Recon vs Motive for Bonefish

[jmw]

New to salt and starting to gear up for my first Christmas Island trip in the spring and am considering an Orvis Recon or Sage Motive 8 weight rod for bonefish. I hope to get a chance to cast each before a purchase decision, but would appreciate any input from those of you who own or have tested these rods already. Do either of these rods have a particular line preference? Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[rgb2_flyfisher]

The Motive is a saltwater-specific rod and if you will be using this rod in saltwater only, you will appreciate the features of the Motive. The Recon is a freshwater and saltwater rod so if you will be doing something like steelhead fishing with the rod also, that rod may be a better choice. The Motive has more of the lifting power than the Recon, but the Recon is better at mending and is a better all-around 8 weight. They are both fantastic rods. I hope this helps you narrow it down a little more.

 

[jmw]

Thanks. For now I am targeting this rod for salt water. Besides lifting power, is there anything else about the Motive that makes it better for the salt than the Recon?