International Fly Tackle Dealer Show

New products and old friends!


Steve, Ted and I went to the International Fly Tackle Dealer show in Denver, CO to check out the new products for next season. Wow! Talk about sensory overload!

Highlights include Hardy's new Sintrix rods, which include new Zenith freshwater and Proaxis saltwater ranges of fly rods. Each range is built with Hardy’s proprietary new Sintrix material. Sintrix is the result of ground-breaking technology in the use of Silica Matrix Resin technology in collaboration with the 3M Corporation. Hardy has developed their own specific formulation from this technology, and the results have been extensively field tested over the past 18 months. Their team of fishing pros from the Florida Keys to Montana has hailed the rods as truly innovative and exceptional fishing and casting tools.

The Sintrix material allows the design team to build the first series of rods that combines the best attributes of the modern reserve-power, fast action fly rods with the more technical requirements of tracking, tippet protection and a taper that shifts the load to the butt when you need to lay into the fish.
 The company’s development and marketing teams from both the UK and the US were at the Denver show. Chris Bond, Director of Research & Development, Howard Croston, Product Development Manager and well known Salt Water angler Andy Mill, who coordinated the field testing (check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwJvDs5MnFo ) and analysis were on hand to present the new rods.

We have had a prototype 10wt (here is the 10wt in action on a big Barracuda during the field testing process http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTeIuqOvULA )on hand this summer to check out but it was impressive to see and cast the finished products. These are good looking, tasteful rods with a deep blue finish and a smooth, powerful casting action. Fast, but not to the point of being uncomfortable. Available January 2011.

Fishpond's new luggage features lots of new colors and a new backpack/chestpack combo that allows you to attach the chestpack to the front of the backpack so that it is out of the way when you are hiking. This is a simple solution that makes for easier, more comfortable hiking and fishing.

Tibor's new, ported reel with a sealed cork drag was demonstrated to us by living saltwater legend Ted (Tibor) Juracsik. It is the first Tibor reel to be ported for weight reduction and Ted was proud of the obvious upgrades. The reels are beautiful with an innovative sealed drag that reduces maintenance to almost nothing. This will be a fast favorite with the saltwater and spey guys.

Redington’s new entry level, Crosswater waders are one of the highlights of their expanded line of clothing and gear. We can finally offer a quality wader from a national brand at just $99.95 great for a beginner or as a backup pair.

Abel has a new line clipper that will literally last a lifetime and it will work on braided lines as well. The clipper features replaceable cutter blades and comes with an adjustable lanyard. You’ll never need another one.

Winston Boron IIIX rods are the next generation of ultra light boron rods from this Twin Bridges, Montana company. These rods continue the Winston tradition of sweet casting rods and gorgeous high end finish. It’s just a beautiful fishing tool.

Ross F1 reel is a really sexy newcomer to the Ross Reel family and incorporates a drag based on the braking system of a Formula 1 racecar. The stacked, sealed carbon fiber drag will stay cool and smooth no matter the speed of the fish’s run. Check out this video from the show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yotaz6YD8o

Micro snaps from Traun River Co from Germany allow you to quickly and easily change flies without retying. This will be particularly helpful when chasing busting pods of picky strippers and LMB at the local lakes.

Freedom Hawk Kayaks were really interesting and although it would be difficult for us to stock them we were really impressed by the design and function of these boats. 12’ and 14’ models have easy to deploy outriggers that allow you to stand and cast with ease.

Well-made and very portable, these boats are ideal for inshore, lake and bay fishing here in SoCal. Here’s a video demonstration of the 14’ model http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfp1Rp_tmwQ . I may just have to get one for myself.