Articles

IFTD 2013 'Best of Show' Winners Announced

by Chad Shmukler - Friday, Jul 12th, 2013

The award winning Fishpond Black Canyon backpack.

AFFTA has announced the selections for the best of the new products showcased at this year's IFTD show. As you'll see below, the winners represent a diverse group of manufacturers.

Several highlights of the selections include best saltwater rod going to the Redington Vapen, which also won best new fly rod at EFFTEX, the Scott Radian -- which has been receiving high praise from those who have spent time with it -- taking best freshwater rod and overall best in show, and Simms redesigned G3 Guide Stockingfoot waders being awarded best new waders.

The award winning Fishpond Black Canyon backpack.

Redington, Fishpond and Simms each saw multiple products receive honors. Simms' aforementioned G3 Guide waders, their Acklins jacket and its new G4 BOA wading boots received honors, while Fishpond received honors for its Black Canyon backpack, Vaquero vest and Westwater Zippered Duffel. Redington took honors for their Vapen Rod and for their new Youth wading boots, Ruckus.

Here is the full list of the 'best of' selections:

Simms Introduces New Boots, Waders & Much More at IFTD 2013

by Marshall Walker - Friday, Jul 12th, 2013

The Simms 2014 G4 Guide Boa boot.

Simms has announced its Spring 2014 lineup at this year's International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) and International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) shows in Las Vegas, NV. The new line features sportswear, packs, footwear and waders for anglers looking for high-tech on and off-water fishing clothing and packs. Simms has introduced 4 new collections in its sportswear department including the new G4 Collection, the Simms Guide Series Collection, the Off-Water Series and an expanded line of Solarflex offerings.

The Simms 2014 G4 BOA boot with RiverTread.

According to Simms President K.C. Walsh. in Simms' press release regarding the new products, “the Spring 2014 lineup is the first line that displays the talents of our revamped Research, Development, Sourcing and Design Team here at Simms. In our most important categories, the team has put together an impressive Spring 2014 line."

Redington Reveals New Women's Waders for 2014

by Ben Kryzinski - Friday, Jul 12th, 2013

The new Redington Siren waders for women.

In addition to its recently announced revamp of their men's waders lineup and all new men's and women's wading boots, Redington has also announced a new model of women's waders for 2014. The new waders, dubbed Siren, are completely redesigned from a style perspective and will be available in two fit styles because -- as Redington puts it -- they "understand that women are built differently than men, and for that matter, not all women’s body types are alike."

The new Redington Siren waders for women.

The two fits are called "Kate" and "Marilyn". While all fisher-men might not be able to guess at the inspiration for those style names, most fisher-women certainly will. The Kate Fit starts with a size range from 2-4 and 6-8 regular with an addition of 6-8 Tall. The Marilyn Fit range is 6-8 with an additional array of sizes through 14-16. Neoprene gussets on the upper wader expand to comfortably fit any chest size, and the 3mm high-density neoprene booties are ergonomically designed for right and left as well as for a woman’s smaller volume foot.

'Build It Yourself' Tool + More New Reel Finishes from Abel

by Colin K. Breck - Thursday, Jul 11th, 2013

Want a pink handle, foot and drag knob on your roosterfish reel? Now no one can stop you.

If you're a sucker for pretty reels, Abel Reels may have recently put the finishing touches on your worst enemy. Prospective reel buyers can now visit Abel Reels and fully build and customize any of Abel's reels with an easy-to-use and intuitive interface.

Want a pink handle, foot and drag knob on your roosterfish reel? Now no one can stop you.

Using the interface, users first select a reel model and then select either a solid black, solid color or artistic hand-painted design for the main reel housing. From there the options are plentiful, customize the spool, drag knob, reel handle, reel foot and more. The whole process is incredibly addictive and each new reel you customize begs you to press the "purchase" button.

Fishpond Expands its Westwater Bag/Pack Collection

by Marshall Walker - Thursday, Jul 11th, 2013

The Westwater roll-top boat bag.

Fishpond has added four news bags to its popular Westwater Collection. The new additions include the Westwater Roll Top Boat Bag, the Westwater Lumbar Pack, the Westwater Zippered Duffel, and the Westwater Messenger Bag.

The Westwater roll-top duffel.

The updated Boat Bag comes with the same benefits as the original Westwater Boat Bag, but instead it features a roll top design for keeping your gear extra dry. It is also equipped with water resistant zippers, three clear interior zippered pouches, and four heavy duty boat lash tie down points. The SRP for the Roll Top Boat Bag is $189.95.

The Westwater Lumbar Pack has been crafted for anglers who prefer to travel a little lighter. However, it still offers plenty of space for fly boxes and other necessary accessories. It also features a mesh lumbar support for extra conmfort. The SRP for the Lumbar Pack is $99.95.