Sage Salt R8 Fly Rod

The Sage SALT R8 Fly Rod is a new benchmark in saltwater fly rods, meticulously designed to meet the extreme demands of the saltwater environment while delivering a level of feel and touch previously unheard of in this class of rod!

Born from extensive research in the Florida Keys and built with cutting-edge Revolution 8 Technology, the SALT R8 combines brute strength with a finesse that will change how you approach saltwater sight fishing.

Revolution 8 (R8) Technology: At its core, the SALT R8 is built on Sage's proprietary R8 material, a composite that delivers an incredible 25% more strength-per-weight. This increase in pulling power allows for faster landing times, which in turn reduces fish fatigue and the overall stress on delicate ecosystems. This same technology also provides a more sensitive tip and a better two-way connection from hand to fly, making this a powerful yet soulful rod.

Greater Pulling Power and Durability: While strength is a given for saltwater rods, the SALT R8 also boasts enhanced durability. The rod is built to withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing, from the corrosive effects of salt and sand to the physical demands of boat skiffs, roof racks, and long-haul travel to remote destinations. This combination of pulling power and knock-around toughness makes it a rod you can truly rely on.

More Touch and an Intuitive Sweet Spot: Traditionally, heavy saltwater rods have been unwieldy and unforgiving. The SALT R8 shatters this reputation. Its unique taper, developed with direct input from Florida Keys guides, creates an intuitive sweet spot that prioritises touch and speed. This allows for precise, shorter shots and high-stakes, on-demand casts—critical for fooling wary species.

Saltwater-Specific Guide Set: The rod is equipped with a high-performance, saltwater-specific guide set designed for reliability and smooth casting. It features Titanium Fuji K-Guide ceramic stripper guides that resist corrosion and prevent snags, along with oversized hard chrome snake guides and a tip-top to allow larger saltwater knots to pass with ease.

Heavy-Duty Reel Seat: A heavy-duty anodised aluminium up-locking reel seat with oversized locking rings ensures your reel stays tight to the rod, providing greater contact and rigidity when fighting powerful fish. The reel seat also features an integrated hidden hook keeper at the top, keeping flies close at hand for faster reaction capabilities and safer storage.

Premium Components and Handcrafted Quality: The SALT R8 features a premium Flor-grade full-wells cork handle with an EVA fighting butt for comfort and control. Each rod is a testament to quality, built entirely by hand by expert craftspeople on Bainbridge Island, WA, USA, and comes with a black rod bag and aluminium rod tube for protection and convenience.

With its Tempest Blue blank colour and elegant Slate thread wraps, the Sage SALT R8 is as beautiful as it is powerful. It’s a tool built for the most demanding saltwater fly fishing conditions, providing the strength to fight powerful fish and the feel to make delicate presentations. The SALT R8 is the new standard for saltwater sight fishing, making every cast count.

The Sage SALT R8 Fly Rod is available in a range of lengths and casting weights for you to choose from in our drop down menu.

Key features:
Revolution 8 Technology
Tempest Blue blank colour
Slate primary thread wraps with graduated White and Grey trim
Titanium Fuji K-Guide ceramic stripper guides with oversized hard chromed snake guides and tip-top
Laser etched line weight on slide band
Black rod bag with new quick-tie cord lock for faster, easier, and cleaner storage
Aluminium rod tube with Sage medallion
Premium Flor grade full-wells cork handle with EVA fighting butt
Heavy-Duty anodised aluminium up-locking reel seat with Integrated hidden hook keeper in reel seat