The all new Sage IGNITER Fly Rod packs a punch, the fast action rod is the predecessor to the well respected Sage METHOD Rod. Which was a longtime favorite among anglers. The premium fast action rod delivers accurate aggressive casts in the most unfavorable conditions. The IGNITER is priced at $900.00, a top dollar rod and well worth every penny for the right applications. The rod is designed to throw bigger, nastier flies, leaders, lines in all scenarios. As Sage states it is “tuned for the most technical of fishing situations,” it is the all around big game rod.
For the local trout streams, the rod is perfect for a dedicated streamer setup or as a fast action dry fly setup for fishing fast moving technical water. Recently, I was able to get my hands on the 690-4 model paired with the WF6 Rio Big Nasty Fly Line to chuck some streamers here on the Eagle River. While fast action rods are not for everyone especially beginners, the IGNITER is able to throw the tightest most accurate loops with proper rod strokes. It delivered a size 4 Sculpzilla and Versileader into the soft pockets of the Eagle with efficiency and accuracy. It did take some casts to familiarize myself with the stiff build of the blank. The rod really hits the tune with proper stopping power on the forward cast. It is the ultimate streamer fishing machine for these Colorado Rivers.
Unlike the METHOD Fly Rod the Igniter brings Sage’s patented Konnectic HD Technology. In short, the technology is the foundation of high density fiber positioning when the rod is built. The way that the fibers are constructed results in a cleaner smother energy transfer for the caster. Which means less wobble and more accuracy. The Method almost seemed more challenging to cast than the IGNITER, as at times it felt like a broomstick. Super stiff and hard to really get the line speed moving. Something with the Konnectic HD technology makes it seem a little easier to hit that sweet spot with the IGNITER. Resulting in a fun rod to cast.
This rod produces the tightest flattest loops ever imagined. When you hit that cast the rod sings and the slings an overly accurate cast at the target. But, what really got me was how smooth the rod performs, there is no wobble in the forward stroke and stop.
The rod is also extremely lightweight, which makes long days of throwing heavy rigs a lot more enjoyable. It’s obvious Sage hit the mark on this rod, it is the ultimate tool for anglers to target the biggest of game.
The rod is stiff so, it’s not your every day fishing application rod. It can be hard to cast for beginners as with a fast action rod, proper technique is essential to create a tight loop. The IGNITER is very easy to overpower, it takes some getting used to when trying to cast accurately. It takes time to orient yourself with this rod.
Being a specialty rod the different sizes and weights apply to different fishing applications. Here is a simple breakdown.
Smaller weight freshwater applications. Can be used for fast action dry fly fishing, nymphing heavy setups, or as a streamer rod.
These models are more designed for big game fishing, saltwater, pike, musky, salmon, and maybe some trout fishing in larger applications. For freshwater application, I would recommend the lines above based on what rigs you are using. Below are some recommendations for saltwater fly lines.
The rod’s blank color is tuned down from the bright red like the Method instead it is a “Chipotle” color as Sage calls it. But, it just looks like a dark red brown almost black, with a metallic finish. Really a very unique color that is subtle yet striking. The rod features cayenne thread wraps with gunmetal trip wraps that are of the highest quality. The cork is a full wells grip. The rod is made here in the USA up in Bainbridge Island, Washington just outside of Seattle.
Sage has yet again delivered the best specialty fast action rod on the market, there really isn’t another rod like the IGNITER. The rod delivers a clean, controlled cast that any fly caster can adore. Many manufacturers try to create this ultra stiff fast action rods but can’t seem to figure out how to find the balance so the angler can feel that cast. After a few casts with the IGNITER, you’ll be begging for more. So swing by the shop or give us a call to give this rod a test run. Also, be sure to check it out online here.
Patrick Perry, Former Guide and Content Contributor, @patperry