The International Fly Tackle Dealer Show made it's triumphant return to Denver this week and it came with a healthy helping of innovative, high performing fly fishing gear.
After scouring the show floor over the past three days for the latest and greatest in fly fishing gear. We wittled our list down and came away with a collection of new gear that we think should be on your radar for 2019/2020.
Fly Reels
Nautilus GTX Fly Reel | It's finally here and it's spectacular. We're expecting this fish stopping machine to arrive at Trouts in November, just in time to make a cozy home on your big game setup for your next trip to the salt. The GTX has been floating around the rumor mill for a while and we're excited to see it finally come to fruition. With a brand new hybrid drag system (cork, carbon fiber, and kevlar components), the GTX is designed for big game fishing big terminal tackle and can apply over 25 pounds of drag pressure. The GTX will retail for $1300.
Ross San Miguel Fly Reel | The return of the legend. Our good friends in Montrose continue to take elements of their iconic performers, add modern machining and materials and produce absolute stunners. With a fully-sealed carbon-stainless steel drag, the new San Miguel can protect your lightest tippet and put a stop to a feisty trout when it needs to. Don't worry - that iconic buttery smooth free spool action is better than ever. We expect the San Miguel to arrive at Trouts in December 2019. Just in time for a wishlist or two. The all-new San Miguel with retail for $595.
Orvis Hydros Fly Reel | Not looking to break the budget, but want to get a lot of bang for your buck? Take a look at the updated Orvis Hydros Fly Reel. Arriving in February 2020, the updated Orvis Hydros is a refined version of the Hydros. Orvis addressed and improved the seal on the sealed carbon and stainless drag to improve it's reliability and performance. This might not be a sexy pick, but if you're looking for a no-nonsense performer on a budget, look no further. The Orvis Hydros Fly Reel will start at $198.
Fly Rods
G Loomis NRX+ Fly Rod | We've had the chance to fish the NRX+ 595 and we're super impressed with it's versatility for the technical angling that the Front Range requires. After getting a chance to cast their full lineup from the standard NRX+ to the NRX+ S (for Saltwater) and the NRX+ LP (for Light Presentation), we are sold on this new offering from our friends at G Loomis. Each weight and length was designed to do a job and do that job very well. G Loomis knocked this series out of the park and at a very intriguing price point. We expect the NRX+ to land any day now and they start at $795. Pre-order your NRX+, NRX+ S, or NRX+ LP today.
Scott Sector Fly Rod | Replacing the Meridian was a tough task, but luckily the folks at Scott were up to it. The all-new Scott Sector packs a lot of punch and there is quite a bit of new technology introduced with the new Sector, like Scott's new Carbon Web and ReAct technology. Sure, it's powerful. Sure, it's accurate. But, we were most impressed with it's ability to handle long pickups, a must when fishing for big game. The Sector is available now and starts at $985.
Orvis Recon Fly Rod | With the benefits of Helios 3 technology, the improved Orvis Recon Fly Rod is a mid-priced point rod with premium performance built-in. Increased hoop strength, better tracking, improved dampening, and significantly improved accuracy, the new Recon Series has 13 freshwater models and 9 big game models that a worth a look if you're expanding your angling horizons. Coming in February/March 2020, the Recon will start at $449.
Wading
SIMMS G4 Waders | The all-new G4 Waders (both Pro and Zip) just landed here at Trouts fresh off their heralded debut at this year's IFTD. More breathable and durable than it's predecessors, the all-new G4 waders are trusted and tested to withstand the toughest cold water conditions mother nature can throw at you. The all-new SIMMS G4 Waders are available now and start at $749.95.
SIMMS G4 Pro Wading Boots | Proven over 1000+ hours of field testing, the G4 PRO Wading Boot is SIMMS' most durable fly fishing boot. Available now for $299.95.
SIMMS Women's Flyweight Boots | Arriving in January, the women's-specific Flyweight Boots are a very welcome addition to the Women's line of wading boots. These aren't your average shrink it and pink it wading boots. Instead, the new Women's Flyweight Boots are designed to fit and perform on women's feet. Let's not forget the Flyweights are perhaps the lightest and most comfortable wading boots on the market.
Accessories
Rising Travel Net | The boys at Rising never stop thinking of ingenious solutions to on-the-water problems. This go-round Dylan and Dalton cooked up a damn good solution to traveling to far off lands with your net. While Rising's nets were already the most transportable net in the game, the all-new Travel Net breaks down into four pieces (the Hoop itself breaks into two pieces and the Handle breaks into two pieces). When disassembled the net fits into a small, easily transportable bag made of repurposed billboard material. When fully assembled, it's the same size as the stubby Lunker Net + an Extension. That's a damn game changer. Look for more innovation coming out of Francis, Utah. The Rising Travel Net will be arriving in-store shortly and will retail for $235.
Tacky & Fishpond Fly Boxes | The big news around the convention center floor was Fishpond's acquisition of fly box producer Tacky Fly Fishing. With said acquisition, Fishpond added their traditional touches to the Tacky line and delivered a facelift to the line of Tacky Fly Boxes. An added benefit of joining the Fishpond family, each fly box is now constructed of 20% recycled material. The new Tacky/Fishpond Fly Boxes are expected to arrive at Trouts on November 22nd.
Umpqua ZS2 Boat Bag | The new Umpqua ZS2 Boat Bag is optimized for access and usability. It has external functionality with y storage, a hemostat attachment, and pairs with a variety of Umpqua new ZS2 accessories. The Umpqua ZS2 has a structured lid and dry-lock rim that allow this bag to remain weatherproof even when it's not zipped. Coming soon in Medium ($219.99) and Large ($299.99).
Stay tuned to blog for more information and upcoming availability for these and all the fresh newness that's coming your way.