There’s something to be said for a fly rod/reel combination that is extremely lightweight. A lightweight setup magnifies the intensity when you stick a fish. With rods getting lighter and stronger, you need a reel that is also lightweight not to negate the weight factor and maximize the fishing experience. The Sage Click & Pawl reel is one of those reels.
When it comes to lightweight, it is feather-light. The Click 3/4/5 our tester uses weighs in at a mere 2 5/8 oz. That’s less than a deck of cards or fifty-four (54) large paper clips. Of course, you’ll obviously weigh in less when you don’t have cork or additional material that makes up a drag system. Its simple clicker is the only resistance the reel provides, and boy, it’s a hoot when you stick a fish.
Elegantly crafted, the Sage Click is a beautifully machined reel. With a large arbor, porting up the ying-yang, and a rim that you can palm when you hook into a Maximus fish, the Sage Click is a great reel for those who want to experience a no-holds bared fish rodeo.
Our tester paired the Sage Click with a Sage One 486-4 rod and RIO Gold fly line. The Sage Click 4/5/6 was tested on the tundra creeks in Bristol Bay, Alaska, and Southcentral Alaska for Rainbows, Dolly Varden and Grayling. With both the rod and reel being super lightweight, there was slight trepidation of being “under-gunned.” After the first Rainbow porpoised for a mouse pattern in a tundra creek in Bristol Bay, all fears went away. Palming the reel is like driving a manual transmission; you get a better feel and control while fighting the fish. The retrieve is smooth, and the large arbor responds quickly.
| Feature | Benefit |
| 6061 Grade Aluminum | Super lightweight without compromising strength and integrity. |
| Concave Arbor | Faster line retrieval, less coiling, and increased rigidity. |
| Anodized Surface | Better surface protection, corrosion resistance, and durability. |
| Fat Palming Rim | For the old school, manual control when fighting a fish. |
Cons:
- The adjustable drag seems pointless. But it does prevent spooling.
- It can be loud. When you stick a fish, everyone around will know it.
- The reel feels like you’ll break it when you handle it.
- May not be the best reel option for the first time angler (Although, it may be the best. Similar to learning how to drive with a manual transmission).
Pros:
- Super lightweight
- The retrieve rate is great.
- Palming surface is a good size.
- Super fun to fish.
Overall the Sage Click is a joy to fish. With it being so lightweight, it offers a different experience when you hook a fish. The Sage Click offers a more classic style of fly fishing and will test your fishing senses and ability. The Sage Click is a hoot to fish with.
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