After two days of solid rain, and more to come, most of the rivers in the area blown out. The USGS gauge height charts look like rocket trajectories, not yet returning to earth. I decided that this was no reason to let a perfectly good rod and reel sit idly in the closet, so I loaded the Sage Circa rod and Click III reel in the truck and took them to the local pond for some casting practice and light bream action.
By 7 pm, the air was just below 70 degrees with a light breeze to keep the mosquitoes at bay. The sun had fallen behind the trees, but offered enough light for sight casting. Best of all, fish were rising as I walked over the hill and down the dirt path to the pond.
I strung up quickly and tied on a small green popper with rubber legs. It was the only fly I needed for the rest of the evening.
Started casting from the bank, moving progressively towards the center of the pond. Almost every cast delivered a bream. These were not juveniles. Most were larger than my hand, with deep post-spawn colors. Landed well over a dozen in the 90-minute trip.
The rod and reel performed solidly. The Sage Circa rod delivers the promised slower action, but does not sacrifice accuracy, distance or presentation. I was able to easily reach fish 40′ or more from the bank and also execute a roll cast when surrounded by brush. At times I had to cast underneath low hanging branches, with not much opportunity for a backcast.
I used a small popper, but given that the surface of the pond was like glass, it was important that the presentation be noticed but light enough not to spook the fish. The Circa delivered. The large bream put a nice bend in the rod, but I never doubted its ability to bring them in.
The Click III reel is also a key component. It has the look of a large arbor but offers excellent balance for the rod, with a 3 and 1/4″ spool, and weighing only 2 and 1/2 oz. The retrieve is smooth and the few times that I played the fish from the reel, it had no problems. Can’t wait to try it out on a brown or a rainbow.
That said, what I like best is that the rod and reel combo is so light and responsive. It really took little effort to load and deliver line. I think Sage has developed a fine product. And although they probably had trout in mind for marketing purposes, it is an excellent bream rod as well.
I’m hoping that the rains will hold off long enough to allow some Father’s Day trout action. Hope you’re able to get out as well. Enjoy!
Please note: I receive no compensation for these reviews.
There isn’t anything funner than catching bluegills on a fly rod.I do it every chance I get.
I agree – it’s one of the simplest ways to introduce someone to fly fishing.