Favorite 6-weight ever?

Posted by John Duncan (Telluride Outside) on 5th Sep 2011

I should precede this review by stating that I am biased toward fast-action 6-weights. My 6-weight fishing is categorically streamer fishing and I like a stiff rod for chucking streamers. I cast this rod with an SA Sharkskin Ultimate Trout Taper WF6 line and, from the first cast, thought it was the best 6-weight I've ever thrown. I prefer the grip on the 690-4 over the larger grip on the 691-4. I have medium-sized hands and like the contour and overall size of this slightly smaller grip, even for long casts. None of the ONE rods are particularly good at short range, so the super-fast style of this series has more virtue in the higher line weights. I probably wouldn't buy a ONE in a 4-weight, but defintely in a 6-weight. To summarize, this is the lighest, most powerful, long casting, crisp and stable 6-weight I've ever cast. Of the ONE rods that I've tested, I would rate the 690-4 and 691-4 as "most true to line weight." As advertized, the ONE rod is 25% lighter than any other Sage and has truly remarkable stability and casting accuracy. If you want a race car 6-weight, you just found it.

Line recommendation: SA Textured GPX Taper, SA Sharkskin Ultimate Trout Taper or GPX Taper, Rio Gold.