The Fly Fishing Show, Fly Fusion, Angling Trade and Fly Fishing Journeys announce “Consumer Choice Awards” Winners

Mon Apr 10th 2023

News

Anglers who attended the Fly Fishing Shows across America have voted on their favorite products, and the results are in…

Fly-fishing aficionados of all ages and skill levels—from trout enthusiasts to purveyors of the saltwater flats—were given the unique opportunity to vote for their favorite products among those exhibited at the popular Fly Fishing Shows held across America this winter and spring.

Voters from 15 countries around the word cast over 17,000 votes for 183 different products in 41 categories ranging from rods and reels to waders, boots and polarized sunglasses.

The big winners included Ross Reels, which swept both the freshwater and saltwater reel categories with its “Evolution” model. Similarly, Scientific Anglers took top honors for freshwater and saltwater fly lines with the Amplitude Smooth MPX and Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam, respectively. Umpqua’s Thunder Grass hopper was the winning freshwater fly pattern, and its Danger Muffin Crab claimed top spot for saltwater fly. Fly-fishing upstart Skwala won the outerwear and wader categories, and Simms Fishing Products took top honors in nine other categories.

Here are all the winners for 2023:

Most Innovative: Simms G4 Pro Powerlock Boots

Sunglasses: Bajio Piedra.

Fly Rod (freshwater): Hardy Aydon

Fly Rod (saltwater): Thomas & Thomas Sextant

Fly Reel (freshwater): Ross Evolution FS

Fly Reel (saltwater): Ross Evolution FS

Men’s Waders: Skwala Carbon

Women’s Waders: Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader

Women’s Wading Boots: Miss Mayfly Moxie

Men’s Wading Boots: Simms G4 Pro Powerlock

Youth Product: Simms Kids Tributary Stockingfoot Wader

Accessories under $50: Simms Taco Wader Bag

Accessories $50-100: Norvise Automatic Fly Tying Bobbin

Accessories over $100: Fishpond Nomad Mid-Length Net

Artwork: Cody’s Fish Brown Trout License Plate Art

Boat (personal watercraft): Watermaster Kodiak Raft Package

Books and Maps: Joe Humphrey’s Trout Tactics (revised edition)

Chestpack/Vest: Simms Dry Creek Z Sling Pack

Eco-Friendly Product: Simms Fall Run Insulated Hoody

Entertainment/Education: “Trout and Feather” (YouTube)

Fly Box: Tacky Original River Mag Box

Fly Hooks: Tie! Jig Force Sizes #20 and #22 by Fulling Mill and Umpqua

Fly Line (freshwater): Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX

Fly Line (saltwater): Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam

Fly Pattern (freshwater): Umpqua Thunder Grass Hopper

Fly Pattern (saltwater): Umpqua Danger Muffin Crab

Fly Rod (Two-Handed/Spey): Temple Fork Outfitters Pro III

Fly Rod (Freshwater): Hardy Aydon

Fly Rod (Saltwater): Thomas & Thomas Sextant

Fly-Tying Materials: Umpqua Jig Bombs

Fly-Tying Tools: Norvise Automatic Fly-Tying Bobbin

Fly Tying Vise: Renzetti Limited Edition Traveler

Freshwater Combo Kit: CD Fishing All Fly Ultimate Plus

Gift Items (under $100): Atollas Fly Caddy

Insurance (guide and outfitter): Cross Current Guide Liability Insurance

Leader/Tippet: Scientific Anglers

Luggage/Backpack: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack

Men’s General Apparel: Rep Your Water Merino Wool Blend Retro Camo Sun Hoody

Men’s Outerwear: Skwala Fusion 3/2 Puffy

Women’s Outerware: TWO WAY TIE: Simms G3 Guide Jacket / FISHE Steel My Heart Riffle Snap Fleece

Tenkara Rod: Tenkara Tanuki Pocket Ninja

Women’s General Apparel: Simms Solarflex Cooling Hoody

Spring Subscriber Giveaway

Tue Apr 4th 2023

Uncategorized

Close your eyes and imagine floating down your favorite trout stream in a brand-new Water Master raft. Ahh… the air is fresh, water clear and life is good! Enter our Spring Giveaway Contest by subscribing to Fly Fusion Magazine! You could soon be enjoying your very own Water Master Kodiak raft.

{ Already a subscriber? Give your buddy a gift and a chance to WIN! }

Skwala and Bushy Camo Announce Limited Collab

Sat Apr 1st 2023

News

Skwala has challenged the boundaries of what’s possible in fly fishing apparel since their inception a year ago. Today’s announcement of a limited collab product with innovative camouflage lab Bushy Camo® signals their willingness to disrupt the fly fishing industry further than anyone imagined.

“People thought we were crazy to re-think traditional wader design,” said Kevin Sloan, Skwala’s CEO and Founder. “Wait till they see this [stuff]!”

Bushy Camo, a plucky upstart in visual deception wearables, sees this joint venture as an opportunity to expand into a demographic and market share that their competitors have not yet tapped. According to Randy Holstein, Bushy Camo’s Chief Designer, “We don’t know much about fly fishing, but we make camouflage patterns that fool the world’s pre-eminent non-lethal snipers. I think we can trick a few fish.”

The two brands have been in development for 2 years on the first products in the collaboration with more promised later this year. The new Skwala Invisibility Suit™ is built for anglers who rely on stealthy pursuits of their favorite fish. Designed with the latest Barely-See® fabric technology from Bushy Camo, this new proprietary pattern renders trout and other species helpless, while also protecting anglers from the eyes of overzealous landowners.

“This brand new collab project combines the very best of two worlds—amazing fabrics and design from Skwala and camo technology the world has never seen,” says Sloan. “In fact, no one has seen it, it’s so good at its job.”

The new wading suit debuts at $1,299 MSRP and is available online at SkwalaFishing.com and select Skwala retailers in North America.

The Evil Weevil

Thu Mar 30th 2023

Fly Tying

Every year, resident Fly Fusion tying innovator, Jeremy Davies, creates five or ten new fly patterns that he test on several of his favourite waters throughout the year. Some yield amazing success which prompts the tying and perfecting of several dozen to load his fly boxes. Jeremy recently narrowed down his top flies to 50 go-to patterns which he swears by. Up first is his immensely popular signature pattern, The Evil Weevil!

Hook: Scud Hook sz 10-18

Thread: Olive or black Uni-Thread 8/0

Bead: Gold reg or tungsten

Body: Arizona Dubbing Light Peacock

Thorax: Arizona Dubbing Natural Peacock

Wingcase: Uni-Mylar Pearl

Tail: Female Ringneck pheasant Fibers

Legs: Brown goose biots

Rib: Fine Gold wire

Check out the full 50 flies in the in the Fall 22 and Spring 23 issues of Fly Fusion Magazine!

Bajio Announces Support of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Mon Mar 20th 2023

News

Bajío, a leading independent sunglasses manufacturer, has announced its support of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust as a Silver Corporate Partner. Based in New Smyrna Beach, FL, Bajío is a brand motivated by a profound connection to the water and a drive to inspire positive change.

“We are so excited to be able to work with BTT!” said Bajío CEO Al Perkinson. “There are many challenges facing our flats today. Natural disasters, over development, water quality issues, ocean trash, climate change, over-fishing, and commercial irresponsibility all threaten the future of our flats. Finding solutions to mitigate the threats is not easy. These are complicated problems to untangle. However, if we build the case with solid, scientific data and rally together to amplify our voice, we can get the message heard and actions implemented. BTT has the data, the plan, and the ability to rally the troops. We are looking forward to enthusiastically adding our voice and our resources to the cause.”

Spanish for “the shallows,” Bajío strives to improve the quality of life for the world’s saltwater flats, the ecosystems they support, and the communities that depend on them. A carbon neutral company, Bajío manufactures its glasses with sustainability at the forefront, using plant-based materials in their frames and high-quality glass lenses built to filter out the bad and enhance the good.

From eco-friendly design and materials to recycled packaging, every business decision Bajío makes supports its mission to protect the world’s saltwater flats. Bajío is committed to creating and continuously improving its products to meet the highest performance standards while using the most sustainable resources and best practices available.

With over 100 years of collective eyewear experience, Bajío’s technical expertise runs deep. Every detail is designed for the demands of all-day use on the water. Using proprietary techniques, Bajío is able to improve lens clarity, reduce blur, glare and haze while enhancing color and protecting your eyes from harmful rays. Follow along at bajiosunglasses.com for the latest news and updates on Bajío’s quest to save the ocean, one flat at a time.

“We appreciate Bajio’s support of BTT,” said President and CEO Jim McDuffie. “Bajio not only produces acclaimed products that complement the sport and lifestyle our members enjoy but does so with an unwavering, values-driven commitment to the resource—and the planet.”

Letting Go

Wed Mar 15th 2023

Videos

Kastine Coleman has joined the Fly Fusion Editorial Team with her new quarterly column; Tight Loops, Tight Lines – the same name as her popular TV/Youtube series. Now you can look forward to each issue featuring an in-depth read with stunning images followed by the full experience in film format. Up first is Episode 3: Fish and Feast!

If you haven’t already, pick up the latest issue of Fly Fusion to read Kastine’s debut editorial; Letting Go!

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What’s New in the Tying Game?

Wed Mar 15th 2023

Fly Tying

Tips & Techniques

If you’re like me, you spend an unhealthy amount of time looking at fly fishing gear. Though you may not need that new seal disc drag fly reel or the matching blue backing, you still look, nonetheless. Those of us who tie tend to fall into the same routine, clicking that “What’s New” category in fly tying, to see the latest and greatest in the fly tying world. We do this knowing we probably won’t deviate far from the pheasant tails, hares ears, caddis, and simulators that overflow our boxes. Yet, these days, it seems like there are new products to be excited about; and unlike rods, reels, waders, and boots, fly tying materials often don’t break the bank.

In the Spring 2021 issue, Dana Harrison reviewed some newly released fly tying products to see if they live up to the hype. Following are a few patterns he tied up in the process.

Spring 2023 Issue Out Now!

Thu Feb 23rd 2023

News

Check out the Spring Issue – headed to subscriber mailboxes today! Don’t miss and issue. Subscribe to read these great stories…

Don’t Mention It | Allen Crater

“My buddy was taking me to one of his top-secret fishing spots, a stretch he affectionately terms “The Murder Water.” I’ve never been entirely sure what that means but, coming from a cop, it doesn’t seem like a compliment.”

Can You Go Home Again? | Jim McLennan

Fifty years after forming his first fishing memories there, Jim McLennan wondered if his nostalgic recollections of Jasper National Park, in Alberta, would be tarnished by the changes which must have surely transpired there. In the summer of 2022, he returned to find out.

Only the Salmon Knows | PALM Festival 2023

Tue Feb 7th 2023

Videos

Discover the first of two Hooké films presented in the 6th edition of the Palm Festival.

For the past 15 years, Fred Campbell has travelled relentlessly across eastern Canada to fly fish for Atlantic salmon. In the rich territories of Nunavik, Labrador, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Quebec, he has discovered beautiful rivers where these mysterious fish come to spawn. After all these years, his passion and curiosity are still strong. His desire to get in touch with the fish of a lifetime has grown over the years, pushing him to continue learning and exploring. Stories of great salmon have been heard, but for them to take the fly, many factors must align.

Don’t have your ticket for the Palm Festival yet? Reserve here now

Mayfly Outdoors Announces Acquisition of Dyna-King Inc.

Mon Feb 6th 2023

News

Mayfly Outdoors announced today it will acquire Dyna-King Inc., makers of the world’s finest hand-crafted fly-tying vises and tools. Dyna-King production will move to Montrose, CO, home of Ross Reels and Abel Reels. President of Mayfly Group, Jeff Wagner said, “This is a great day for our company as we continue to grow our family of brands. Dyna-King is perfectly suited to join the Ross and Abel brands as U.S. made, premium, legacy, fly-fishing products. We look forward to partnering with the Dyna-King retailers and customers that have known and trusted the brand for so many years. We will carry forward the legacy of innovation, quality and customer service that Dyna-King is known for.”

Karen Hall, current President of Dyna-King, said “It is a positive move for Dyna-King. My mom and dad are giving me the ‘atta-girl’ from Heaven. We are excited to see the family legacy continue with a company that is willing to care for it.” Mayfly will be transitioning the production and shipping of Dyna-King to their facility in Montrose over the next 6 months. dyna-king.com