Sage X Rods Now In Stock

All new from Sage! The X. Being completely objective, they're really nice.

Oh, and for those who wonder about all these newfangled rod names, the X is roman numeric for 10. This is the tenth premium rod offering in the history of Sage. Hence the X!

Support Your Local Fly Shop

You hear it a bunch, the phrase "support your local fly shop", with all of the reasons that go along with it.

We did some research comparing buying local and ordering online from places like orvis.com, big box retailers in the US, etc. We took a small cross section of popular items (rods, luggage, waders) from three manufacturers and compared our prices to what it would cost to order online. For the waders and Sage rods, we allowed for free shipping and no brokerage fees. However, you would get a brokerage charge upon delivery.

As a formula, we took the cost of the item, added their shipping/brokerage fees, and allowed for a 1.27 exchange rate to CDN on your credit card (in actuality, exchange today is around 1.28). Now keep in mind, these are products that our shop sells. We would expect other manufacturers to be similar.
Shipping/brokerage fees taken directly from  checkout on respective sites.

Here are some examples:

Item #1: Orvis Helios 2 905-4 Tip Flex (9', 5 weight, 4 piece)
Purchase online at orvis.com: Rod: $795 USD, shipping/brokerage; $166.05 USD for a total of $961.05. 
Total charge on credit card at 1.27 exchange: $1220.53 CDN

Purchase instore in C.P.: $895.00 CDN plus GST, 
for a total of $ 939.75 CDN
A savings of $280.78 by buying local

Item #2: Simms Headwaters Stockingfoot Waders
Purchase online from USA: $349.95
Total charge on credit card at 1.27 exchange: $444.44 CDN

Purchase instore in C.P.: $439.95 CDN plus GST, 
for a total of $ 461.95 CDN
$17 more to buy local

Item #3: Orvis Helios 2 908-4 Tip Flex (9', 8 weight, 4 piece)
Purchase online at orvis.com: Rod: $850.00 USD, shipping/brokerage; $175.95 USD for a total of $1025.95
Total charge on credit card at 1.27 exchange: $1302.96

Purchase instore in C.P.: $950.00 CDN plus GST, 
for a total of $ 997.50 CDN
A savings of $305.46 by buying local

Item #4: Orvis Safe Passage Carry-It-All Rod/Reel Case
Purchase online at orvis.com: Case: $179 USD, shipping/brokerage; $49.17 USD for a total of $228.17. 
Total charge on credit card at 1.27 exchange: $289.78 CDN

Purchase instore in C.P.: $244.95 CDN plus GST, 
for a total of $ 257.20 CDN
A savings of $32.58 by buying local

Item #5: Sage ONE 590-4 (9', 5 weight, 4 piece)
Purchase online from USA: $795.00 USD
Total charge on credit card at 1.27 exchange: $1009.65 CDN

Purchase instore in C.P.: $954.00 CDN plus GST, 
for a total of $ 1001.70 CDN
A savings of $7.95 by buying local

Item #6: Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot WadersPurchase online from USA: $499.95
Total charge on credit card at 1.27 exchange: $634.94 CDN

Purchase instore in C.P.: $599.95 CDN plus GST, 
for a total of $ 629.95 CDN
A savings of $4.99 by buying local

Item #7: Orvis Recon 905-4  (9', 5 weight, 4 piece)
Purchase online at orvis.com: Rod: $425.00 USD, shipping/brokerage; $99.45 USD for a total of $524.45. 
Total charge on credit card at 1.27 exchange: $666.05 CDN

Purchase instore in C.P.: $540.00 CDN plus GST, 
for a total of $ 567.00 CDN
A savings of $99.05 by buying local

Is it actually cheaper to buy online?

Customer Appreciation Specials!

Coming Soon!

Heavy On The Bonefish...Light On The Wallet

"Your game just got saltier"

The new Sage MOTIVE saltwater rods are ideal for seasoned saltwater fans looking to complement their rod arsenal, and fly fishers new to the salt who want to experience the many hard-fighting species without breaking the bank. Constructed of time-proven materials and embodying Sage’s immense saltwater experience, the MOTIVE features a powerful but smooth fast action that loads quickly to deliver heavy saltwater flies with the accuracy the sport demands. Light and responsive, you feel connected to your line for ultimate control over a full day of enjoyable casting. Yep, it’s safe to say the salt has attracted another convert.

Big Game Saltwater Rods, for $425!

Goodbye TCX...Hello METHOD

METHOD Fly Rod Series Combines Technology with Ultra-Fast Action

June 13, 2013 (Bainbridge Island, Wash.) – This summer, fly fishing industry leader, Sage Manufacturing announces the release of its 2014 premier collection of high performance rods called the METHOD series. These ultra-fast fly rods use Sage’s proprietary Konnetic technology. The METHOD delivers high line speeds and tight loops for extreme distance and wind-cutting casts all while maintaining critical accuracy and feel.

“Being able to offer fly rods that perform to the expectations of the most demanding anglers in any casting situation is the main reason behind designing the METHOD. Sage’s DNA is synonymous with fast-action rods, and through Konnetic technology, we’ve taken seriously smooth, ultra-fast action performance to a new place entirely,” comments Sage Chief Rod Designer, Jerry Siem. “Our newest high performance rods will make any caster better but will help experienced casters notch exceptional casts with regularity.”

The magma red colored shaft of the METHOD is complemented by rust colored primary thread wraps and pewter trim wraps. Fuji ceramic stripping guides and robust guide sets round out the features of this high-end rod series. The rods come in a black rod sock with a red silk-screen and are protected in a fusion red powder-coated rod tube with a silver colored medallion and gloss black end caps.

“Overall, the fast action ONE rod is still and will continue to be our flagship series for a wider range of anglers,” notes Sage Marketing Manager, Eric Gewiss. “The METHOD series makes it possible to take casting abilities to whole new level. It performs quickly and accurately close-in, but if anglers are looking for an ultra-fast action rod that is lightweight, exceptionally smooth yet has the extra punch for farther casts and windy conditions, this rod is for you.”

Twelve single-hand models will be available in 4-6 weights for freshwater with a cocobolo wood insert and black reel seat components paired with a snub-nose, half-wells grip. The saltwater capable 6-11 weights feature a black aluminum reel seat and a full wells handle and fighting butt. Nine Spey and switch models feature a high-grade cork fore and rear grip. The METHOD rods will range in price from $800-$1,050 and will be available August 1, 2013. Blanks will also be available for each model.

About Konnetic™ Technology:

Konnetic technology, the most recent and significant evolution in fly rod innovation, uses new materials combined with pioneering manufacturing methods and processes. This technology incorporates an optimized ratio of Sage’s proprietary resin to exclusive high modulus aerospace-grade carbon fiber.

The latest construction methods include Sage’s Advanced Modulus Positioning System (AMPS); a process that precisely aligns and positions carbon fiber materials to exacting tolerances for the greatest blank strength delivering extremely efficient energy transfer throughout the shaft. Using Sage’s High Compression Molding process, carbon fibers are compacted for optimum density and precise alignment while simultaneously fusing the 50% lighter all-carbon fiber inner core.

New Rod Manufacturer?

New Travel Cases for Rods From Sage

Hard sided aluminum travel cases for travel. Now in stock!

New Sage Arrivals for 2013

Just unpacked on Friday from Sage!

- Whole bunch of new Sage One rods from 7 to 11 weight.

- Sage 6000 reels in Azure color.

- Brand new Sage 8000 Pro reels!

- New Skagit iFlight heads.

Check 'em out on http://www.countrypleasures.com/store/ or drop by for "touchy-feely"

Tis The Season!

Fall is here, already! And with Fall comes the new lineups from manufacturers for the next year. Sage has new rods for 2013 to replace the Vantage and Flight (more info to come later).

Because of this, all remaining inventory of Sage Vantage and Flight fly rods are now 30% OFF, while supplies last. 4 piece rods as low as $175.

Tips & Techniques-Rod Care & Maintenance

Stright from the Sage website!......

To extend the life of any Sage product, we recommend the following Care and Maintenance tips.

Rods

• Take extra care when stringing your rod. Thread a loop of fly line through the guides and tip top and pull the line and leader straight through without bending the rod.
• Avoid placing or transporting your rod against metal or abrasive objects. Small nicks and scratches damage the graphite and lead to broken rods.
• When using weighted or large flies, adjust to an open casting stroke. This allows the fly to pass over the tip or to the side of the rod (a fly hitting the rod can also damage the graphite).
• Avoid severe rod angles when fighting and landing fish. Snagged flies should be broken off by pulling on the line with the rod tip pointed directly at the snag.
• Periodically wax the ferrules (where the rod pieces separate) lightly with paraffin to ensure a firm fit and proper function.
• Take the rod apart when you are done fishing to avoid stuck ferrules.
• Completely air dry your rod and place it in a cloth bag and tube before storing. The rod tubes can trap moisture, which can swell reel seats and ruin the rod finish.
• To protect the tip, it is best to bag your rod with the tip top and cork handle up.
• Occasionally clean your rod with warm water and soap and completely dry.
• To shine, apply furniture polish and don't forget to protect the rod when finished.
• How do I get stuck ferrules loose?
  • It's easiest to use two people to pull the rod sections apart. Alternately, you can use rubber jar openers to get a better grip on the rod sections. Be careful that you get a good grip so you don't slip and damage the guides. Also, make sure you don't twist the rod sections, as this can damage the carbon in the ferrules.

Sage Demo Day & Rio Gold Distance Challenge

This Saturday, April 14, from noon until 4 PM, we'll be hosting the Sage Demo Day

Representation from Sage, as well as CP staff, will be on hand to allow you to try out

current Sage rods in single, switch, and two handed configurations.

This is a free event, there is no charge, just come on down from noon until 4.

In addition, we will be offering free casting tune-ups and demonstrations. If you want to get your casting ready to go for the season, now's the time!

The event will be held at Fort Calgary, which is located at the east end of 9th Avenue, right at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Everyone is welcome to use the Fort Calgary parking lot and the event starts at noon sharp! Although most of the casting will be done on grass, those who want to try switch/spey are urged to bring your waders and try the rods in the Elbow River.

Please do not bring any other fishing equipment! This portion of the rivers is closed to angling so no other equipment (flies, etc.) can be on hand. 

And in addition to all that, we will also be hosting the Rio Gold Distance Challenge during this event.

Participants will test their skills with a 5 weight for distance. Lots of prizes from Rio for winners and participants.

Interesting Reading

Posted on the Trout Shop's newsletter, Jerry Lappier makes some interesting points about our industry as it stands today. Kind of a longer read, try and stick with it.

Have you been to a good fly shop lately?
By Jerry Lappier


There's a storm brewing that could change fly fishing forever. Mass distribution of fly fishing products seriously threatens the fly fishing culture as we know it.

In today's information packed world, being concise is a virtue. This newsletter was written with industry professionals in mind, but has a ton of relevant information for everyone who fly fishes today. I've attempted to keep this article as short as possible, but due to the importance of the information, it is still somewhat lengthy. I hope you will read the article from the beginning to the end and voice your own opinion. You can make a difference.

Spring Shipments Continue to Arrive!

Spring shipments have started to accelerate in their arrival.

All sorts of stuff from Simms, Patagonia, Orvis, Sage.....

Waist and Back packs from Simms and Patagonia in stock



Orvis and Patagonia Sling Packs



Buffs, Sungaiters, Sungloves, Sunsleeves in lots of styles!

New T-shirts for 2012 from Sage, Simms, and Patagonia

Lots and lots and lots of hats

Waterproof boat bags from Sage, Simms, and Patagonia

Simon Gawesworth

So sorry we've been cavalier in Blog updates! This past weekend saw us hosting Simon Gawsworth and Ruben Breitkreutz, who instructed our 2-day Spey casting clinic.

Simon did a presentation here at the shop on Friday night, on fly lines, that was excellent. had no idea I could stay interested in a 90 minute presentation on fly lines. I did!

Simon and Ruben were both incredible instructors! Everyone came away as significantly better casters .

For those who haven't sat and watched Simon cast, you need to! It is absolutley amazing....

Thanks again, to Simon and ruben, for doing such an amazing job, and also all of the students who came out. You all did great, worked hard, and were a lot of fun!

THEY"RE HERE!!!!!

The "ONE" by Sage

Accuracy starts with your eyes. It ends with the fly in front of theirs.

The ONE rod is Sage's flagship offering that may redefine the “all-around” rod category, where precision casting accuracy is needed over a wide range of conditions. Hand crafted from our Konnetic technology three long years in the making, the ONE rod is a game changer. Your game. Its fast action incorporates a built in sweet spot, making the ONE rod the ideal choice for experienced and aspiring casters alike.

NOW IN THE SHOP!

 



Eeees Coming!!!

August 1......

Sage Z-Axis Sale

All in stock, single handed Z-Axis's are now on sale for 30% off.

Z axis in action

These rods will not last long. If you look through all of our photos, you'd be hard pressed to find any fish that were not caught on a Z.


Give us a call if you'd like to see what we have.

JUST ARRIVED!

Just received some more of the TCX 7126-4 Spey Rod.

Probably the most talked about rod we've seen in a while.

Commonly known as the "Death Star" or "Death Stick" or
something like that. Don't know who comes up with this stuff,

all we know is this rod is awesome.

Replenished stocks of TCX Single Handed rods.

Great for the salt in 6 to 10 weight.

More New Stuff!

Sage DXL Typhoon Boat Bag
Very nice boat and travel bag, maybe the nicest we've seen. First bunch we got sold out super quick but just received some more for Christmas.


Sage DXL Typhoon Backpack
Fully waterproof backpack. What a wonderful concept!


Dry Creek Flat's Pack
The hugely popular flats packs is now in! They sell like crazy, maybe because they're the perfect Flats Pack. A great Xmas gift for the travelling angler.