IFTD 2016 New Product Showcase Winners

Via Stillwater Fly Shop:

Orlando, FL: More than 225 attendees of International Fly Tackle Dealer voted for their favorite new products for 2016. In total, 28 categories were represented, from fly rods and waders to books and DVDs. The voting occurred in a secure space separate from the manufacturers, and the results are calculated by code, ensuring the winners are kept a surprise until the very end.

American Fly Fishing Trade Association vice-chair Michael White announced the winners at the annual “Party at the Pond” event on Thursday, July 14, 2016. Simms Fishing Products, Sage, and RIO were the big winners, with Simms Fishing Products racking up five categories. Sage took overall Best of Show honors with the Sage X590 freshwater fly rod.

A complete listing of the winners and categories are included below:

Men’s Waders: Simms Fishing Products — Headwater Pro Waders

Women’s Waders: Hodgman — Women’s H4 Wader

Wading Boots: Simms Fishing Products — Rip Rap Shoe Felt

Men’s Outerwear: Patagonia — Minimalist Wading Jacket

Men’s General Apparel: Simms Fishing Products — Intruder BiComp L/S Shirt

Women’s Outerwear: Patagonia — Women’s River Salt Jacket

Women’s General Apparel: Simms Fishing Products — Women’s Rip Rap Sandal

Youth Product: Umpqua Feather Merchants — ZS Wader Chest Pack

Fly Rod — Freshwater: Sage — X 590

Fly Rod — Saltwater: Sage — X 890

Reel – Freshwater: Ross Reels — Colorado LT

Reel – Saltwater: Abel Reels — SDS

Accessories (under $100): Orvis Company, Inc. — U.S.-Made Aluminum Nipper

Eco-friendly Product: Fishpond — Thunderhead Duffel

Check Pack / Vest: Simms Fishing Products — G4 Pro Sling Pack

Luggage: Umpqua Feather Merchants — ZeroSweep Cooler-Gater

Boat / Personal Watercraft: Outcast Sporting Gear — Fish Cat 5 Mat

Book: Angler’s Book Supply — Fusion Fly Tying

DVD: RIO Products — Favorite Fly-Fishing Knots

Fly Box / Storage System: Tacky Fly Fishing — Tacky Dry Fly Box

Fly Line — Freshwater: RIO Products — InTouch Big Nasty

Fly Line — Saltwater: RIO Products — Winter Redfish

Fly Pattern — Freshwater: Aqua Flies, LLC — Stu Foxall’s PrawnTruder

Fly Pattern — Saltwater: Umpqua Feather Merchants — Contraband Crab, Chicone

Fly Tying Materials / Equipment: Freestone Designs — The Go Box

Gift Items (under $100): Umpqua Feather Merchants, ZS Guide Wader Belt

Leader / Tippet: Rio Products — RIO Saltwater Mono

P.O.S. / Booking Software:  The Outfitter Pro — Online Booking System

Best of Show: Sage — Sage X 590

Boom...Morgan

I Am an Able Woman

I am an Able Woman from Able Women on Vimeo.

So rad, love it. If you haven't checked out what Able is doing to progress women in the sport of fly fishing. Give Abel Women a follow on Vimeo as well!

Able Women from Able Women on Vimeo.

Boom...Morgan

Scientific Anglers/Fly Fusion TV Web Series: Ep. 2 - "Secrets"

Scientific Anglers/Fly Fusion TV Web Series - Episode 2 from Scientific Anglers on Vimeo.

Scientific Anglers and Fly Fusion TV present this fly-fishing web series based on the highly acclaimed Fly Fusion TV television series.

"Explore" Episode 2 Overview: 

With over 7 billion people on the planet, it’s difficult to find places where the water runs cold and clear and where the human footprint is nearly non-existent. Fly Fusion Television hosts Jim McLennan and Derek Bird, along with Fly Fusion’s social media editor Paula Shearer, helicopter into one of these places, and what they find far exceeds their expectations. In fact, the fly fishing is so good they can’t help but keep it a secret.

Magazine: flyfusionmag.com
Series: flyfusiontv.com
VOD (full episodes):
vimeo.com/ondemand/flyfusiontv

Boom...Morgan

Daily Reel...'Requins'

Requins from Olivier BROSSELIN on Vimeo.

Boom...Morgan

Fish Art...Abel Reels X Andrea Larko

I'm telling you, if you don't have something that Andrea has made or is printed on, well, your pretty out of the loop. She's taken over the fly fishing art community in the last few years and I would venture to say, has placed herself among the elite such as Maddox, Martinez, Currier, and DeYoung. Her latest feature just so happens to be painted or etched into one of the world's most well-known reels...Abel. Yup...check it...

Photo courtesy of Andrea Larko

Photo courtesy of Andrea Larko

To see more of her art, check out her website where you can get linked to her Etsy and add some AL work to your home. To follow along on the birth of current pieces, collaborations and more, check out her Facebook page.

Boom...Morgan

Andrea Larko X Abel Automatics

 

Yup, its happening. Per Andrea's Facbook page last night, she has paired up with Abel to bring you some of the most functional art in the sport. As things begin to roll out and zentangles, like the brown trout below, hit the aluminum, we will keep you posted. But for now, congratulations Andrea, well deserved friend!

Photo courtesy of Andrea Larko

Oh and while were on the subject of Andrea Larko....she recently completed the fish all of us salty East Coasters have been waiting for...the Striped Bass.

Photo courtesy of Andrea Larko

Be sure to check out more of Andrea's work by visiting her site and 'liking' her Facebook Page.

Boom...Morgan

IFTD/iCAST Live Feed and Coverage - Day 3 + 'Best of Show' Winners

The 3rd and final day begins now!

As many of you know, iCAST and IFTD (International Fly Tackle Dealer) start today down in Orlando, FL and run until Friday. The two largest shows combined two years ago in Vegas to make the mother of all fishing shows. Unfortunately, my employer wouldn't allow me to take vacation to go and therefore my ticket is now a voucher...to fly another day.

Since I cannot be there, I am going to be blogging and live feeding photos of gear and happenings here, through a live feed of our Instagram and also on our Facebook and Twitter over the course of the next three days. I will be in constant contact with numerous friends that are attending or even in the show from our friends at Allen Fly Fishing (booth #) to my Dizm Eyewear teammate Eric Estrada at his Estrada Art booth (booth #200) to our great friend Rob Snowhite aka The Fly Fishing Consultant.

And here's a little video with the overall winner of the 'Best of Show' Awards from yesterday!!!!

IFTD2014-bestof from AFFTA Admin on Vimeo.

Here is a live feed of our Instagram...

Here is a live feed of #IFTD...

And here is a live feed of #iCAST...

And the winners are...

From AFFTA:

Retailers Attending IFTD 2014 Voted for the Best New Products from Fly Rods to DVDs

Over a thousand attendees of International Fly Tackle Dealer voted for their favorite new products for 2014. Over 28 categories were represented, from fly rods and waders to books and DVDs. The voting occurs in a secure space separate from the manufacturers, and the results are calculated by code, thus the winners are kept as a surprise until the very end…even from those tabulating the results.

American Fly Fishing Trade Association board chair Tucker Ladd announced the winners at the annual “Party at the Pond” event at the end of the day on Thursday, July 17. Sage Fly Fishing and Simms Fishing Products were the big winners, with Simms racking up seven categories (men’s waders, women’s waders, men’s outerwear, women’s outerwear, men’s general apparel, women’s general apparel and wading boots), and Sage will travel home with best fly rod for freshwater and saltwater as well as best of show award for the Salt 890-4 rod.

A complete listing of the winners and categories are included below:

Men’s Waders: Simms Fishing Products: Freestone Z

Women’s Waders: Simms Fishing Products: Women’s Freestone

Eyewear: Flex Spex

Chest Pack/Vest: Fishpond: Delta Sling

Men’s Outerwear: Simms Fishing Products: G4 Pro Jacket

Women’s Outerwear: Simms Fishing Products: Women’s Guide Jacket

Youth Product: Vedavoo: Little Bugger

Eco-Friendly Product: Fishpond: Roll Top Backpack

Fly Rod – Freshwater: Sage Fly Fishing: Accel 590-4

Fly Rod – Saltwater: Sage Fly Fishing: Salt 890-4

Reel – Freshwater: Nautilus Reels: Silver King Silver

Reel – Saltwater: Nautilus Reels: Silver King Black

Boat/Personal Watercraft: Outcast Sporting Gear: OSG Approach

Fly Line – Freshwater: Scientific Anglers: Sharkwave Siege

Fly Line – Saltwater: RIO Products: Permit Fly Line

Fly Box/Storage System: Tacky Fly Fishing: Fly Box

Fly Tying Materials/Equipment: Fly Men Fishing Company: Fish Skull Fly

Fly Pattern – Freshwater: Angler Sport Group: J. Son Match and Catch

Fly Pattern – Saltwater: Umpqua Feather Merchants: Hudspeth’s Huds

Accessory: Abel: Zinger

Men’s General Apparel: Simms Fishing Products: Confluence Reversible

Women’s General Apparel: Simms Fishing Products: Women’s Solar Flex

DVD: Confluence Films: Waypoints

Book: Angers Sport Group: All Fisherman Are Liars

Gift Item: Superfly International: Superfly Combo

Luggage: Fishpond: Westwater Large

Wading Boots: Simms Fishing Products: River Tex

Best of Show: Sage Fly Fishing: Salt 890-4

AFFTA advocates for and promotes the sustained growth of the fly fishing industry. By igniting consumer demand for products and services, providing businesses the tools to be successful, and advocating for access, protection and restoration of fishing waters, we will continue to enhance the passion and profitability of the sport of fly fishing.

Boom...Morgan

2014 Yellowstone Angler 8-Weight Reel Shootout

A few weeks ago we posted The Yellowstone Angler's 8-weight rod shootout...their thorough review wouldn't be complete without the reel end...

Via TFM:

The Yellowstone Angler just released their latest review and it's a comprehensive breakdown of over two dozen eight weight fly reels from a lot of the big name brands across the industry.    

Check out the Yellowstone Angler to read the full review and to see their favorites, complete misses, and a couple surprises are in the mix as well. 

How did your favorite fly reel fare in the review?

Of course, our Morgan's favorite reels didn't make it into the review this year, but Allen will get there soon enough...

Luis has been validated finally as his reel of choice, the Galvan T-8...kicked ass did well by sitting comfortably in 3rd (Remember...if your not first, your last).

Boom...Morgan  Luis Morgan

Abel Reel Art Contest Finalists

Vote now by heading over to Abel Reels' Facebook page and liking your favorite. You have until December 31st to vote...so get on it! We personally love the ones by Wesley Carter (the last photo in both fresh and salt divisions).

Freshwater Division Finalists

Saltwater Division Finalists

Junior Division Finalists

Boom...Morgan

Fish Art...Abel Reel Art Contest

Via Abel Reels:

Artists – from first-time amateur to student, fly fishing guide or professional – may compete for the opportunity of designing the fish graphic finish of a new Abel Reel including recognition and write-up on our website and 2015 catalog.

Two winners, one freshwater and one saltwater species fish category, will be awarded the Abel Reel of their choice, showcasing their own winning design. There will also be one junior division winner for all artwork from artists ages 15 and under at the time of submission.

Abel will determine the final 10 paintings in each category to be pictured on our Facebook page. The final 10 entries in each category will be voted on over a one month period in December on our Facebook page. Each Facebook “like” will be considered one vote.

To enter the fly fishing art competition, send all artwork on the reel template available on the link below, along with a signed release form for each submission to our email address at info@abelreels.com no later than November 30, 2013.

Click here for the rest of the details and for the entry forms.

Boom...Morgan

Fly Product...Abel Hemos

Via Moldy Chum:

Tackle Tour covers the latest offerings from Abel including new hemos, a limited edition steal your face edition (which we've seen before) and some sealed drag prototypes.

LINK (via: Tackle Tour)

Boom...Morgan

IFTD 2013 New Product Showcase Winners Announced

Via AFFTA:

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s International Fly Tackle Dealer New Product Showcase.  Reflecting this year’s increased show attendance, more than 120 media, buyers and retailers voted over the course of two days to select the crème de la crème of the latest and greatest in fly fishing gear in 25 distinct categories.

AFFTA Chairman Jim Klug presented the awards at the IFTD Party at the Pond to a crowd of more than 300 people at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  In addition to the honor of the “best of” category title, this year’s winners will receive $55,000 in editorial coverage from Tackle Trade World.  The winners are:

Waders – G3 Guide Stockingfoot Waders by Simms Fishing Products
 
Eyewear – Hatch by Costa Sunglasses
 
Chest Pack / Vest – Vaquero Vest by Fishpond
 
Outerwear – Acklins Jacket by Simms Fishing Products
 
Youth Product – Ruckus Youth Wading Boot by Redington
 
Women’s Product – Women’s G3 Stockingfoot Waders by Simms Fishing Products
 
Eco-friendly Product – Black Canyon Backpack by FishPond
 
Fly Rod (Freshwater) – Radian by Scott Fly Rod Company
 
Fly Rod (Saltwater) – Vapen Rod by Redington
 
Reel (Freshwater) – 2200 Series Reels – 2250 (5-6 wt.) by Sage Fly Fishing
 
Reel (Saltwater) – Nautilus CCFX2 by Nautilus Reels
 
Boat/Personal Watercraft – Stealth Pro by Outcast Sporting Gear
 
Fly line (Freshwater) – RIO Perception by RIO
 
Fly line (Saltwater) – Chard Grand Slam by Scientific Anglers
 
Fly Box / Storage System – C & F Design Intruder Fly Box
 
 Fly Tying / Materials / Equipment – Fish Skull Fish-Mask by Flymen Fishing Co.
 
Fly Pattern (Freshwater) – UV2 Maynymphulator by Spirit River
 
Fly Pattern (Saltwater) – Fish-Skull Masked Minnow by Flymen Fishing Co.
 
Accessory – LT Series Transport System by Quick-Cast
 
General Apparel – GT Tricomp Longsleeve Shirt by Simms Fishing Products
 
DVD – Predator by Gin-Clear Media from Angler’s Book Supply
 
Book – Why I Fly Fish by Chris Santella from Angler’s Book Supply
 
Gift Item – Abel Grateful Dead Edition Reel by Abel Automatics, Inc.
 
Luggage – Westwater Zippered Duffel by Fishpond
 
Wading Boots – G4 Boa Boot by Simms Fishing Products
 
Best of Show – Radian by Scott Fly Rods Company

We will be posting pictures and videos of these gnarly new products in the coming weeks as we begin to gain access to them.

Boom...Morgan

2013 8-Weight Challenge

Via Moldy Chum:

Trident Fly Fishing has pulled together an in depth review of a fair cross section of the 8 weight reels on the market. They utilized a pretty high tech testing device, as well as other subjective data so you can draw your own conclusions.

LINK

I dont see an Allen reel in there...wasn't a fair competition.

Boom...Morgan

TFM 12 Days - Day 10

Via TFM:

Please note that the email to use for the 12 Days of Christmas giveaways is tfmcontests@gmail.com.

One of the coolest additions to the T.F.M. Store this year has definitely been the Abel Nippers which are available with either the Comrade or Retro Fly artwork engraved into them.  I really appreciate the hard work from everyone at Abel Reels to make sure that these nippers came out flawless.  I could not be happier with the final product.

As with all of Abel Reels offerings, these nippers are an example of Made In U.S.A. quality in all ways.  This is a precision tool and once in your hand the expense is justified.  These nippers are badass.  Pure and simple. 

THE GIVEAWAY:
There are four prizes for four winners in today's giveaway.  Each winner chosen will receive their choice of Comrade or Retro Fly Nippers in their favorite color.  Each nipper will also include an Abel Lanyard.

Winners will be drawn tomorrow morning.

THE RULES:
Send an email to tfmcontests@gmail.com saying you want in on today's giveaway.

You will receive an auto response email back to confirm your entry was received.

You will need to email daily to be included in the 12 Days of Christmas giveaways.

Only one email per person please.  Duplicate emails will be erased.

All emails must be received by midnight tonight to qualify for this gear giveaway.

Winners will be chosen by random number generator and will be announced tomorrow morning at the end of this post.

THE WINNERS:
Please check back tomorrow morning on TFM to find out who won.

Boom...Morgan

TFM's 12 Days of Christmas

Via TFM:

This is just a heads up that Monday, December 10th begins the craziness that is the T.F.M. 12 Days of Christmas gear giveaways.  Again this year I am astounded by the industry support and have eighteen sponsors who have offered up some exceptional gear to give away over the course of the next couple weeks.

Honestly I might have to turn this into some sort of online Advent calendar next year since I had to actually cut off gear sponsors that wanted to be involved.  More gear and giveaway days next year?  We'll see.

If you were around for last years event then you know that each day there will be one or more gear sponsors which will be highlighted with a T.F.M. post.  These posts are typically one part gear review and then one part giveaway.  All you'll need to do is send in one email daily totfmcontests@gmail.com to be in on the contest.  Each morning the random number generator will pick winners from the giveaway from the day before and then we'll start all over again with the giveaway for that day.  

This year's 12 Days of Christmas gear sponsors include...

ABEL REELS 
CLIFF OUTDOORS 
COSTA 
FISHPOND 
FLOOD TIDE CO. 
HOWLER BROTHERS
KORKERS 
LOON OUTDOORS 
MONTANA FLY COMPANY 
ORVIS 
RECYCLED WADERS 
REDINGTON 
RIO PRODUCTS 
RISING FISH 
SAGE 
SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS 
TENKARA USA 
YETI COOLERS

I am not going to show all the gear giveaway cards in this post but will mention that the 12 Days of Christmas starts big on Monday with a Costa promo card for a free pair of sunglasses and a YETI Coolers T.F.M. Comrade inked Roadie 20 up for grabs for two very lucky winners.

Check back Monday morning and in the meantime tell your friends.  Somebody has got to win all this great gear.

Thanks to all the companies that made this possible and I look forward to playing Santa Claus.  Ho...  Ho...  Ho...

Boom...Morgan

Abel Reels Comrade Nippers

Via TFM:

While at IFTD in Reno I had a conversation with Don Swanson of Abel Reels and asked him if the T.F.M. Comrade logo could be put on a pair of their most excellent nippers or even a fly reel.  Don assured me that it was possible and over the last month or so we've been working together on this latest offering to the T.F.M. Store.  

                                 

The Abel Reels Comrade Nippers are available in the four color choices of Gold, Black Matte, Red, or Standard Black and are almost an exact match to the Comrade artwork colors.

The Comrade Nippers are priced at $60 each or $80 for the Nipper and Lanyard together.  This price includes USPS Priority insured shipping to those in the U.S.  International shipping may be a few dollars more.  Each order includes a couple T.F.M. decals as well.

The Abel Reels Nippers paired with their Lanyard can certainly be considered a luxury fly fishing accessory but after using these nippers for over a year now I really think they are worth the investment.

Please email thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com to place an order or if you have any questions.

Boom...Morgan

You Can't Lose with This Militia...

Join it...

Boom...Morgan

Featured Fly Shop: Backwater Angler

This week's Featured Fly Shop is Backwater Angler located in Monkton, Maryland, steps away from the Gunpowder river.  Just 30 minutes from downtown Baltimore, this family owned fly shop can provide you with everything you might need for a day on the river.  The Gunpowder begins at the foot of Prettyboy Dam, runs through Baltimore county, and supports a stream-bred population of wild brown trout and a few rainbows. The first seven miles of river is managed by the state as a catch and release, artificial only section. The next few miles are stocked a few times a year and offer great fishing as well. Backwater Angler is a full service shop with gear, flies, guide services, and an amazing staff. I have never been to the Gunpowder without stopping by! If you are an expert or a beginner the staff treat you with respect, welcome you, and help you anyway they can.  They are happy to suggest areas of the river to fish and the flies that are most productive (check out the muffin tin sitting on the counter for flies that are currently working).  Listen to them, they know!!! The shop offers top notch gear and products from companies such as: Abel, Bauer, Islander, Waterworks/Lamson, Ross, St. Croix, Cloudveil, Simms, Patagonia, Fishpond, and Dr. Slick.  Just to name a few.  Backwater also offers fly casting lessons, fly fishing clinics and schools, fly tying classes and much more. You can find a full selection of gear and classes on the Backwater website  which is very well done and current.  They offer great stream reports and local happenings on the reg.  It is a ritual to check the backwater site and you can always count on up to date and current material. Another area that means the most to avid outdoorsman is the effort put in by the boys at Backwater to protect and take care of the waters we fish. In 2012 they began serving as the Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER®,(GRK) and focusing on issues and GRK project areas that need attention. RIVERKEEPER is a new nonprofit charged with protecting the 217 miles of tributaries and 53 miles of the mainstem that comprise the Gunpowder River. Based on the amazing staff, product selection, information, and knowledge Backwater Angler is a top-notch business and is truly a destination fly shop. If you live in Maryland or just visiting stop in and support this local business.  Whether you plan to fish or not you will be impressed.

Backwater Angler is located at 16928 York RD. Monkton, MD 21111.

Shop hours are:
10 AM till 6 PM every weekday
10AM till 4 PM Saturday and Sunday

Boom...Zach

Photography of the Week: Adam Barker

KaWOW...ya boy, Adam Barker, can click a pic...for realz. This one is via Moldy Chum:

Boom...Morgan

Daily Reel...Inside Abel Reels

Tight Lines...Morgan