Gear Review: Stormfront Waterproof Pack

Thu Jun 1st 2017
Gear Guide

Testers had lots of positive comments regarding the Stormfront Waterproof Pack. At the top of the list were simplicity and functionality. A few of the testers fish with backpacks almost exclusively, so they were excited to get their hands on Patagonia’s new pack. This is a dream gear bag for the fly fisher who wants to comfortably carry a few extras for their trip like a camera or other devises that shouldn’t get wet. For any angler who does a lot of walk-and-wade trips, especially in coastal climates where rainy days are the norm, this pack is ideal. It keeps all the gear dry. No more smudged fishing licenses or soaked dry flies. Aside from being fully waterproof, the pack also has all the basic necessities. The shoulder straps have an area to place forceps and there are movable (and adjustable) straps specifically for holding a rod tube. The pack also has an easy-access pocket for any necessities an angler might not want to dig for. click here

Gear Review: Orvis Nippers

Mon May 8th 2017
Gear Guide

With so many different species fly anglers can target nowadays, the amount a person can spend on species specific gear adds up quickly. So I suspect that more and more companies will design tools, gear and gadgets that, where possible, will be useful across a broader species spectrum. Orvis is a prime example. They produced nippers a trout angler can use on his home trout stream and also on the saltwater holiday he’s taking to the Seychelles. The body of the tool is machined from aluminum with a Type III anodizing, the same kind of corrosion resistance found on high-wear aerospace parts and the finest fly reels. The replaceable cutters are designed in a cutter-and-anvil design, which ensures a cleaner cut. According to Orvis fly-fishing guru, Tom Rosenbauer, who’s tested the nippers on species from trout to tarpon, “…not only does the shape allow the snips to cut through 80-pound shock tippet, it also makes it easier to cut fine tippet like 7X because it ensures the jaws close cleanly over the fine stuff.” click here

Gear Review: Loop EVOTEC CAST Medium Fast

Wed May 3rd 2017
Gear Guide

The EVOTEC Medium Fast is distinguishable by its smooth grey blank with dark grey wraps. On each of their rods in this series the reel seat is somewhat triangular so the single locking reel ring does not rotate, which means it’s in the right place every time—a small but significant detail. The rod is sensitive during the casting stroke and a fly angler who enjoys feeling a little more of the flex will enjoy this rod. It’s a rod designed to handle well in a variety of situations. The EVOTEC Medium Fast is available in single hand, switch, and double hand models. click here

Gear Review: Orvis’ Tacky Deluxe Fly Box

Thu Apr 20th 2017
Gear Guide

A more practical angler may argue that fly box is a fly box is a fly box, and there’s some truth in the statement. A fly box has a relatively simple task. That said, little innovations have the potential to make a huge difference. And in reference to the Tacky Deluxe Fly Box there’s much truth in that statement. This collaborative effort between Orvis and Tacky produced one of the best boxes on the market. The box has all that’s made the Tacky box a favourite for trout anglers: the no-fail magnetic latch system, the bombproof polycarbonate shell, and the silicone mats. But the Deluxe Box also has a few added features. The teardrop slats have room for 336 flies (#10-18). The box has a greater storage capacity now that there’s silicone mats on both sides of the interior of the box. Even with the added storage capacity, the box still has a low profile. (click here)

Rod Review: Orvis Helios 2 Covert

Mon Mar 27th 2017
Gear Guide

Fly Fusion testers enjoyed many aspects of the American built Helios 2 Covert. The rod’s sharp looking glossy black wraps complement the matte black blank finish and give it an extremely stealthy appeal. The rod has a balanced and lightweight feel and is capable of reaching the upper distances with ease. It’s a relatively stiff rod in the lower two thirds but flexes a little more in the tip section so it loads efficiently when shorter casts are required. The quick recovery rate matched with deflection profile make for a good all-around rod sensitive enough for the short game but capable of lots of extra power when the trout seem a little out of reach. click here

Rod Review: Thomas & Thomas Avantt

Fri Mar 24th 2017
Gear Guide

Thomas & Thomas’ new Avantt is an impressive American built rod. The rod is finished in a classy matte blue with darker blue around the wraps. Most noteworthy however is the way the rod handles long distances. The rod has a lightning quick recovery speed and shoots line effortlessly. Because of the speed of the rod, Fly Fusion testers also over-lined the rod, but found it performed best with a matching line weight. The Avantt is a fast action rod that loves distance but is sensitive enough in the tip that it can adjust to the short game as well. Fly anglers who like the long game and an extra bit of power will like this rod. click here

Gear Review: The Chironomid Stillwater Boat

Tue Mar 21st 2017
Gear Guide

Magazine staff tested the Chironomid stillwater boat by Cunningham Boats and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. An angler would go a long way to find another single-person stillwater craft that moves as easily and fast or is more maneuverable. The hull is an extremely lightweight (30 lbs) Kevlar canoe design, with pontoon fixtures to provide stability. It’s propelled by lightweight oars, not paddles. The Chironomid is an appealing hybrid, providing the speed of a rowing scull, the tracking of a trimaran and the fishing stability of a wide-bottomed boat. FF staff found it easy to stand up in and cast, and spent an enjoyable day in the boat catching large rainbows on stripped leeches. Perhaps most impressive is the ease with which the boat can be disassembled and placed on the roof of a car or truck. Weighing less than a Florida-bound traveler’s suitcase, it’s an extremely manageable one-person boat. The stillwater angler who enjoys getting out on the water in a personal watercraft, who wants the freedom to stand up or sit down while casting, and who wants to move quickly and effortlessly from one shoal to another, needs to check out the Chironomid. click here

Reel Review: Redington Rise

Thu Mar 16th 2017
Gear Guide

Redington added a new reel to their roster this year. Machined from anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, the Rise is an extremely lightweight reel. It has a uniquely modern look and the aesthetics complement the reel’s balanced feel. Fly Fusion testers gave the reel high marks 
for the enclosed carbon-fiber
drag system that delivers
 smooth stopping power 
accompanied by a pleasant 
sound (a small but
 significant detail for
 some anglers). Testers 
also took notice 
of the functional 
oversized drag
 adjustment knob 
and appreciated
 the innovative feel
 especially for cold
 climates where sticky 
drag adjusters present 
a challenge for clumsy 
fingers. The Rise carries 
a lifetime warranty and is
 available in sizes 3/4 through 9/10 in three colors 
(silver, black and amber). redington.com

Gear Review: Orvis Battenkill Disk Reel

Wed Mar 15th 2017
Gear Guide

Fly fishers today live in a very fortunate time. They have access to traditional gear, fully modernized gear and fully modern gear designed to honor traditional gear. Such is the case with Orvis’ Battenkill Disk Reel. The exterior of the reel remains true to its impressive heritage, but the interior components fully capitalize on the latest technological advancements. Fly Fusion staff tested the Battenkill III designed to match 5-7wt lines. Testers found the sealed drag system, which is based on the award-winning Hydros SL reel, both smooth and very easy to adjust. Built from aircraft aluminum, the Battenkill is lightweight and strong. Spools are easy to switch in and out with no extra parts to remove. In short, the testers thoroughly enjoyed reel. Its functional simplicity consistently impressed them. The reel is available in sizes that match 2-10wt lines and there are also two spey reels in the family. orvis.com

Reel Review: 3-Tand VIKN

Tue Mar 14th 2017
Gear Guide

A few members of the Fly Fusion team have been using 3-Tand reels over the last number of years and have been extremely impressed by them. Each of their reels has a super smooth sealed drag system with unparalleled stopping power. Not only that, the 3-Tand design team makes an extremely attractive reel. With the VIKN™ (pronounced vixen) the company takes another step forward. The V-80 (8-10wt) weighs 7.7 ounces, has an ultra-large arbor spool that packs 300 yards of 30 pound backing. The reel feels well balanced on single hand, switch and spey rods. It’s also available in a 5/6wt and 11/13wt. 3-Tand.com