The annual IFTD (International Fly Tackle Dealers) show came to a close last Friday in Orlando, Florida. Each year, the culmination of the show's exhibits is the the 'Party at the Pond' where the winners for 'Best of Show' in 30 different categories are announced. This year, Sage was awarded with the show's highest honor for the second year in a row, with its new SALT HD fly rod.
The SALT HD faced a surprisingly stout field filled with strong new fly rod offerings such as the new Helios 3 from Orvis, Scott's new G Series and G. Loomis' new IMX-PRO, just to name a few.
While Sage received the show's highest award, Fishpond and Simms walked away the most awards, each topping out in four categories. RIO (who swept all three fly line/leader categories), Umpqua, Orvis and Sage also walked away with wins in multiple categories.
IFTD will return to Orlando next July for another combined ICAST/IFTD exhibition, before heading to Denver in 2019 for its first IFTD-only show in many years. IFTD 2019 will be held October 16–18 at the Colorado Convention Center.
See the full list of IFTD 2017 categories and winners below.
| Best of Show | Sage | SALT HD |
| Fly Rod: Freshwater | Scott | G Series |
| Fly Rod: Saltwater | Sage | SALT HD |
| Reel: Freshwater | Abel | SDF (Sealed Drag Fresh) |
| Reel: Saltwater | Nautilus | GTx |
| Fly Line: Freshwater | RIO Products | IT Single-Handed Spey 3D |
| Fly Line: Saltwater | RIO Products | Flats Pro |
| Leader / Tippet | RIO Products | Big Nasty Leader | Fly Pattern: Freshwater | Flymen Fishing Company | Double Barrel Bass Bug |
| Fly Pattern: Saltwater | Umpqua Feather Merchants | Chicone’s Tuscan Bunny |
| Fly Box / Storage System | Umpqua Feather Merchants | UPG HD Mag Midge Fly Box |
| Fly Tying Materials | Fair Flies | Composite Brushes |
| Fly Tying Vices and Tying Tools | Umpqua Feather Merchants | TMC Magnetic Bobbin, Fine |
| Fly Hooks | Stealth Fly Products | Stealth Hooks & System |
| Men’s Waders | Simms Fishing Products | G3 Waders |
| Women’s Waders | Orvis | Women's Ultralight Waders |
| Men's Wading Boots | Orvis | Ultralight Wading Boot |
| Women's Wading Boots | Korkers | Women's Dark Horse Wading Boot |
| Check Pack / Vest | Fishpond | Submersible Lumbar Pack |
| Luggage | Fishpond | Grand Teton Rolling Bag |
| Men’s Outerwear | Simms Fishing Products | G3 Guide Tactical Jacket |
| Men’s General Apparel | Simms Fishing Products | SolarFlex Armor Shirt |
| Women’s Outerwear | Orvis | Pro Wading Jacket |
| Women’s General Apparel | Simms Fishing Products | Women’s BiComp LS Shirt |
| Youth Product | Redington | Minnow Outfit |
| Accessories (under $100) | Fishpond | Quickshot Rod Holder |
| Gift Items (under $100) | DeYoung Studios | DeYoung Gift Wrap | Eco-friendly Product | Fishpond | Submersible Backpack |
| Boat / Personal Watercraft | Creek Company | T. Rex 9.8 Mini Drifter |
| Entertainment/Education | Stackpole Books / Lyons Press | Orvis Fly Fishing Guide |
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