Firstly, let me start by explaining I am a Sage rods fanatic. Therefore, a chance to tour the Sage Factory in Bainbridge Washington, really did excite me.
In fact, since Alba Game Fishing’s inclusion in the Sage Experiences program, it’s been priority to visit the heart of the operation. Alba Game Fishing were added to a carefully curated selection of outfitters worldwide, who meet high standards. In addition guests that fish with us now, will get access to flagship Sage R8 trout and Spey rods.
My first Sage rod was a Sage XP, 9 1/2 foot #6 weight. I bought it new and boy, I fell in love with that rod. I have too many dreamy memories trout fishing in the Highlands and west coast lochs in the North of Scotland. In particular landing a 6lb wild brown trout in Durness. At that time, smashing my PB for wild Scottish Browns.
Ferry to Bainbridge Island
I visited the USA in November 2025 and chose a hotel a few minutes walk from the ferry terminal in Downtown Seattle. The Citizen M concept hotel is trendy and comfortable, but I don’t operate well in tight spaces. The room reminded me of a Tokyo Micro Apartment.
My plan the next day, was to walk on the ferry and get picked up on Bainbridge Island side by Chris Anderson. Chris is the International Sales Manager of Farbank, the holding company that own Sage, Rio, Redington and Fly Water Travel. And there he was, broad smile and friendly welcome. We went to a Mexican nearby and had an early lunch and chatted about fishing and guiding enthusiastically. It’s always refreshing speaking to fellow pros who have guiding experience. And like me, Chris has done the hard mile, guiding all over America. (me all over Scotland)
Many will ask why Sage are based on Bainbridge Island, rather than Seattle on the mainland. The answer to this was when the founder of Sage Don Green set up the factory, he tried to avoid competing with the main employer in the Seattle area, Boeing Aviation.
Furthermore, when Sage set up this factory in 1980, it was known as the Winslow rod company, and at that time started with just 6 employees. Don had gained experience working with Fenwick rods.
The first thing I saw in the Sage Fly Rods Factory
One of my prized Sage rods in my collection is a Sage 10 year Anniversary rod from 1990. In a custom leather case, with a Billy Pate Reel. This is an 8ft 9″ #7 weight, two piece rod. It’s unused and mint condition. So imagine my surprise to see the same rod, hanging in the reception at Sage. However this rod was serial number #1 of 300 and was mounted on a very nice presentation frame.
Eric Ludwig the production director at Sage walked me through the factory. Not only introducing the process but some of the key people too. Rose, who had worked there over 30 years actually demonstrated rolling an R8 9ft rod. It was like watching wizardry at work. She made it look so effortless and easy, but the attention to detail was evident.
What was remarkable, was just how many people and how much care and attention to detail are involved in the production of these rods. Indeed, even the rod repairs are custom made and great care goes into making sure the replacement section fits the rod. Sage offer a 25 years guarantee, and during the repair, each new piece is made from scratch, rather than simply pulling a section from stock.
As well as the production and dressing of the rod, I was also interested in din the library of decals for each rod and managed to watch one being applied to a rod. You can see in the images below an example. Sage also hold stock for discontinued rods for repair purposes. Although generally I would imagine the butt section is the least likely to break.
Rio Fly design and Sage Reel design
So with interest levels at 11 on the scale, I was then introduced to the free design team, and got a sneak look at some Redington and Sage prototype reels. I think it was all good for them to speak to a guide who had experience of the reels and I gave them some good feedback on the trout reel, the Spey reel and the ESN reels.
Finally it was a pleasure to meet Patrick who looks after fly deign for the Rio team. Without doubt a highlight discussing different fly patterns, and looking at prototypes.
I’d like to finish by extending a huge thank you to Farbank, the team at Sage and Fly Water travel. In fact the next day I flew down to Oregon to meet them. Moreover I spent a wonderful day with Ken Morrish the founder, as well as meeting the team.
