Sage 5100-4 Z-Axis (10ft 5wt) Customization

alanb_ct · 09-07-2009, 10:20 AM

FYI. For a couple years, this has been my favorite rod for indicator nymphing, per Aaron's original recommendation. It is a terrific fishing tool. My only complaint was that the original reel seat hardware and cork grip was better suited for casting dry flies and mounting small (size 2) reels. I nymph with the heavy-bellied nymphing lines (Rio Nymph for example) and these lines require a larger reel for mounting. I also like the larger reel since it provides a larger arbor and greater mass to balance the rod. Modern reels are so light, they often don't balance out your rod that well (you can add lead tape on the spool for mass, but you don't get the benefits of the large arbor). I use a lot of Ross Rhythm and Evolution reels in the 3.5 size.

I called Sage and they recommended a custom rod manufacturer, Anderson Custom Rods, in Rogue River, Oregon. I am really pleased with the result, and I highly recommend this customization shop. Turnaround time was one week start to finish, including shipping, and cost was $85.

My original rod had the "F" grip on top in the figure below, but now has the much better "G" grip, and that includes a short 1.5in fighting butt. I am getting to the point where I like a small fighting butt on all my rods, since I have gotten so used to its benefits on my 3-weight Loop Opti Peak.

You may want to consider a similar customization.

**Lonewolve** · 11-04-2009, 05:11 PM

Alan,
Hey ,im looking into a getting my first Sage,Im a Gloomis guy,but i really am torn between the 5110 Z-Axis,and the new 99 5 wt,i do alot of swinging and dead drift nymphing with my Gloomis Metolius Trout Spey.This rod is everything i could ask for in a Trout Spey for my home Rivers Lehigh / Upper Delaware{its two branches and the main stem}i also use it up in Maine on the bigger water with said methods as well as using streamers.But for smaller venues i like a lil shorter setup.
My only problem is that damn grip.i like a full wells my self.
I know Anderson Custom Is a first rate shop ,so perhaps i'll get the rods ,or rods and send em to Gary and have the handles that come with em taken off and what i prefer replaced in their spot. For 85 Bucks and a lil shipping what the heck why not.Also it will probably be my only Sage purchase/purchases. thank you for the info.

Tight Wraps & Tight Lines
Rick Wallace

alanb_ct · 11-04-2009, 06:17 PM

Rick, In my opinion, the rod is a hundred times better with the customization. It is all I have been using this fall, it is awesome. Aaron first recommended this rod to me, and it is indeed perfect, especially for indicator nymphing.

**AaronJasper** · 11-04-2009, 06:45 PM

The 11 footer is a great rod as well. I was really disappointed with the "99." You are far better off with the 10 foot 4 or 5 weight Z Axis for indicator nymphing. The "99" felt really clubby with very little action, even the tip portion of the rod was very non responsive. I would cross that one off the list.

**jovalle** · 11-04-2009, 08:08 PM

For about a year I've used the 10 foot 4wt z-axis as my general Housy rig, doing indcator nymphing, euro style, and streamer with a 150 grain head. It is a great rod, but I did find the fast action which is great for throwing a heavy streamer line was hindering my ability to control and land fish. I recently got the hardy 11 5wt, and while its a bit more clunky in the butt, the rod is hands down better at euro and indicator nymphing. I also switched back to a conventional nine footer to do streamer fishing, and haven't looked back. I'd say don't waste your money and go straight to the marksman, its just that much better than anything else out there.

**Magnet** · 03-12-2010, 08:41 PM

Jovalle,
My thought would be that the 10 ft 5 wt Z would give you quicker take up time when sweeping down stream duriing a take better enabling you to drive it home. I've noticed lately since my indicator rod has been out of commision and I have been using my Greys 3 wt as a subsitute that I am missing more takes and foul hooking more fish. The 10 foot 5 wt Z-axis is an excellant indicator rod if you could designate a rod for one aplication.