We shot this quick Sage PAYLOAD fly rod review video while we were at IFTD this past fall, but it has been a rod we have had some good on-the-water time with over the past year. As the name suggests, this rod was built to deliver payloads: shooting heads, sink tips, and heavy, bulky, wind-resistant flies. With a stiffer tip to pick up a lot of line and a slightly softer midsection for a more relaxed casting stroke; the PAYLOAD has a ton of power for quick one-shots at fast-moving tarpon, yet a deeper flex with heavy lines and flies to give your shoulder a break when casting all day for pike or musky. It was built for comfort when you are out casting uncomfortable flies in potentially less than ideal situations.
This is a rod built first and foremost for predators: fish that want to kill other fish. Streamer fishing for trout, poppers for bass, wind-resistant pike and musky flies, larger snook and tarpon bugs, and monster streamers and sink tips for exotic species such as peacock bass or golden dorado. The Sage PAYLOAD fly rod was constructed for those who hunt hunters.
