The Sage R8 CORE fly rod family is focused on maximum versatility and applies revolutionary new material technology, fine-tuned by the Sage team through extensive testing on the water. The R8 CORE echoes Sage's multi-application vision, where one family of fly rods can cover a huge range of fishing scenarios. A progressive dimensional taper through the rod blank creates both a stiffer backbone as well as a heightened sense of feel, right up through to the rod tip. Sage's new axial fibre formulation allows for exceptional feel during the cast too, so you know exactly when to apply power and release the cast. It also gives excellent feedback while fighting a fish, enabling you to control precisely how much pressure you exert. In addition, Sage has shifted the energy transfer sweet spot closer to the hand, creating a more natural extension of your arm for greater range, quicker reactivity, and less wasted effort.
The Sage R8 CORE fly rod family is focused on maximum versatility and applies revolutionary new material technology, fine-tuned by the Sage team through extensive testing on the water. The R8 CORE echoes Sage's multi-application vision, where one family of fly rods can cover a huge range of fishing scenarios. A progressive dimensional taper through the rod blank creates both a stiffer backbone as well as a heightened sense of feel, right up through to the rod tip. Sage's new axial fibre formulation allows for exceptional feel during the cast too, so you know exactly when to apply power and release the cast. It also gives excellent feedback while fighting a fish, enabling you to control precisely how much pressure you exert. In addition, Sage has shifted the energy transfer sweet spot closer to the hand, creating a more natural extension of your arm for greater range, quicker reactivity, and less wasted effort.
The Sage R8 CORE fly rod family is focused on maximum versatility and applies revolutionary new material technology, fine-tuned by the Sage team through extensive testing on the water. The R8 CORE echoes Sage's multi-application vision, where one family of fly rods can cover a huge range of fishing scenarios. A progressive dimensional taper through the rod blank creates both a stiffer backbone as well as a heightened sense of feel, right up through to the rod tip. Sage's new axial fibre formulation allows for exceptional feel during the cast too, so you know exactly when to apply power and release the cast. It also gives excellent feedback while fighting a fish, enabling you to control precisely how much pressure you exert. In addition, Sage has shifted the energy transfer sweet spot closer to the hand, creating a more natural extension of your arm for greater range, quicker reactivity, and less wasted effort.
The Sage R8 CORE fly rod family is focused on maximum versatility and applies revolutionary new material technology, fine-tuned by the Sage team through extensive testing on the water. The R8 CORE echoes Sage's multi-application vision, where one family of fly rods can cover a huge range of fishing scenarios. A progressive dimensional taper through the rod blank creates both a stiffer backbone as well as a heightened sense of feel, right up through to the rod tip. Sage's new axial fibre formulation allows for exceptional feel during the cast too, so you know exactly when to apply power and release the cast. It also gives excellent feedback while fighting a fish, enabling you to control precisely how much pressure you exert. In addition, Sage has shifted the energy transfer sweet spot closer to the hand, creating a more natural extension of your arm for greater range, quicker reactivity, and less wasted effort.
Last updated at 03/21/2026 20:38:13
Sage R8 Fly Rod - 696-4 - 6wt 9ft 6in FB 4 pc
Delivery between 26–31 Mar $99.32
Sage R8 Core Fly Rod 9'6" 6 Weight w/ Fighting Butt - 696-4FB
Delivery $70.99
Sage R8 Core Fly Rod 9'6" / 6WT Fighting Butt
Delivery $100.20
Sage R8 Fly Rod #6 Line / 9'6" Length w/ FB
Free delivery
Sage R8 Core Fly Rods 9'6" 6 Weight FB (696-4FB)
Free delivery
Sage R8 Core Fly Rod | Fast Action KonneticHD Technology | Australia #6 / 9'6" FB
Free delivery between 30 Mar – 2 Apr
originally posted on anglingactive.co.uk
Cracking rod! I already have a R8 5 wt 9’ and a 9’6” XP so this R8 10’ completes the line up for my type of fishing on small stillwaters and reservoirs.Like all things Sage, this is beautiful quality, a fast but forgiving rod which is an extension of my arm and just works seamlessly with little thought - allowing me to zone in to the fishing and get lost in the moment rather than worrying if I have cast properly. Beautiful, simple as that. First class rod, not quite on a par with the XP but pretty close behind!
originally posted on finandfire.com
Ordered this rod for an upcoming trip. Was shipped out immediately. To no fault of Fin & Fire shipping went awry. I contacted Fin & Fire, and again they immediately took action to ensure I had my new rod for my trip. Was able to cast this rod farther and more effortlessly than ever before. Love it. I also caught one of the largest trout I have ever caught on a fly rod on my trip. Rod performance exceeded my expectations. Thanks again Fin & Fire!9' 5wt
originally posted on mrfc.com
I've had my 10' 5WT Sage R8 for about a month now and I'm amazed with how well this rod fishes. Nymphing and throwing streamers with the 10'er is an absolute treat. I paired this rod with a RIO Xtreme Indicator line and it's become a line-mending machine. The 9' models are relatively soft compared to Sage's of the past, so I was a bit hesitant when it came to the 10' model. I'm completely satisfied with the tip and how this rod throws line. You will not regret being an owner of the SAGE R8.
| Variant | |
| weight | #6 |
| length | 9'6" FB |
Sage R8 Fly Rod - 696-4 - 6wt 9ft 6in FB 4 pc
Delivery between 26–31 Mar $99.32
Sage R8 Core Fly Rod 9'6" 6 Weight w/ Fighting Butt - 696-4FB
Delivery $70.99
Sage R8 Core Fly Rod 9'6" / 6WT Fighting Butt
Delivery $100.20
Sage R8 Fly Rod #6 Line / 9'6" Length w/ FB
Free delivery
Sage R8 Core Fly Rods 9'6" 6 Weight FB (696-4FB)
Free delivery
Cracking rod! I already have a R8 5 wt 9’ and a 9’6” XP so this R8 10’ completes the line up for my type of fishing on small stillwaters and reservoirs.Like all things Sage, this is beautiful quality, a fast but forgiving rod which is an extension of my arm and just works seamlessly with little thought - allowing me to zone in to the fishing and get lost in the moment rather than worrying if I have cast properly. Beautiful, simple as that. First class rod, not quite on a par with the XP but pretty close behind!
Ordered this rod for an upcoming trip. Was shipped out immediately. To no fault of Fin & Fire shipping went awry. I contacted Fin & Fire, and again they immediately took action to ensure I had my new rod for my trip. Was able to cast this rod farther and more effortlessly than ever before. Love it. I also caught one of the largest trout I have ever caught on a fly rod on my trip. Rod performance exceeded my expectations. Thanks again Fin & Fire!9' 5wt
I've had my 10' 5WT Sage R8 for about a month now and I'm amazed with how well this rod fishes. Nymphing and throwing streamers with the 10'er is an absolute treat. I paired this rod with a RIO Xtreme Indicator line and it's become a line-mending machine. The 9' models are relatively soft compared to Sage's of the past, so I was a bit hesitant when it came to the 10' model. I'm completely satisfied with the tip and how this rod throws line. You will not regret being an owner of the SAGE R8.
Fantastic rod, really enjoy more than my other high-end 5wt. Plus customer service was exceptional. Rylyn rocks!
I love a good slow action rod but needed to find a “fast” action for different conditions. Casting this rod it does not feel like the traditional fast action and feels more like a slow action with a fast action power. I don’t know how they did it but this rod is a joy to cast. My favorite rod is the Circa, and this one might just put do my old favorite.
You know, like that song “fly like a g6” yeah but even better. It’s the R8. This rod makes fishing more funner. It’s not super fast action like sage is known for, it’s right in the sweet spot. I love this rod so much. The only problem is the writing on the blank itself is not that durable. But the darn thing definitely catches more fish. I highly recommend. Oh I got the 590-4 btw
The Sage R8 9 1/1 ft. 5 wt. is perfect for windy days on the San Juan in New Mexico. It also excels in effortless roll casting and line mending. I traded in my Asquith for this Sage which has been a joy to fish !
We fished the 990 R8 Salt for bull redfish in Louisiana recently and loved it!! We had it paired with the RIO redfish and the new Sage Enforcer reel. This rod performed great as both a casting and fish fighting tool. I'll definitely be adding an 8wt. for my Bonefish trips.
This is the best fly rod on the market. Period. No debate.When you close your eyes and swing the rod, all the feeling comes from the tip. Even other high end rods are unable to match this kind of feeling.The R8 requires almost no forward pressure when acutely shooting out 30ft of line. The action on this rod is FAST.If you’re ready for the upgrade, then this is the rod for you. The price is high but it was worth every penny.I have the 5960 and it is my everyday go to rod. I have been fishing it for more than 8 months now with no issues.
I purchased this Sage rod in 6 weight in February 2023. I have found it to be light and fast action. I immediately saw a vast improvement in casting accuracy and range when using #2 poppers and #6 streamers over my 5 weight rods. It is performing better than I imagined.I researched several other brands before settling on the Sage. My research included calling the LL Bean outdoors department at least 3 times and I was provided patient, knowledgeable, superior customer service. The rod was a big investment for me, but it has been well worth it. I am no spring chicken and a mediocre caster at best, but this rod has me casting like a boss, as the younger folks say.I also purchased the Apex Large Arbor reel with a floating line and an extra spool with a sinking line, ... MoreI purchased this Sage rod in 6 weight in February 2023. I have found it to be light and fast action. I immediately saw a vast improvement in casting accuracy and range when using #2 poppers and #6 streamers over my 5 weight rods. It is performing better than I imagined.I researched several other brands before settling on the Sage. My research included calling the LL Bean outdoors department at least 3 times and I was provided patient, knowledgeable, superior customer service. The rod was a big investment for me, but it has been well worth it. I am no spring chicken and a mediocre caster at best, but this rod has me casting like a boss, as the younger folks say.I also purchased the Apex Large Arbor reel with a floating line and an extra spool with a sinking line, both with backing. LL Bean loaded the backing and line on the spools and shipped the complete package which I received in a few days.. I have included pictures of bass I caught with this rod this past weekend. The smaller bass is a 13-inch Alabama Red Eye, the larger a 2 ½ pound spotted bass. A guide tried it and he was impressed with it as well.
| Variant | |
| weight | #6 |
| length | 9'6" FB |
