Every annual International Fly Tackle Dealers (IFTD) show is a momentous event, but this year's gathering was particularly notable given that it is the first time in many year's that the fly fishing industry has gathered on its own. After 6 years of partnership with the American Sportfishing Association's ICAST show, which brought the fly fishing industry and the conventional fishing industry together under one enormous roof, this year IFTD was back on its own back in its previous home of Denver, Colorado.

The fly-fishing only focus and venue change led to a renewed sense of optimism and energy on the show floor, as shop owners, retail buyers, media and more pored over all of this year's offerings from fly fishing manufacturers both big and small.

As usual, all eyes were turned to the show's "Party at the Pond," where the winners of each year's awards for best new products are announced. This year was the most gear-packed new product showcase ever, with entries in 30 different categories, plus the annual overall "Best of Show" award.

Scott Fly Rods stole the spotlight with its wins for both Best Saltwater Fly Rod and overall Best of Show, both awarded to Scott's new Sector series fly rods. No stranger to best of show awards itself, Sage cleaned up the remaining rod categories, snagging wins for Best Freshwater Fly Rod and Best Two-Handed Fly Rod.

The Sage TROUT LL, winner of Best Freshwater fly rod at IFTD 2019 (photo: Chad Shmukler).

Simms, as it seems to do perennially, walked away with more awards than any other manufacturer, racking up wins in 9 different categories, including wins for both Best Men's Wader and Best Women's Waders. Also among the top winners this year was Scientific Anglers, who swept the fly line and leader categories, tallying wins for Best Freshwater Fly Line, Best Saltwater Fly Line and Best Leader/Tippet.

Other award-winning regulars, such as Patagonia, Fishpond and Umpqua also racked up awards. And The Mayfly Group, which now owns both Ross and Abel Reels, walked away with wins in both fly reel categories.

Here's the full list of IFTD 2019's 'Best of Show' award winners.