Time to Get Salty - Limited Edition Sage Salt R8 and Enforcer! UPDATED

UPDATE 3/11/2026: All remaining stock is now discounted on this Limited Edition Sage Salt R8 Grand Slam and Sage Limited Edition Enforcer Grand Slam Fly Reels

These things are hot, folks!  In stock now, the limited edition Grand Slam Series of Salt R8 rods and Enforcer reels.  Rods available in 9' 8, 9 and 11 weight.  Enforcer reels in 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12.  Get them individually or dial up a fully-custom outfit!  The staff at Gorge Fly Shop has a lot of experience with these products.  Here's the rundown:

Salt R8 Rods

"Easy-Casting" and "Saltwater Rod" are two things you don't often here together, but the Salt R8 broke the mold there!  Let's face it.  Most of us get to go on a flats trip once a year or less.  It's always super windy and you will likely have to make some casts that are a bit out of your comfort zone.  So many failed shots occur because it's difficult to deliver the fly in these demanding conditions.  The Salt R8 truly excels by the fact that it's caster-friendly, but not wimpy.  It will not turn an average angler into a super hero, but it does let most folks deliver in the wind.  It has the low-end power you need, but is not so stout it barely bends.  It casts well in close, but has the punch to send a long one.  It's a great saltwater option for flats anglers of any experience level.    

Enforcer Reels

This reel has been wildly successful for Sage.  It's a sturdy build that can take a beating in a skiff or panga.  They have a minutely adjustable drag system and ample backing capacity.  For those that fish salt and do some spey fishing, the Enforcer balances out Spey rods extremely well.  Many of these reels owned by the GFS staff have gone from the flats right onto Spey rods and back again!  They nailed the aesthetic on the Grand Slam series.  The details are great, but they're not gaudy.  Very tastefully done! 

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G. Loomis NRX+ Saltwater Series

The NRX+ Saltwater series…one of the most sought-after saltwater rods on the market. Currently in stock in 790 through 1290.

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Winston AIR 2 MAX - New for 2024

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Just in - Sage Salt R8 - New for 2023

Performance casting in saltwater requires the generation of high line speed. It’s the only way to cut through the wind and put your fly where it needs to be. As saltwater technology advanced over the years, line speed was achieved by building faster and faster rod actions. These rods work extremely well for top-tier casters, but often prove to be challenging for the average angler. The fact is most saltwater anglers are traveling to fish and may only face those conditions for a week annually, or less. Until now, there has been a huge void in high-performance saltwater rods that an average person can cast well. Enter the Salt R8. 

 Casting the Salt R8 is best described as “intuitive”. You just don’t have to think, (or worry!) about making that critical cast. They’re great in close, but have plenty of punch to deliver at distance. The Salt R8 finally answers the call for a high-performance saltwater rod that can be cast easily by anglers of varying skill levels. This is sure to go down as another one of Sage Manufacturing’s legendary series of fly rods.

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New Product Alert - Sage Maverick Saltwater Fly Rods

New for 2020 Sage Maverick - Includes Free Fly Line

Ankle-deep bonefish flats to bait balls in bluewater, the MAVERICK has been designed from the ground up with Konnetic Technology to be fine-tuned to the demanding needs of saltwater specific applications. Tailored for quick-shots and hearty fights, it's the perfect tool for any angler stepping into the saltwater arena where speed is of the utmost importance.

Saltwater angling is more often a game of quick shots than long casts. Dropping a fly in front of a cruising tarpon 20ft off the bow can be the difference between success and failure during a day on the flats. In fact, most saltwater fisheries put a premium on getting the fly to the target quickly. Redfish meandering about Louisiana marshes, bonefish cruising marl-covered flats, and stripers slashing at bait all require a quick cast into "the zone" for high odds at a hookup. The quicker you can lay the fly down, the better the results. Sage's new MAVERICK has been designed to maximize these quick-shot opportunities with a powerful tip section that drives the casting load down to more robust lower sections, making it easier to fire these quick efficient casts and helping the angler make the most of their finite opportunities. With a true saltwater specific backbone and design, the MAVERICK is ready for any salty challenge thrown its way.

BENEFITS

• Quick-Shot Presentations
• Increased Pulling And Lifting Power
• Oversized Guide-Set To Help Reduce Tangles Of Larger Saltwater Knots

FEATURES

• Konnetic Technology
• Pacific Blue blank color
• Charcoal primary thread wraps with Light Grey trim wraps
• Oversized Fuji ceramic stripper guides
• Oversized hard chromed snake guides and tip-top
• Corrosion resistant anodized aluminum reel seat in Matte Slate
• Integrated "hidden" reel seat hook keeper
• Super grade full-wells cork handle with cork/EVA fighting butt
• Black rod bag with Titanium logo and Blue model tag
• Matte Black powder coated aluminum rod tube with Sage Medallion

LINE RECOMMENDATIONS

• Primary: RIO DirectCore Species Specific Saltwater Lines

1. RIO DirectCore Bonefish
2. RIO DirectCore Permit
3. RIO DirectCore Tarpon

• All-Around: RIO DirectCore Flats Pro

MODELS

• 690-4: Skinny water / Stealthy presentations for spooky fish
• 790-4: Skinny water / Stealthy presentations with added wind and fish fighting power
• 890-4: All-around saltwater tool and go-to bonefish rod
• 990-4: All-around saltwater tool for windier days and larger/heavier flies
• 1090-4: Fish-fighting power. Lightweight tarpon or heavy-duty permit applications
• 1190-4: Big flats species, lightweight offshore fishing, and go-to tarpon rod
• 1290-4: Big flats species and lightweight offshore fishing
• 1486-4: Offshore bluewater

Find Sage Fly Rods with FREE FLY LINES at "The Gorge"

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G.Loomis NRX+ Saltwater Fly Rods - New for 2020

 Includes Free Fly Line

NRX+ S CRUSH VARIABLES

Despite best laid plans, conditions in saltwater environments can slide sideways in a split-second. Walloping wind and cloud cover pack the potential to hinder the performance of even the most experienced tropical fly angler. When favor's stacked in nature's corner, level the playing field with fishing tools forged to conquer these, and other common variables.

With a primary focus of maximizing versatility, these adaptable actions improve angler capability and expand tactical opportunity in difficult fishing situations. Rolled with our most advanced compound taper construction to date, NRX+ S provides the power, line speed, and loop stability expected from modern fast-action rods, without compromising "feel" and finesse for short shots when clouds turn the light down. This means, regardless of casting distance or difficulty, NRX+ empowers anglers with confidence-boosting control in less-than-ideal situations.

DYNAMIC RECOVERY TECHNOLOGY

Dynamic Recovery Technology is a blended system of several elements. Our all-new Mega Modulus+ graphite matrix and GL8 resin system, combined with the industry's most advanced compound taper construction process, creates crisp actions with smooth, rapid recovery. The key to achieving these performance characteristics is a reimaging of our proprietary Multi-Taper Design technology. Traditionally used to enhance durability and swing weight, the G. Loomis design team developed a method of applying a similar process to improve loading efficiency and feedback. This widens the power and recovery "sweet spot", providing performance with feel regardless of casting distance.

• Mega Modulus+ matrix is 15% lighter than original NRX, improving overall balance and feel, and limits casting fatigue
• Smooth, rapid recovery, allowing casters to develop stable loops with less effort
• GL8 resin possesses the same strength and impact resistance as past resin systems with less material. This reduces overall weight, and ultimately, limits fatigue
• Materials dampen quickly, delivering a crisp, positive feel in hand

FEATURES

• Recoil snake guides
• Titanium SiC stripper guides
• Full wells, AAA grade cork grip
• Custom aluminum reel seat with fighting butt
• Aluminum rod tube with cloth rod bag
• Handcrafted in Woodland, Washington

Specs -

MODEL	LENGTH	LINE WT.	PIECES
NRX+ 790-4	9'	7	4
NRX+ 890-4	9'	8	4
NRX+ 990-4	9'	9	4
NRX+ 1090-4	9'	10	4
NRX+ 1190-4	9'	11	4
NRX+ 1290-4	9'	12	4

Buy here...

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Winston Saltwater Air - New - Coming in September

Just announcing and this New Rod Series Saltwater Air is already winning awards across the pond at the European EFTTEX Show for Best New Product. We'll get our hands on it next week at I-CAST.

Following is the info we have for now. The news is they will be available in September. We have them listed for sale now on our website for you to pre-order yours today. Pre-orders get filled the same day rods arrive to us. Same day turn around.

For Our New Saltwater AIR Series - Fast Is Smooth And Smooth Is Easy.

The new Saltwater AIR series allows for unprecedented fast recovery, for any length of cast. Combining our proprietary SuperSilica lightweight resin system and Boron III material with modern progressive tapers, Winston AIR rods deliver the celebrated Winston "feel”, along with balanced, fast graphite recovery rates, for incredible line speed and presentation, making them our most versatile saltwater rods. 

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Advanced carbon fiber combined with our SuperSilica lightweight resin system to improve toughness and durability
• A new light and fast big game rod series with extra power cast after cast, without fatigue
• Quick recovery with Winston Progressive Action
• New stealth matte Winston Green finish for flats stalking
• Smaller guides hold the line closer to the rod shaft to give better control through the cast and presentation.
• Boron III technology for increased fighting/lifting power and added energy
• Handcrafted in Twin Bridges, MT
• WEIGHTS: 6 thru 12wt.
• ACTION: Fast
• SECTIONS: 4
• GUIDES: Hard chrome titanium colored snake guides with nanolite stripping guides
• REEL SEAT: Charcoal Gray uplocking, anodized aluminum with double locking rings and 1 ½” fighting butt.
• Engraved with company signature logo.
• STORAGE: Premium graphite rod tube with embroidered logo rod sock

Specs -

MODEL	LENGTH	LINE WT.	PIECES	HANDLE	ACTION
690-4	9'	6	4		Fast
790-4	9'	7	4		Fast
890-4	9'	8	4		Fast
990-4	9'	9	4		Fast
1090-4	9'	10	4		Fast
1190-4	9'	11	4		Fast
1290-4	9'	12	4		Fast

Find the New R.L. Winston Saltwater Air at "The Gorge"

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C.F. Burkheimer Saltwater Fly Rods

Left to right: Saltwater Classic Finish, Saltwater Titanium Finish

If you're looking to start a fly rod conversation just mention C. F. Burkheimer in your fly fishing circle and let the talk begin. Burkheimer fly rods carry more mystique then most boutique rods you've ever heard of.

The topic of this article is the Burkheimer Saltwater Series. This Series can be separated into three models including Saltwater, Tarpon and Bluewater.

The Salt, some of the most demanding fishing on Earth calls for the most exacting rods. You've just found them!

Advanced designs and strong reinforcement ensures these rods are tough enough to handle whatever the big water can bring. We use strong, over-sized stripping guides with silicone carbide inserts as well as hard-chromed snake guides and tip tops. Our heavy-duty, saltwater reel seats feature delrin lined hoods that won't loosen up during critical moments in the battle. CF Burkheimer saltwater models aren't just freshwater designs with corrosion resitant reel seats. These rods are designed from the deck-up to make the toughest casts in the windiest conditions. They load quickly and shoot heavy flies through the wind with authority and ease. They respond immediately to changes in direction, and cast with point-and-shoot accuracy the first time. Because when you finally see those tails working, the last thing to worry about is the rod.

Saltwater models come in 6 thru 10 weights. These are the models to reach for when fishing for Permit, Bonefish, Redfish and Snook.

Tarpon models are for as the name implies,"Tarpon". If you battle Tarpon you're well aware of the extreme requirements needed to cast, hook and land these incredible fish. Burkheimer designed these rods to complete the process

Bluewater. Only one rod in this series and why would you need more choices. The 1488-4 will take on any bluewater species you can connect too.

Choose the build - 
C.F. Burkheimer Fly Rod Co. offers two distinct builds for Saltwater rods: a Classic build and a Titanium build. The rod blanks are identical in all builds, the differences are aesthetic.

No matter if you choose Classic build or Titanium build Burkheimer Saltwater fly rods feature top quality finish and components.

Options - You also have many options to customize your rod to your desires. Extra Tips, Fighting handles, blank colors and more. Our website offers a couple of these options but for most custom orders we prefer to talk to you and make sure you get what you want.

Remember Burkheimers are built "one of a kind, one at a time". No mass production.

Find C.F. Burkheimer Rods at "The Gorge"

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Sage Salt HD - Arriving Now!

Our first shipment of the new Sage Salt HD Fly Rods arrived today.

Right now I've paused writing. Doing my best to avoid using all the standard phrases such as best ever, or must have! I'm tired of writing them and you're tried of hearing those references to the new product each year. I just want to try my best to describe what I experience from this new salt stick.

First. let me note as of this time I have not fished this rod yet. My experience is with casting 7,  9, and 10 weights,  indoor as well as outdoor on water. All where equipped with the new RIO Direct Core Flats Pro Fly line.
Not trying to down play this review but instead just being honest. I too am tired of "best ever" rod reviews were as no actual fishing took place.

Here are qualities I detected straight away.
Like the Sage X, you are connected to this rod! I don't understand how it happens but it is distinctly different then any other rod I am aware of. George Cook, (Northwest Sage Representative), described it best when he said, "You know that moment in the backcast when you loose feel while waiting for the rod to load? You don't get that with the X or the new Salt HD. You never feel disconnected from these rods."

Cast straight as an arrow! I am a notoriously inaccurate caster. It's largely due to a combination of bad habits and worn out body mechanics. Konnetic HD solves this for me. I know from experience when my casting should veer left or right but somehow Konnetic HD keeps me on target. I have witnessed arrow straight cast with both X and Salt HD rods.

Wide range of load. Every rod has a sweet spot where line weight combined with rod load will create great cast. What I detect in Salt HD is an exceptionally wide range of load sweet spot. Short, mid and long range, casts load easily with feel and response. On the subject of response, what I experience is you don't have to drive this rod to make it respond. Just direct it and the power will come naturally. I have to say it again, you just get connected with this rod.

RIO Direct Core Flats Pro Fly Line. Complimenting the Salt HD, the new RIO saltwater line needs to receive its due credit. This line lays down straight and direct connected to the fly. Every strip you feel the fly and you don't feel slack line. It has a great taper and head length for flats angling. It comes in floating as well as an intermediate version.

While I don't have any scheduled salt plans I will be grabbing a 7wt asap to hit my aggressive streamer game. The bonus in these sticks is how well they play that streamer game. I can't wait!

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop
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