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| IFTD Winner - Best New Saltwater Reel |
Part Two - Fly Reels
In Case you missed it see Part One Greg's Rod Picks from IFTD / I-CAST 2016
Several of the giants in the industry decided to take it easy this year. Instead of hitting us with the latest greatest they have chosen to attack other angles like improved delivery, more accessories and additional color/finish choices. But not all held back!
Long anticipated
Abel SDS (Sealed Drag Saltwater) reel came to the show and took the win in the saltwater category. The big game reel comes with some really cool features like machined aluminum handle, quick release spool cap and a multi stacked drag system with easy left/right retrieve change. As with all Abel reels your choice of custom colors and graphics and you can order the SDS with a solid back for some really unique artwork. Three sizes, 7/8, 9/10 & 11/12, starting at $895. January 2017
Abel's companion company Ross also got busy this year winning Best Freshwater Reel category with the new
Colorado LT Fly Reel. This Click Pawl reel reaches back into the past the original Colorado roots utilizing the all-metal clicker as the building block of the new LT model. Other features include fully machined, no plastic, ultra lightweight and a total parts content of quantity 15. 3 Sizes, $285-$300. Available now
The really big news at Bauer Fly Reels is the recent acquisition by R.L.Winston. I can't think of a better match to welcome together.
The New
Bauer SST is conceived from years of development stemming most recently from the CFX model. These new reels contain all the bulletproof guts and structural strength features of the previous CFX and wraps all into the most lightweight and attractive package ever. Available in stunning all clear or all black and 8 color choices of star drag knobs. Coming this fall. Six models, 2-9 Starting at $355
The
Sage 6200 Fly Reel Series may not have won any awards but if I had to choose one new reel this year that will likely outperform all others in their class then look no further! The heart of the 6200 is the SCS (Sealed Carbon System) drag. Proprietary high-grade US made carbon fiber provides smooth engagement with consistent and repeatable pressure. The large One Revolution Drag Knob provides 40 detented drag settings. All this is sealed behind anodized 6061 aerospace grade cold forged aluminum. Three Colors: Stealth, Silver, Cobalt. Five Sizes 5wt - 12wt. $439 - $499. Available now!
In a world of polished and matte finishes Tibor has found middle ground with Frost Finish. Besides being a good looking hard anodized surface the unseen beauty of this finish lies in the fact that it takes less production time and therefore cost less to produce. Take for example a Signature 9/10 in standard polished finish cost $805 where as the same reel in Frost finish cost $745. Two colors in this Frost finish are Silver Frost and Black Frost.
Redington Rise Specs
| MODEL | Weight (oz) | Yards Backing | Diameter (in) | Width(in) |
|---|
| 3/4 | 4 | 75yds/20# | 3.2 | 1.3 |
| 5/6 | 4.6 | 100yds/20# | 3.6 | 1.3 |
| 7/8 | 5.5 | 200yds/20# | 4 | 1.5 |
| 9/10 | 6.3 | 300yds/20# | 4.4 | 1.5 |
Redington is not messing around! For example take a look at the new 3rd generation Rise Reels. Featuring an ultra-large u-shaped arbor which helps your backing behave and retrieve your line in a hurry. Compact carbon fiber disc drag claiming over 20lbs of stopping force. I'd have to see that but quite honestly half of that is more than sufficient. But aside from all the technical stuff I see a really light good looking reel at a great price. Pictured is a 7/8 mounted on a new Redington Hydrogen Trout Spey. Four sizes 3/4-5/6-7/8-9/10 weight, $189.95 - $219.95...In-Stock Now!
The New Hardy Marquis LWT is certainly worth noting. The biggest change is production has shifted back to England. Notice the machined aluminum drag knob. In addition to the
Hardy LWT Salmon reels we are use to you will also see a new Hardy Marquis LWT (Lightweight) which replaces the old Lightweight series of Hardy Reels. Five LWT models from 2-7 weight, $329 to $369 and three Salmon models from $399 to $449
Nautilus
After winning multiple awards in previous years Nautilus has decided to take a break and improve on delivery and color options. Shown here on the left is the new lime color on the award winning
X Reel. The technology in Nautilus reels has changed the fly reel industry forever and even if they take a year or two to bring out a new reel most other reel companies still couldn't catch up to these high tech reels Nautilus brings to us.
Complete List of Show Winners
| Best of Show | Sage | X 590 |
| Fly Rod: Freshwater | Sage | X 590 |
| Fly Rod: Saltwater | Sage | X 890 |
| Reel: Freshwater | Ross Reels | Colorado LT |
| Reel: Saltwater | Abel Reels | SDS |
| Fly Line: Freshwater | RIO Products | InTouch Big Nasty |
| Fly Line: Saltwater | RIO Products | Winter Redfish |
| Leader / Tippet | RIO Products | RIO Saltwater Mono |
| Fly Pattern: Freshwater | Aqua Flies, LLC | Stu Foxall’s PrawnTruder |
| Fly Pattern: Saltwater | Umpqua Feather Merchants | Contraband Crab, Chicone |
| Fly Box / Storage System | Tacky Fly Fishing | Tacky Dry Fly Box |
| Fly Tying Materials / Equipment | Freestone Designs | The Go Box |
| 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 |
| Check Pack / Vest | Simms Fishing Products | G4 Pro Sling Pack |
| Luggage | Umpqua Feather Merchants | ZeroSweep Cooler-Gater |
| 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 |
| Accessories (under $100) | Orvis | U.S.-Made Aluminum Nipper |
| Eco-friendly Product | Fishpond | Thunderhead Duffel |
| 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 |
| Gift Items (under $100) | Umpqua Feather Merchants | ZS Guide Wader Belt |
| P.O.S. / Booking Software | The Outfitter Pro | Online Booking System |
Coming Soon! New Fly Lines Review...
Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
