The Idaho Angler has purchased and has available for your use the Sage Casting Analyzer (for a small fee). Following is a description of the evolution and function of the Casting Analyzer as provided by Sage Rods.

The Sage Casting Analyzer represents the culmination of years of diligent research. Noel Perkins, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, initiated the project after rediscovering his love of fly fishing in 1998. Intrigued by the dynamics of the fly cast, he created a computer model using a rate gyro to measure rod rotation. As the project developed, Noel teamed up with Bruce Richards, an expert in the science of fly casting from Scientific Anglers. Together, Noel and Bruce created CastAnalysis LLC, and in 2004 they forged a partnership with Sage for the exclusive distribution of the world's first fly-casting analyzer. Sage and CastAnalysis then collaborated to create a new user-friendly program for Sage's specialty fly shops. Sage is dedicated to providing anglers with innovative tools that help perfect performance and promote the evolution of the sport. In short: We're proud to introduce the Sage Casting Analyzer.

The Sage Casting Analyzer was born of a desire to help you perfect your cast, so you can focus on the fish. The first of its kind, the analyzer will provides anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to better understand the mechanics of their cast with immediate, quantifiable feedback. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can hone and tighten your delivery.

The Sage Casting Analyzer gathers scientific data via a rate gyroscope attached to the rod. When you make several false casts with a fixed length of line, the gyroscope relays data to a Palm Pilot, which allows for immediate review. The analyzer measures six separate components that are critical to a proper cast: peak speed, casting arc, smoothness ratio, deceleration, stop and rod load. As part of your detailed printed report, the analyzer also evaluates sub-categories, like creep, drift and symmetry.

The Sage Casting Analyzer consists of a Sage 590 XP Series rod, Sage 2550 reel and Sage Performance Taper fly line attached to a rate gyroscope. The gyroscope connects to a circuit box that communicates with a Palm Pilot, which stores data until it's transferred to a computer system that generates detailed reports.

The current program dissects your overhead false cast. You make a fixed line cast at 30, 40, or 50 feet-with no hauling-and the Sage Casting Analyzer compares your cast profile to the Sage Expert. (We're also working on a Spey and double-haul component to the utility.)

The gyroscope can be attached to any fly rod. Of course, the resulting data will vary based on the weight and action of the rod you use. In order to compare the data to the Sage Expert, which provides specific feedback on how to improve your cast, you need to use the 590 XP.

Sage Cast Analysis acquired the casting profiles of hundreds of experts - the guys out there catching all kinds of fish. And despite the widely varied styles of casting we discovered, the profiles were remarkably similar. The Sage Expert is simply a cast profile that reflects the amalgamation of a variety of casting pros.