Top Fly Fishing Gear for 2011
Mike O'Reilly 05.27.11
A fly fishing rod is the most elegant and graceful way to present a fake insect to a hungry fish. And although some people prefer the action and feel of an old-style bamboo rod, others swear by the high-tech carbon fiber models. Here’s what’s new from a few good brands:
In the ultralight category we found new offerings this year from Sage, and a revamped Superfine Touch series by Orvis. The Superfine rods are offered in 0 through 6 weight are full-flex graphite and perfect for delicate presentations and sensitivity. They make catching even the smallest fish an absolute blast. Cost: $499.
Sage took their outstanding TXL ultralight line and made it even better for 2011. The weight of these four-piece rods have been reduced by an incredible 33 percent. Now called TXL-F, the lineup includes seven models ranging from 000 to 4 weight which cost around $625. Go here for more info: http://www.sageflyfish.com/
Back in 1872 if you wanted a good rod and fly fishing reel you relied on the British company, Hardy’s, for your gear. They were high-tech back then,and Hardy designs continue to push the envelope with this year’s unveiling of the Proaxis and Zenith lines. The main feature behind these rods is a proprietary material called Sintrix which, according to Hardy’s data, reduce weight while increasing compressive strength up to 60 percent. Check out these and the other Hardy rods and reels here: http://fly.hardyfishing.com/en-us/products/flyfishing-rods/
Reels
The concept of a fly fishing reel is simple, but technological advances in materials and drag mechanisms have taken an old idea into the space age.
The Access and Hydros lines from Orvis offer what is probably the best value for a reel in terms of price, quality and performance. Ranging from $129 to $169, the Access line consists of a “mid arbor” design offered in five sizes. The six “large arbor” reels making up the Hydros collection are capable of handling big fish, including saltwater species, and are available from $198 – $259. The basic idea behind the sealed drag system on these reels is; The larger the reel’s
diameter, the more surface area there is, allowing greater pressure to be transferred to the spool. See them here:
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=3R44
Redington is a brand known for making good intermediate-level rods and reels, and this year they didn’t disappoint, with their Rise series. The one-way Koyo clutch makes them perfect for a wide range of species and can handle fresh or saltwater. Essentially a refined version of their popular CD Series, Rise brings an all-aluminum, mid-arbor fly fishing reel to angler’s who’d like to spend less than $180. Starting at $149, they’re offered in four sizes and three colors: charcoal, moss and burnt orange. They also come with a nylon reel case and a lifetime warranty. For more info go to: http://www.redington.com/reels/rise
For those who want to spend a little more money in order to have the latest stuff, fresh out of the CNC machine, built from unpronounceable materials used for spaceships and formula one cars, have a look at the at the F1, by Ross Reels. This large arbor design is offered in five sizes costing $450-$525, and the simple two-piece frame/spool style makes it easy to switch from left to right hand configurations. So what’s so unique about this reel? Ross claims to be the first company to offer a “clutch bearing that is fully sealed and enables retrieve conversion without removing the bearing.” These reels also look really cool. To find a fly fishing shop near you with the F1 in stock, go to: http://www.rossreels.com
Line
Fly fishing line doesn’t have quite the same excitement factor as a brand new rod or even a set of waders, but there’s an amazing amount of technology wrapped up in that spool of string. Years of research have resulted in lines that perform at very high levels, usually accompanied by an equally high price tag.
A new intermediate sinking fly line called Camolux has been developed by RIO Products. Camolux features alternating shades of red, green and blue to breakup it’s profile in different water colors. Available in weights WF-3-I through WF-8-I, for $75, this line has a lot to offer for a competitive price. Visit Rio Products here: http://www.rioproducts.com
Airflow, the company behind the first non-stretch fly lines developed over twenty years ago, has combined their Power Core braid and TDC technologies with their original “Delta Taper,” to create the Sixth Sense flyline series. The collection includes four varieties of floating, sinking and intermediate lines. Choose one and load up your spool at your local fly fishing shop. Website: http://www.airflofishing.com/shop.cfm/fly-lines/fly-lines/75/6110
I've been hunting and fishing my whole life, mainly in Michigan, Colorado and Utah. I've used a wide variety of products and I love to share my thoughts and opinions about equipment with other hunters and fishermen!
