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Multi-Application / Fast Action

FOUNDATION 990-4

FOUNDATION 990-4

$550.00
$550.00

Sage's most versatile and popular saltwater rod model. The 990-4 FOUNDATION is able to effectively present flies and handle the fight with bonefish, redfish, striped bass, largemouth bass or other similarly-sized species.

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Selected Model Details

  • Model:
    FOUNDATION 990-4
  • Line Size:
    9WT
  • Rod Length:
    9'0"
  • Handle:
    Fighting Butt Handle
  • Color:
    Stealth Black
  • Pieces:
    4
  • SKU:
    2035-990-4
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FOUNDATION

Overview

Equipped with a high-performance blank (Graphite IIIe), the FOUNDATION has a fast action providing excellent casting power and effortless control. It's the very foundation of what defines a Sage rod – Performance - taking your game to another level. Whether you are a guide on the Madison or exploring your backyard waters, the FOUNDATION series delivers the signature Sage feel. For over 35 years we've built performance rods one at a time on Bainbridge Island, WA. The same 27 sets of skilled hands that craft all Sage rods construct the FOUNDATION.

FOUNDATION

Features

FOUNDATION

Details

Graphite IIIe Technology

Stealth Black blank color

Black primary thread wraps with Silver trim wraps

Ceramic stripper guides; Hard chromed snake guides and tip-top

Black anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat

Snub-nose cork handle with fighting butt

Rugged black nylon rod tube with divided liner

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Black primary wraps with silver trim wraps

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Black anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat

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Rugged black nylon rod tube with divided liner

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Ceramic stripper guides; Hard chrome snake guides and tip-top

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DRY FLY

A fast action provides the capability to stay tight to the line and in control of the presentation, while the high line speed drives a tight loop that assists in laser accuracy in technical dry fly situations. With a sensitive tip section to protect light tippets, a versatile balance between accuracy and delicacy is achieved.
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NYMPHING

A powerful butt section easily lifts fish from their lie and gives great turnover capabilities for multi-nymph rigs. With a sensitive tip section to protect light tippets, a versatile balance between lifting power and delicacy provides perfect synergy for nymph fishing.
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STREAMERS

A powerful butt section easily throws a wide range of streamers and accommodates effective sinking tip lines. In addition, it provides the ability to quickly pull aggressive fish out of structure for increased landing success.

GRAPHITE IIIe

POWERFUL. DURABLE.

Graphite IIIe Technology brings power and durability resulting in a more connected feel throughout the casting stroke, making longer and more accurate casts possible. Constructed using glass scrims within layers of graphite, Graphite IIIe rods are noted for their light weight, dependability, and smooth feel.

MADE IN USA

At Sage, craftsmanship is our people. We’re not a big faceless factory, but rather a workplace of craftspeople who design and build the world’s best fly rods and reels using our hands and hearts. We do it by sharing ideas and always asking the next question to find what can be done to make this better. Our rods are built one at time right here on Bainbridge Island, WA, following hundreds of meticulous steps and passing through 23 sets of hands. Our reels are also designed right here, and then precision-crafted with exclusive USA carbon to tolerance only Sage can deliver. We’re out there fishing the same places in the same unforgiving conditions that you are. Craftsmanship is applied experience. Lifetimes of it.

Overall rating: 4.923077 / 5 from 13 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: ["looks","rod","loops","flies","casts","streamers"].

Review highlights

Reviews

Foundation

"I purchased this rod for my clients, fishing for Great Lakes steelhead and it’s been a perfect match the rod is excellent for roll casting and forty foot cast. I’ve been very satisfied with this purchase."

— Richard F. (5/5)

Sage Foundation 7 Wt 9 Ft Fly Rod

"I bought a Sage Foundation 7 wt 9 ft fly rod about a year ago. I was looking for an inexpensive but powerful and sensitive high-quality 7 wt rod to use for smallmouth bass fishing on the Tennessee River and the larger creeks around The Shoals area of NW Alabama. I had bought a Redington Wrangler and an Echo Ion XL in this same length and weight, and found the Wrangler to be lacking in accuracy and distance, and the Ion XL to be stronger and more accurate than the Wrangler but still not quite what I wanted. Then I found an incredible deal on a previously purchased but unused Sage Foundation 7 wt 9 ft rod and it is much better than I expected for the price. It handles everything I ask it to do and is a Sage, through and through. The other two 7 wt rods are relegated to backup service and for friends who don't have 7 wt rods who want to fish with me. This Foundation is the 6th Sage fly rod that I've owned, and I'm very pleased with it."

— Kerry S. (5/5)

9ft 7wt Foundation- Might be my new all around.

"• Very pleased with my purchase and the online customer service • Satin black blank with chrome accents was much more visually appealing in person than I assumed when ordering. • Plenty of power- surprisingly forgiving for a fast action rod I find myself capable of chunking soaked streamers with finesse while also being able to swap spools to delicately set dries right on top of rising fish."

— Jack M. (5/5)

Big Flies, streamers

"I use this rod streamer fishing for trout in Patagonia’s big rivers and Striped Bass in windy Midcoast Maine. Paired with Rio’s outbound short intermediate, it is a joy to cast. I got this as my “back up” but it is number one now for half the price of my fancy rod, which is great too but it cost twice as much."

— Alex O. (5/5)

Like the rod use for

"Like the rod use for teaching people to fly fish good action and feel . Like the all black look"

— Robin C. (4/5)

Larry's Sage 7wt

"Casts like a dream ✨️"

— larry s. (5/5)

"Perfect"

— Jennifer (5/5)

Streamers fishing

"I am sure this rod can do all other things but I bought an #8 paired with a RIO Inbound short intermediate. Fishing for striped bass off a boat with medium-heavy flies often wind resistant, also smaller streamers for brown trout in Patagonia, this thing is amazing, effortless pick ups, powerful roll cast puts the fly back in the water whit out much false casting needed if at all. I am a guide and been fishing for quite a while myself, when I put this rod in the hand of clients avid fisherman one yet to disagree that this rod is a great tool to have for a fraction of the money. It is still not a cheap rod but if you are moving up the "gear ladder" you won't regret this investment. And if you are looking for a spare rod this one won't disappoint you either. As I am writing this I am about to add a couple more to my arsenal as the season is approaching...have fun out there!"

— Confluence F. (5/5)

Fast rod

"Rod is very responsive and produces nice tight loops while casting distances. Have not fished it yet. Suggest always evaluating rod performance with correct fly line weight and with different forward tapers."

— Mack M. (5/5)

Love this rod!

"Great fast action rod with sleek black design. Hauling in the big ones never felt so good."

— Nicholas P. (5/5)

Q&A