Like a simple white t-shirt and pair of jeans, some things are too classic to disappear amongst the trends of fashion. Like a nice crisp, “tippy” fast action fly rod like the new Scott S4.
Sometimes the classics are hard to find among the ebb and flow of fashion. Scott Fly Rods do things a little differently. Their new rod for the ’08 season is a true classic, a genuine fast action, stiff trout rod, but with a tippet protecting tip. This 
is the rod for fly fishers who love the fast actions of earlier this decade, in an updated format. Put it this way; if you miss Sage’s classic XP series, this is the rod for you.
The S4 is an incredibly light rod, the new 5wt is 2.6 oz, and performs superbly with a Scientific Anglers GPX. The Journal, admittedly a fast action aficionado for 5wts and up, fell for this rod.
The line speed out of this stick is incredible, yet very controllable, producing screen door loops with very little effort despite a howling headwind yesterday afternoon. The tip feels perfectly balanced with the remainder of the rod; it looks well classy but workman like. It’s like a well loved truck taken back to showroom condition. Even the classy touches are understated; this is no chromed out street cruiser all show and no go. This is a rod to be fished hard. There is a lovely titanium reel seat, REC recoil snakes and Fuji SIC stripping guides in titanium frames. The blank is coated with simple, clear varnish. You get alignment dots for the ferrules (no longer Scott’s internal ferrules), and measurement marks.
All rods are 4-piece. Retail $675.
8’ RODS: 3wt; 4 wt.
8’ 6” RODS: 4wt; 5wt.
9’ RODS: 4wt; 5wt; 6wt; 7wt; 8wt.
9’ 6” RODS: 6wt; 7wt; 8wt.
Actually the Journal has been placed in a troubling position. After raving about the ZXL 8’6” 4wt as the ultimate dry fly rod for spring creek hatches then we cast the gorgeous S4 8’6” 4wt. How to choose, what to do?
Different rods, different action for the same job but man we would love them both. The new rod offerings this year are truly exceptional. Compared to 5 years ago the variety of actions is much wider, so you have more chance of finding the right rod for you. Come and cast them to find what might suit you.
