I plan on going with that once I get a reel... unless anyone has a better recommendation.

I will check out the Lamsons and the Battenkill, they both seem to be in the right pricepoint. I am of the belief that the reel is just a line holder for the fishing I am doing so reliability and durability is what I am after. I want it to last a long time and be able to tell stories about the big one. The Battenkill seems tried and true so that may be the one.

One last question on the reel. Mid Arbor or standard reel? Does it really reduce line coil in any way to justify the higher price and weight? Again, I'm not reeling in lunkers so I would not need a larger arbor for that.

thx - Mack

 

[coolkyle]

just an opinion but you don't need spend more than $20-$40 for a line holder (reel) on a trout rod unless you like the aesthetics. Your palm will provide all the drag you need.

I'm no reel whore, and I might be a terrible fish-fighter, but in 2009, I had my leader snapped by 6 (2 using 3X) of these minuscule trout you speak of. I need a better reel. The Orvis Bar Stock look quite nice.

 

[Mack]

I'm no reel whore, and I might be a terrible fish-fighter, but in 2009, I had my leader snapped by 6 (2 using 3X) of these minuscule trout you speak of. I need a better reel. The Orvis Bar Stock look quite nice.

Hmmm, I just happen to have the Orvis catalog right in front of me. The Bar Stocks are nice. Machined versus cast and a half ounce less for $40 more.

I guess this is what you call a good problem to have.

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Keep in mind that more weight might not be a bad thing when it comes to balancing the rod. If a rod is tip heavy then you'll want those extra couple of ounces in the reel to balance the rod. Unfortunately the only way to really check the balance is to bring your rod to the store and seat the reel and see where it balances. That said the BBS is a nice reel.

Mid arbor vs regular arbor isn't really a factor, especially when trout fishing where you rarely have more than 20-30ft of line out. I haven't found that coils are an issue with any of the various kinds of line that I have. Seems like marketing BS to me.

 

[Mack]

Did some research; Battenkill Bar Stock it is. I will definitely bring my rod in and seat the reel with the II and III to see which balances better. Only question is how do I get a true feel for balance before the line is on the reel? Do the shops usually have a spool loaded so you can feel it with the line?

 

[Pete]

Did some research; Battenkill Bar Stock it is. I will definitely bring my rod in and seat the reel with the II and III to see which balances better. Only question is how do I get a true feel for balance before the line is on the reel? Do the shops usually have a spool loaded so you can feel it with the line?

If the balance is reasonable, I suggest the III.
If properly filled with backing, you'll get a better retrieve rate, with the larger diameter reel.

Bonus.... it will hold more backing. You may never need it, but "just in case".

BTW: The last time I went reel shopping, I looked at a few models in this price range. My thoughts and some feedback from other members....
http://www.njflyfishing.com/vBullet...leaders-tippets/t14944-inexpensive-reels.html

 

[Green Man]

Get a good line and go with a 5wt to match. If you want to toss streamers there are companies that make streamer specific tapers with a heavy head to get the thing out there. I recommend Rio nymph line. It was just discontinued so maybe you can find a deal, try Ramseys off Rt 10. Its good for nymphing and has a heavy front taper for turing over big flies, indicators, streamers etc. You could also do a 5wt DT (double taper) line to add some weight but its probably not necessary, its a good rod.

For a reel, try ebay for some good deals on reels over your $100 limit. The redington CD 5/6 matches GREAT with it and was also discontinued but you can find them for $60-80.

~Gabe~

 

[fcch]

Any medium to light reel will do. DON'T overline the Launch.

It is MADE to cast a 5wt so use a 5wt. The Launch loads pretty quickly. Use a WF line if you're not casting too far most of the time.

IMHO, putting a heavier line on a rod is done too often 'cause anglers aren't using the right rod for the situation. Since you already have a nice 4wt, the 5wt will find it's right place.

Have fun, ... Oh, .. there is no cure!!