The Tacky team has done it again. The crew applied their innovative silicone mat and magnetic latch system to an enlarged fly box designed to house large streamers. The Predator has slats in the mat that run vertically in order to accommodate an added feature: a wishbone-shaped plastic piece that can be placed at the head of the fly to keep the head and the hook aligned in the box. This is especially convenient for streamers that are weighted at the head. The new box is 11-inches long and six-inches wide, so it has ample room for plenty of big flies. The powerful magnetic latch is a failsafe closing system and the clear top makes flies visible to the angler. The box is durable and functional, which are just a couple of the reasons the Fly Fusion team believes the Predator is a great buy.  Click here to check them out.

The Upstream Plus has an attractively distinctive glossy moss finish, which is quite different than most other rods on the market. To complement the glossy moss blank, Douglas uses a very sexy cork finished reel seat. The rod is smooth casting as well. The caster feels more of the rod during the casting stroke, but the rod does not feel sluggish at all. It’s more of a medium fast rod and would feel good in the hands of a caster who appreciates a rod that bends more deeply. The rod has a unique deflection in that there’s some feel in the lower two thirds but it’s only subtle and not exaggerated in any way. Click here to check them out.

Anglers who love the traditional, distinctive GLoomis feel are going to really enjoy the IMX PRO. With this rod, GLoomis returns to its roots. The IMX PRO is a fast rod that’s very user friendly at the same time. It’s a rod that performs well in a variety of angling situations, so anglers who appreciate an SUV type rod will find an alignment with the IMX PRO. This rod does a lot of things well. The finish is a very classy glossy brown blank with near matching wraps. One of the finishing touches that really grabbed the testers’ attention was the logo—the company chose to ditch the fish and use the retro GLoomis logo. With the classic look and classic feel, this rod will do extremely well for GLoomis. Click here to check them out.

From jackets, to boots, to waders, Orvis added a number of new wading options this year. Members of the Fly Fusion team tested the Ultralight Convertible Waders over the last number of months and thoroughly appreciated the comfort of the new design. The waders have a better overall fit especially in the midsection where Orvis removed unnecessary bulk. Testers also appreciated the easily adjustable shoulder straps and the FIDLOCK SNAP used to allow for an easy conversion of the chest section of the wader from the chest position down to the waist. Designers also streamlined the gravel guard at the bottom of the wader so as to reduce drag and water collection. The Orvis wader redesign includes both men’s and women’s models, and they’ll be available in January for a very respectable price ($298 US).

For the last number of months Fly Fusion team members have been casting the Orvis H3 and are overly impressed by the rod’s unique feel and superior tracking. Orvis set out to create a more accurate casting rod and they accomplished that though the design process. By strategically reinforcing the blank, designers were able to further dampen the vibration in the rod, so it has an incredibly smooth feel when it straightens up from a loaded position. The H3 is available in a variety of different weights and two different flex styles. The H3F is designed for a caster who appreciates a deeper bend in the rod through the casting stroke; whereas, the H3D is a faster rod designed to throw larger flies greater distances.

From bags, to tippet holders, to fly rods and reels, 2018 has a ton of new gear for the fly angler. Wondering what to ask for Christmas this year? Put together a list using the latest gear review in Fly Fusion. Subscribe here or find the latest issue on newsstands.

Hodgman developed an innovative interchangeable sole system to help anglers deal with the varied terrain they regularly encounter. The versatility provided by the H-Lock boots allows anglers to switch from felt to studded felt, and from to rubber or studded rubber depending on whether they’re in and out of a drift boat or scaling steep banks on a remote mountain stream. Testers liked the idea of the versatile sole system and found that it was easiest to change soles with the boot off the foot. Aside from the versatility of the boots, testers also found the boots to be quite comfortable. Designers created the VION H-Lock with durability in mind. The boots feature a molded toe guard and double-stitched construction. If you like a sturdy boot, and you live in an area where your boots see lots of different terrain,
be sure to check out Hodgman’s new offering. hodgman.com

It’s nice to know that as fly-fishing gear progresses there’s still some equipment designed to remind us that we’re part of a rich history. That said, the Lodgepole is a classy gear bag. Though the satchel is definitely worthy of a nostalgic day on the water with a bamboo or glass rod, it’s also comfortable enough to wear anytime. The shoulder strap provides enough padding to wear for a full-day excursion, and if you’re an angler who prefers to keep a satchel a little closer to the body when hiking though a wooded area, there’s a removable waist-strap as well. Testers found the bag to have ample storage in the main compartment and lots of smaller compartments to help organize fly boxes, leaders, indicators, and whatever else an angler needs. The Lodgepole also has places designed to attach gear on the exterior. It’s functional and looks fantastic—what a great combination for the fly angler who years for something reminiscent of simpler times. Click here to view.

Testers enjoyed the feel of Allen’s Icon II. Across the board, the testers noted the rod has a very balanced feel in the hand and that the rod loaded effortlessly. The Icon II has a seamless feel when transferring energy from the rod to the line. Testers also noted that the rod definitely finds its place on the continuum of fast-action rods, but it’s closer to medium-fast than super-fast, which allows the Icon II to offer a smooth blend of power and sensitivity. Fly Fusion staff tested the 9-foot, 5-weight and gave it high marks for versatility. It performed well in a number of trouty situations with a number of different methods (streamers, nymphs and dries). To compliment the rod’s performance, the blank has an attractive deep brown finish with dark mahogany wraps. Click here to check them out.