On our second day fishing out of the east end of Roatan, our guide, Michael Boden, pointed the nose of his plus-sized panga into the west wind and toward the open ocean. As the sun made its morning appearance over the Caribbean, Earl and I could see what awaited us. Moments later, as Michael guided the boat out of the protected waters of the bight and into the waves, we were in it. The first giant roller looked like it was 20 feet over our heads, and I’m not ashamed to admit that, even this close to the shallows, a spear of terror shot through my heart.

Spring has sprung. Even considering that mother nature decided to dump big, early spring snowfalls on both the mountain west and northern New England, redbuds and dogwoods will soon be near their peak in Appalachia and, even here in the Rockies, the sun is taking a bite out of the winter snowpack. Across the fly fishing industry, gear and equipment manufacturers are celebrating the new season with some new offerings, including new inflatable crafts designed for anglers, boots and shoes and even some throwback shades. Without further adieu, here’s what’s new this month.