TACKLE '98

Summary

To understand what's happening in tackle perhaps is more important to look at the industry than reviewing the tackle itself. Basically the industry is in a weak postion because of a variety of reasons, from the basic "it's a 6 month business with 12 months expenses", to the there's only so much of a market, with greater competition within it, to the marketing of some of the major rod companies of taking a 30. blank to a 20 times premium, by putting it forward as a premium product.

There really isn't much tackle that hasn't been done before. For example, what is being marketed the last year or two as rapid or quick retrieve reels was done initially around the turn of the centruy, 90 years ago. Sure, there's a need for them, but nowhere to the amount of hype and ballyhoo that accompanied them.

Most dealers, experience anglers consider one really good new product a year about a good year.

So looking closely at this year's announcements, there's appears to be nothing in that catagory, but there is pricing and re-alignment of product lines, to be aware of.

Fly Lines

Perhaps the best example of where the Fly Fishing industry is can be mirrored in fly lines. From our replies on product reviews, the best lines, Wulff Triangle Tapers in fresh water, and Teeny in the salt are lines that are designed by the marketers, but manufactered by other companies. In the US there are basically 2 line manufacturers, Cortland and Sci-Ang. In 1998, there will be a third one added: Rio. Not that Rio expects to produce anything new or revelutionary, but they want to expand their market from their leaders and leader material. Actually, Rio line listing for 1998 is pretty much the standard of the other 2 majors.

Line manufacturers stuck pretty much with what they had, with a fill or addition here or there. If you're serious about your fly fishing Wulff and Teeny are pretty much what you need to know.

Fly Rods

The biggest fly rod news doesn't apply to about 99% of the market. PacBay has perfected the Tungston Carbide finish in a dark gunsmoke grey. This super tough finish has been available in a gold color for awhile but gold isn't the choice of many. This supper hard, attractive colored finish, is very hard and long lasting. PacBay makes these Tungston Carbide finish available in snakes, single foot, tip tops and their SIC strippers, so a rod can go from tip top to grip in this matching gunsmoke color. Standard guides last forever to the average anglers so this longer lasting finish shouldn't concern them.
For those lucky enough to have the opportunity to wear guides out, PacBay's Tungston Carbide is a must. But be warned, these fittings are expensive, about 4-10 times the standard ones, in small quantities.
If you'd like to try it out, the tip top takes the most abuse, so replace yours with a Tungston Carbide one at about 4 Bucks.

Remember: these are all 30. blanks. It's how it's packaged that brings it to what it costs. Some manufacturers feel the market isn't big enough to generate volume sales, so they market their products as high priced, high tech, exclusivetivity. Do they cast or fish any better?

The top of the market raised the ceiling, middle expanded their lines. And the lower end, except for starter kits, is drifting higher. Direct marketers, such as East Branch Rod, Ltd., and the Fly Fishing Network's own FFN brand beginning to make inpact.

FFN rods, over 100 models, priced in the 225.-275. range by selling direct, have gotten excellent response. FFN will continue to offer the Dame Julianna option as the fairer sex appreciates it. A new top of the line Black Beauty, all everything, tungsten carbide fitttings, will be offered in the 350. area.

East Branch Rods selling direct, specializing in blank and kit sales, along with finished rods, list 80 or so models. As time advances, selling direct has to be.

Redington is in the 250. class, St. Croix Rods being made in the USA, is in this price range, are a much better deal, based upon reviews from FFN members. Their Legend Ultra Series. nicely understated and well appointed. Scott Fly Rods continues its lead for the upper price point in the 600. neighborhood with the new Eclipse series, which has the Tungston guides discussed above which really isn't needed by the majority. G. Loomis has added depth to its GLX series, as has Winston to its five-piece LT rods and is using a boron blend butt in some of their big game rods..

Cortland has discontinued its Blue Saphire and Black Diamond II Series fly rods. All remaining Cortland fly rods, except for the GRF 100 and 1 000XP. are covered by a new unconditional lifetime warranty. Rods from New Zealand are going to be pushed.

Lightweight and contemporary, the Aero Series epitomizes Diamondbacks state-of-the-art design and technology, says the firm. The rods have high-modulus, ultra-high tensile strength DGS900 graphite and Diamondback's Power Braid System with a new advanced taper. This, coupled with newly developed titanium carbide guides, generates high line speeds, helping anglers throw tight loops and long casts in demanding conditions while maintaining the sensitivity to handle small flies delicately. Prices for two-piece models begin at $450; three-piece models begin at $475. Some good reviews received on Diamondbacks, but in this price range, you can't get too excited.
We've also heard from reliable testers, that the Diamondback 16' spey rod is one of the best all arounders.
The Diamondback All American Series is crafted with blanks made in the firm's Stowe, Vermont factory. These mediumfast rods load easily for smooth, short casts, yet retain plenty of power when reaching out farther, the company says. Designed with a taper to suit the skill level of most any fly angler, the Diamondback All American Series has hard-chromed stainless-steel guides and an anodized aluminum reel seat. Prices for two-piece models start at $129; three-piece models begin at $149.

G. Loomis adds seven new models to their fly rod lineup, including a new senes of GLX Mega Saltwater fly rods. In this series, anglers will have a choice of five models, ranging from line sizes 6/7 to 12/13. All are 8'6" with extra-beefy butt sections for added power, as well as G. Loomis s classic progressive taper, which allows anglers of all casting levels to easily load the rod for casting from 20' to 120'.
Other new G. Loomis fly rods include a 13' GLX two-hand "Euro" rod (FR1568/93 GLX) for steelhead and salmon in an 8/9 weight, and an intro-level GL I 0-weight (FR10810 GL2) for heavy-duty freshwater and light saltwater fishing.

Lamiglas Pioneer Graphite Series.has 3 new models as well as an entirely new Joe Fisher series of fiberglass fly rods. The new Pioneer series rods include a twopiece eight-footer for a 3-weight line (PF 803), and four-piece 9- and 10weight travel rods (PT 909 and PT 910).
The Joe Fisher rods are progressive action fiberglass rods designed by Fisher, who is working as a consultant to Lamiglas. These range from a 7'6" for 4 weight line to an 8'6" stick for 12-weight line. All six models are three-piece construction .

Orvis will introduce 15 new fresh- and saltwater rods-the Trident TL series-for the 1998 season. With 57 million Modulus graphite and a unique compound taper, the Trident TLs are Orvis's lightest rods ever. They also incorporate patented MVR vibration-reduction technology, which results in a lightweight rod with superb casting power and accuracy.
The new green Trident TL rods will be polished with high-gloss, durable double epoxy and has gold-anodized aluminum and burled maple reel seats on the trout models. black aluminum reel seats on the saltwater rods. Stripping guides are blacktitanium carbonitride for extra wear resistance. The new rods are available in two and four-piece models. a variety of flex indexes and in premium and Silver Label versions.

Penn's five new highModulus graphite Silver Medal fly rods, built in the US, are two-piece models designed to handle 5- through 8weight fly lines. They have half-Wells select cork grips, silver-anodized aluminum reel scats. aluminum-oxide stripper guides and chromed stainless steel snake guides and tip-tops .

Sages new SPL series includes the world s first 0-weight rod, as well as 1- and 2-weight models made from high-Modulus Graphite IV. They're engineered with medium actions for ultra-ultralight presentation of minuscule midges, micro-tlies and tiny nymphs using 6X,7X anal 8X tippets On small. quiet waters. These three-piece ultralights retail 550. area. They're also available in combination with a new centeraxis fly reel, starting at $845. The centeraxis reel eliminates the traditional reel seat, integrating the reel into the design of the handle This is said to offer supenor control, accuracy and sensitivity because doing so places the mass of the reel closer to the cetltel axis ot the rod, adjusting the balance point so the angler doesn t feel the reel due illg the casting stroke.
A new generation of Sage RPLX rods will also be introduced in 98. These include nine models especially suited to casting in windy conditions for species like bonefish, snook, redfish, stripers, bluefish, tarpon and billfish. Suggested retail prices vary from $520 to $600, depending on the model

The new Legend Ultra Series from st. Croix offers anglers options found on high-end rods retailing for far more: lightweight, high-Modulus SCIV graphite blanks; crisp, fast actions that generate high line speeds and loop control; single-foot snake guides plated with non-glare titanium; titanium-plated machined aluminum reel seats with Wisconsin-grown bird's-eye maple inserts; heavier-line models have hardanodized aluminum reel seats with double locking rings; and an unconditional lifetime warranty. Prices range from $230 to $340. There are 23 models carrying lines from 3- to 12 weight, including three-piece and fourpiece travel models. Blanks are a rich, dark green; the rods come in a matching Cordura-covered rod case.

Scott's new Eclipse fly rods are billed by the company as the smoothest and most powerful fly rods it has ever designed. Scott also claims that they are the most expensively fitted fly rods in the world, incorporating deep-green painted sanded blanks with gold trim, titanium nitride snake guides and Fuji Gold Cermet stripping guides. The Eclipse series fly rods are said by the firm to cast effortlessly at short and medium distances, yet can launch impressive long-range casts when power is applied to the casting stroke. Medium-fast tapers and high-Modulus materials generate high line speed at every casting distance, while progressive actions help line-mending and rollcasting. There are 14 models, ranging from 3-weight to 10 weight, including five three piece models. Retail prices range from $530 to $570, depending on the model.

Winston added a new 6-weight, 9' fly rod to its 5 piece Winston LT Series, bringing the total number of rods in the line to eight. Like all the rods in the five-piece series, the new 6 weight will combine Winston's distinctive, smooth casting action with the versatility of a multi-piece rod. The case is less than 2' long, making it travel friendly.
The new Winston 5-piece rods use the same higher-Modulus graphite materials found in Winston's other 3-piece LT rods. While the LT action is slightly faster than Winston's IM6 trout rods, it still has the soft tips and the feel characteristic of all Winston trout rods. The LT butt and midsections follow a stiffer deflection curve, but the new fivepiece rods still maintain the delicacy needed to cast short distances effectively.
On the BL-5 series a helio ply wrap is being used with boron being the verticle fiber. The BL5's list at 695.

Gear

Patagonia, has announced a couple of new super high tech jackets for fall. The Infurno and Zephur sure don't look too high tech but, they are. Both are designed to keep you dry. Thing is they are not water proof. The nylon shell lets water in and lets it out. The CapileneX type of material is a "super wicker" So, combining the two of these you get a mechanical transportation of water from the skin to the outside of the jacket. This is a quicker and more efficient process than any barrier system. This is because water does not have to be forced through a barrier with microscopic hol es.
Best applications? Well, the best applications for these products are when your body is generating moderate to high amounts of heat. And when it is wet snow or rain conditions. Why the need for heat? Heat helps 'push' the water from your skin to the outside of the jacket. Check them out.
Tropical Fishing Shirt. This shirt prior to being discontinued because of it's enviormental material problems, was the top rated warm weather fishing shirt. Patagonia reintroduced this last spring but I think you adventure travel folks could use one of these. So, I am reminding you. For those of you that do not remember it is a cotton poly blend fabric. Since we use recycled polyester and organic cotton, it is the first time anyone has blended these fibers. I'm happy to report, first hand, that it performs extremely well and Doctor flies can't bite through it! You gotta pick one up for any trips that take you to the heat.

Fly Tying

The major news in this area seems to come from DynaKing. They have issued 2 new full rotary vises, the Barracuda 299., and the FC Enhanced, 166. DynaKing also has developed a centering gauge to keep the shank at the axis, with a retail price about 15. Their accessories still are the envy of the industry.

Partridge has been bought out by Mustad, who in turn has established US distributors. This is a welcome step but price wise, for US users, there is no savings. But if you need 'em fast they're available.

Fly Reels

Nothing earth shaking in this end. If you fish big game, you should try the large arbor/quick retrieve model. Alot of filling of lines and hype. Beware of these large arbor makers pushing into the light trout areas, as the need really isn't there for these properties.

Aaron Reels has been updating and refining its line of reels for eight years. This year the company adds two new products: a large-arbor reel for a much faster line retrieval (available in four sizes) and a single-action, click-drag reel for freshwater use (available in three sizes).

Abel's new Clear Creek models #1 and #2 are ported to decrease weight so they balance with smaller rods. Spool widths for these models have been narrowed from 3/4" to 5/8" so that the line spools in larger coils, reducing kinking, and helping to retrieve substantially more line with each turn of the handle. Clear Creek models will be produced in a limited run of 600 in each size, sequentially numbered for tackle collectors. Each reel is machined from a single block of high-grade aluminum. then anodized with a bronze-coral finish. The reels are fitted with custom rosewood handles and cap plugs. The heart of the Clear Creek reel is its click/pawl drag system. which incorporates two enclosed. internally adjusted hex nuts. Spring Creek reels can be ordered individually. or in boxed. matched serial-nulllbered sets, which come in a hand-carved mesquite box for $1,250. Sold alone, the Abel Spring Creek #l retails for $480: the #2 for $500.

Bauer introduces the Little Mac series of large-arbor fly reels, a lighter and simpler version of the award winning MacKenzie series large-arbor fly reels. Little Mac fly reels are designed for trout, panfish. bass and light saltwater species. The Little Mac series share many of the same features as the MacKenzie reels: large-arbor line retrieval; consistent drag pres sure from a large cork/polymer disc drag with instant engagement and no backlash; line-out click: silent retrieve: toast and simple spool change; precision-machined aluminum bar stock and stainless steel construction; and a deep-anodized matte black finish. Spool and frame are ventilated to save weight. All Bauer reels are owner-serviceable-including changing retrieve direction without tools or extra parts. The Little Mac reels come in two sizes: the LM-I for 2- to 5-weight lines; it has a diameter of 3". weighs 4.6 oz and carries a WFSF fly line plus 50 yards of 20-lb-test backing. The LM-2 for 5- to 7-weight rods has a diameter of 3.25". weighs 5.1 oz and carries a WF6F plus 100 yards of 20-lb-test backing. Little Mac Series reels start at $225 and are guaranteed for life.

Because of the success of its Vista model this past year, Cortland is adding two sizes to its line of injection-molded, disk-drag reels-sizes XS and L. They will have a gray powder-coat finish and will retail for $59.95 in all sizes; extra spools are $26.95. Line capacities for all four models are as follows:
Vista Disc XS: WF2-WF4 plus 80 yds 20-lb-test backing
Vista Disc S: WF4-WF6 plus 100 yds 20-lb-test backing
Vista Disc M: WF6-WF8 plus 100 yds 20-lb-test backing
Vista Disc L: WF9 plus 200 yds 30-lb-test backing
Cortland is also producing a Vista Disc fly reel incorporating the Turbine Drag System. Initially, the Vista Turbine Reel will be made in sizes M and L and retail for $ 159.95, with extra spools costing $59.95.

Crystal River now offers three models of their single-action Cahill fly reel. An accurate drag system to control running fish and the lightweight, rugged construction are said by the firm to make it an exceptional buy. The three models are designed to accommodate 7-, 8- and 9-weight fly lines plus 45 to 90 yards of backing.

Daiwa's new Lochmor-S fly reels are designed to be the finest entry-level models ever offered, the company claims. There is no perceivable play between frame and spool. says Daiwa. an unusual if not singular feature in a fly reel with a suggested retail of only $29.9:S. There are two m(xlels: the LM-S I00 (3and 4-weight lines) and the LM-S 200 (4through 6weights). Both have rigid aluminum frames and spools tor a solid feel. rcle 14 on reader service card

The new Andros model is Elite's latest precision-machined fly reel. Although modestly priced at $ 129.99. both frame and spool are die-cast Irom solid aluminum billets that are precision machined. The reels are then finished with an electrostatically charged powder coating silllil.ll to that used on outboard motors. making it suitable tor both Iresh- and saltwater fishing. The Andros weighs only 6 oz. but carries a WF'6F fly line plus 200 yards of 20-Ib-test backing. The drag system incorporates a one-way clutch needle bearing in the spool for positive engagement and two disks for smooth drag performance. Another plus is the lifetime guarantee .

C.A. Harris claims its Solitude IV 9/10-weight fly reel has the least spool start-up torque of any current fly reel. It is desicllc(l for hluciish. stripers, steelhead. light Atlantic salmon or any other type of light saltwater/heavy freshwater fishing demanding a smoothly operating. reliable reel. The drag system has both cork and Teflon washers. The Solitude weighs 7 oz. has a spool width of.94" and a spool diameter at the inner flange of 3.63". Its Ihle capacity is WF9 plus "5 yds of 2()-lb-test backing, or WF 10 plus 19() yards '()-Ib-test backing.

Sages 300 Series fly reels are revolutionary large-arbor models designed for ultra-light lines and faster line retrieves, more consistent drag as line plays out and reduced linecoiling, the company says. The retrieve rate is three times faster than traditional small-arbor fly reels. One model mounts traditionally on the rod, while the other is a central-axis version that integrates reel and reel seat into one casing, which the company says enhances casting performance and sensitivity. The reels have an ultra-smooth click drag and a palming rim on the spool. Weight is 3 oz and the diameter is 3". Suggested retail is $2:S0; an extra spool is $115. The firm is also introducing ultra-light Quiet Taper fly lines to match the reels.

3M Scientific Anglers has new System 2 fly reels with perforated frames and spools for lighter weight plus tighter tolerances for smoothness (from a CNC-machine finishing process). The redesigned System 2 reels are offered in sizes 7/8, 8/9, 10/11 and 12/13. All System 2 reels have a highly polished stainless-steel disk drag offering low startup inertia and heat- and fade-resistant drag pads. The frame and spool are cast from aluminum alloy; the aluminum reel foot is anodized for added resistance to corrosion. Spools are counter-balanced and include an exposed rim. Extra spools are interchangeable with earlier models. With the redesign, SA also incorporated its notools-needed feature for changing from right- to left-hand wind. Suggested retail prices range from $ 150 to $200, depending on the model.
The company has also redesigned its System 2L fly reels. To reduce weight;all System 2L reels have perforated frames and spools, reducing overall weight up to 9CAc (depending on the model). After the System 2L aluminurt alloy frame and spool are cast, additional CNC finishing helps tighten tolerances between the frame and spool, and contributes to better overall smoothness, as do counter-balanced spools.
System 2L fly reels continue to offer a single-caliper disk drag with low start-up inertia and smooth, reliable drag pressure. The drag pad retains 80% of its drag force even when wet, over a full range of drag settings; there's an exposed rim for additional hand-applied drag. Extra spools are available; they completely interchange with previous System 2L models. Suggested retail prices range from $115 to $130, depending on the models, which include 4/5, 5/6, 617, 7/8 and 8/9 sizes.

New from STH are two series made without the company's cassette spool system. Instead, both employ Scientific Anglers redesigned System Z reels are lighter and built to tighter to/ erances than predecessors they're available in sizes 7/8, 8/9, 10/11 and 12/13 traditional spare spools. The TL) Tulhill. reel is an injection-molded model with the Turbine Drag System and is available in sizes M and L. They sell for $159.95
STH also is offering the Airweight. a new machined reel available in both bhsl~~drag and click-pawl versions. Although this is the name of a reel STH made many years ago. components will not interchange. The Airweight disk-drag will sell for $189; a spare spool is $85. The reels are anodized black and made from machined aluminum. There will be two sizes initially: the 4/5/6 and 61718. Line capacities were not available at press time.
The Airweight Click has the same color and construction as the disk model. Price will he $149 for the reel and $67 for an extra spool. Sizes will be 2/3/4 and 4/5/6.