This month's roundup of new fly fishing gear is a rod- and reel-heavy collection. With the exception of one fall and winter apparel piece, all of this month's highlighted introductions are new rod or reel offerings. And, with new freshwater, saltwater, and two-hand rods hitting shop shelves, almost every fly angler looking for additions to their quiver will have something to ponder.
Here's a look at what's new on the water this September.
Sage Grand Slam SALT R8 and Enforcer Reel
The Sage SALT R8 Series is serious flats weaponry for permit, bonefish, and tarpon. Now, Sage is offering a unique “Grand Slam” series of rods (pictured at top) paired with its new Enforcer reel, and each product, available only through select retailers and not online via the manufacturer, is laser-engraved with custom artwork from Bre Drake. Aesthetics aside, both products, independently, are among the best in their respective classes for saltwater flats fishing.
Together, they’re quite the pair. The SALT R8 is simply a fantastic rod on the flats throughout its weight offerings (6 through 15), boasting a lightning-fast speed and the best backbone of any Sage rod. The new Enforcer boasts 50 percent more maximum drag than its Spectrum predecessor, giving it increased stopping power for big fish on the flats. Throw in the customized artwork and the retailer-only acquisition method, and this is a unique offering from one of fly fishing’s most influential heavyweights.
BUY THE GRAND SLAM SALT R8
BUY THE GRAND SLAM ENFORCER
Skwala Fusion Tactical Hoody
Billed as a “fishing-focused fleece,” Skwala’s new Fusion Tactical hoody is meant for cool- to cold-weather fishing. The hoody reportedly offers the breathability of a mildly heavy fleece with some added weather protection that anglers might expect to find in a puffy jacket. That’s due, Skwala says, to a woven, water-shedding outer shell along the shoulders and down the sleeves. Meant to integrate with Skwala’s waders, the garment features a full scuba hood, side dump pockets and thumb loops for more complete coverage. Uniquely, the hoody uses different materials throughout to achieve better protection from the elements.
Sold in “earth” and black, the new Fusion Tactical hoody is an interesting offering from Skwala that clearly aims to help anglers beat back the elements. And, just in time for fall, no less.
Orvis Limited Edition Golden Anniversary Helios fly rod
Celebrating 50 years of graphite fly-rod manufacturing, Orvis this month is offering a limited edition Helios dry-fly rod — a 9-foot 5-inch, 4-weight built from an unsanded Helios-D blank. The handsome rod features gold accents and black anodized reel-seat hardware, along with a beautiful burl wood insert. While we know just how innovative Orvis’ Helios tech has proven to be over the last several years, this celebratory product is more about honoring Orvis’ storied past with graphite. Not only should the rod boast that patented crisp Helios-D action that today’s anglers have come to appreciate, it should also make Orvis brand loyalists happy with its stunning looks and Golden Anniversary sock and tube. Those who want one might have to hurry, though. Orvis is only making 500 of these special rods.
BUY THE LIMITED EDITION HELIOS
St. Croix Legend Elite
New this month is the rebirth of a legend. Literally. St. Croix is continuing its fly-fishing renaissance by refreshing one of its best-known legacy brands with its medium-fast-action Legend Elite. The rod includes an expansive line of rods — 12 models in total — for multiple on-the-water applications. Starting with a 7-foot, 9-inch, 3-weight for small water, up to a 10-foot, 8-weight rod that might be ideal for single-handed spey casting, with a number of 10-footers in between, St. Croix says each rod is built to deliver “technique-specific performance.” The Legend Elite is built using a matrix of St. Croix’s SCIII and SCIV carbons, and the company says its fortified resin technology makes the Legend Elite 33 percent stronger than rods built with standard resins and curing methods. The company declares the Legend Elite’s feel as “refined and responsive,” which should quell any concerns that the rod is of the uber-fast ilk being churned off mandrels from other major brands of late.
Orvis Mission two-handed fly rods
The venerable Vermont-based fly-fishing manufacturer is extending its latest Helios technology into the two-handed arena with its new line of Mission spey and switch rods. Orvis says its new American-made, two-handed rods dampen vibration and offer “superior yet forgiving performance” in 10 different models, ranging from 11-foot switch models to full 13-foot, 6-inch spey rods. The Mission two-handed rods are built on matte-black Helios blanks and feature orange accents. They also include composite cork on areas of the grip with the potential for high wear. The ultimate goal of the new Mission line, Orvis says, is to “make every cast easier and more accurate.”
Redington Predator Salt
Budget-minded flats fishers might be interested in Redington’s new Predator SALT fly rod. Designed with the company’s nano-resin graphite, the new flats-focused rod breathes new life into the company’s well-received Predator line of fly rods. The company claims the new Predator SALT offers “boosted power, responsiveness, and increased fish-fighting potency.” The rod comes in a metallic-blue finish with some pretty cool throw-back labeling. True to Redington’s willingness to experiment, it also includes a hidden little hook-keeper in the reel seat, ditching the annoying wire hook-keeper that rod-makers continue to install on otherwise perfectly good rods.
Nautilus GTR 8/9 fly reel
Nautilus Reels’ newest offering is in its GT series — the GTR 8/9. Nautilus claims the new reel is designed to be both lighter and stronger. Meant to replace the company’s acclaimed NV-G series of fly reels, the new GTR 8/9 is “purpose-built for powerful fish.” Nautilus says the reel offers expanded drag options, faster line retrieve via its large arbor, and more stopping power for strong and fast flats fish, steelhead, and salmon. Nautilus uniquely offers the GTR 8/9 and all of its reels exclusively through independent retailers — anglers can check with their local fly shops if Nautilus’ latest fly reel is something they’d like to see in person.
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