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Big Flies / Fast Action

PAYLOAD 789-4

PAYLOAD 789-4

$750.00
$750.00

Boogle bugs to large trout streamers - Perfect for light-duty smallmouth fishing or banging the banks in search of carnivorous trout

Grains: 230 - 270gr

View All Model Specs

Selected Model Details

  • Model:
    PAYLOAD 789-4
  • Line Size:
    7WT
  • Rod Length:
    8'9"
  • Handle:
    Fighting Butt Handle
  • Color:
    Tannin
  • Pieces:
    4
  • SKU:
    2041-789-4
View full details

PAYLOAD

Overview

Big fish, big fly. While not always the case, this rule does ring true for many warmwater and saltwater fisheries with anglers casting larger flies than ever before. With a powerful but comfortable casting action, the new PAYLOAD series of rods are designed to help anglers cast those heavy lines and big flies more effectively. Whether launching a double-articulated streamer to the far bank with the 689-4 or dredging the Sacramento Delta with the 989-4, anglers will notice how easy it is to hurl a heavy line and big fly with the PAYLOAD.

PAYLOAD

Features

PAYLOAD

Details

KonneticHD Technology

Black Ice blank color

Garnet primary thread wraps with Metallic Charcoal trim wraps

Fuji ceramic stripper guides with hard chromed single-foot snake guides and tip-top

Stealth Black anodized aluminum down-locking reel seat

Flor grade snub-nose, half-wells cork handle

Black rod bag with Titanium logo and Garnet model tag

Black powder coated aluminum rod tube with Sage Medallion

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Burgundy primary thread wraps with Bronze trim wraps

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Heavy duty aluminum up-locking reel seat to withstand rugged environments

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Black ballistic rod tube with embroidered logo

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Tangle Free Fuji ceramic stripper guides; Oversized hard chromed snake guides and tip-top

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CASTING LARGE WIND RESISTANT FLIES

Ultra-powerful, yet easy loading down low, the PAYLOAD allows anglers to cast the largest and most wind-resistant flies all day with minimal fatigue. Paired with an aggressive shooting head style fly line, the PAYLOAD is ready to tackle your heavy-duty work from Smallmouth to Musky.
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PICK-UP OF HEAVY LINES OFF THE WATER

When probing the depths with big flies and heavy sinking lines is the name of the game, you need a rod that is able to effectively lift that rig out of the water when it’s time to recast. The PAYLOAD’s powerful butt section shines here when it’s time to make that 1000th cast.
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MORE LEVERAGE FOR FIGHTING POWERFUL FISH

Big flies, big fish… right? When this age-old saying rings true, the PAYLOAD’s powerful butt section provides plenty of power for steering big fish through heavy cover and out of snags.

Konnetic

LIGHTER. SLIMMER. STRONGER. MORE ACCURATE RODS.

Improved accuracy is a result of smoother tracking and increased line speed and line control... all features of Sage’s revolutionary Konnetic Technology®. Creating an impossibly light blank with enhanced hand-to-fly sensitivity, Konnetic Technology utilizes advanced modulus positioning that places carbon fibers to exacting tolerances. This creates slimmer blank profiles with unparalleled strength and efficient energy transfer throughout the shaft. Konnetic Technology’s highly responsive and robust blanks feel connected, offering significantly enhanced torsional stability and minimal vibration for casts that track effortlessly and accurately.

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: 4.965517 / 5 from 29 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The PAYLOAD 789-4 is highly regarded for its effectiveness in casting, particularly when targeting light-duty smallmouth fishing or carnivorous trout. Customers appreciate its solid performance and ease of use.

Summary topics

  • Rod Performance: 60%
  • Casting Effectiveness: 32%

Review topics: ["rod","flies","casts","rods","line","streamers","loads","stick","trout"].

Review highlights

  • "Best trout streamer rod on the market and great at hucking flies for smallmouth too." — Delmar M.
  • "The 8+ payload has been a versatile and reliable streamer rod for years!" — John V.
  • "Beautiful rod with good balance." — Steve S.

Reviews

Phenomenal musky rod. Love the

"Phenomenal musky rod. Love the reach of the 9'3". Rod loads with multiple grain weights and head lengths."

— Robin R. (5/5)

Favorite sticks

"This rod is an accurate beast. I use these for everything from carp and smallies to redfish and snook. They are seriously one of the best rods on the market for these types of fishing and way more versatile than they get credit for. When I fish carp flats with industry pros we all use these. I don't write many reviews these rods deserve some props though. Anglers that can have any equipment they want proudly pack these little brown beauties. Epic product!"

— Travis (5/5)

Fantastic streamers rod. I primarily

"Fantastic streamers rod. I primarily purchased this as my wading streamer rod, but love the length for a smaller streamer boat rod. This rod pairs well with Rio Predator line and loads fantastic! If you’re looking for a great streamer rod that picks up heavy sink head/tip lines quick, allows you to punch big articulated flies into tight spaces with ease, look no further"

— Erik S. (5/5)

Great rod!

"This is an awesome rod. I got the payload in an 8wt but fish it more like a 9. It can cast bigger flies and loads fast. I like the stiffness in the rod for throwing sinking line. I often throw bass streamers on a 9wt with sinking line to offer a bit more back bone when picking up the slack on a hook set. This rod allows me to do the same in an 8"

— Jeff F. (5/5)

Great at launching big nasties

"Solid rod. Over line it for sure"

— Granite S. (5/5)

Perfect rod for big-river smallmouth!

"Perfect rod for big-river smallmouth!"

— MATTHEW G. (5/5)

9w Payload - an Exceptional Trophy Barramundi Rod

"My guiding business specialises in chasing trophy Barramundi in North Queensland, Australia… my go-to fly rod for these fish is the Sage 989-4 Payload. The Average of these fish is 25-30 lbs, with some tipping the scales over the 70lb mark. The Payload is a pleasure to cast, especially when the fish are shut down, casting large flies for long periods throughout the day. This rod also has the pulling power needed for stopping these fish when headed for the snags."

— John H. (5/5)

Payload - heavy load.

"Payload - heavy load."

— Francesco G. (5/5)

Warmwater, streamer and flats perfection

"These rods are insane. Accurate as heck and punch above their class. I have a few of them and they are in my opinion one of the best rods on the market at any price."

— Travis B. (5/5)

Built for chucking meat!

"One of the best streamer sticks I’ve ever casted!"

— Ryan R. (5/5)

Q&A