Fly Fishers International (FFI) is back with FlyFest 2025, happening September 26–27 at the Sheraton Airport Conference Center in Grand Rapids, MI. This in-person event is your chance to reconnect with fellow anglers, learn from the best instructors, and immerse yourself in all things fly fishing. Grand Rapids is right in the heart of the Midwest, making it convenient for regional anglers and easy to reach by air for those coming from farther afield…
An Open Letter to Netflix
An Irish Mob Boss and a Presbyterian Minister Walk Into a River
Dear individual at Netflix whose job it is to acquire content,
Please buy the movie rights to A River Runs Through It. It’s my favorite movie, and I can’t seem to find it anywhere on your platform. Though I enjoy some of the other content, my favorite movie is nowhere to be found. When I search for the movie, you make other recommendations, some of which have nothing to do with my initial search. You’ll need to remedy this flaw if you want to keep me as a subscriber.
Small Craft Sales Launches Online Buying and Selling Hub For “Little Floaters”
Small Craft Sales, a new online hub dedicated to small, specialty watercraft, is taking the headache out of buying and selling boats online. Designed for anglers, rafters, kayakers, wooden boat enthusiasts, and day cruisers, the platform offers a scam-free alternative to cluttered classifieds like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Sell USED OR NEW boats.
“Boat geeks know exactly what they want, but unstructured sites can be a mess,” said Tim Romano, founder of Small Craft Sales. “We’re here to connect passionate boaters and simplify the process.”
Abel Reels Launches Custom Blue Line TR Reel
Abel Reels is proud to introduce a customized extension of its popular Abel Blue Line TR as part of the Blue Lining Project—a collaborative initiative with Airflo, onWater, and Trout Unlimited. This limited-edition reel marks an industry first, integrating personalized river mapping with premium reel design. Anglers can now engrave the unique “blue lines” of their favorite river system directly onto their reel.
Each reel is built with Abel’s proprietary CeranoTM Chaos Coating, which fuses durable ceramic coating with precision laser engraving. The Abel TR, a lightweight click-pawl reel designed specifically for trout fishing, delivers smooth performance and timeless simplicity on small to mid-sized streams.
As part of the Blue Lining Project, each reel purchase supports Trout Unlimited’s mission to protect and restore coldwater habitats. The project encourages anglers to explore thin, unpressured stretches of water, including hidden streams, forgotten creeks, and quiet rivers, while promoting conservation through responsible recreation. By guiding anglers to lesser-known waters, the initiative helps reduce pressure on heavily trafficked rivers and fosters a greater sense of environmental stewardship.
For more information, visit abelreels.com.
Simms Launches Lightest, Most Packable Wader Ever
Bozeman, MT – May 16, 2025 — Simms Fishing Products, the leader in wader design and innovation, proudly announces the release of the all-new Flyweight Packable Wader — the lightest, most packable wader Simms has ever built. Developed over nearly a decade of design, prototyping, and on-the-water testing, this breakthrough product delivers on a singular vision: to create a technical wader that disappears in your pack but shows up when it matters most.
At just 2.45 lbs. (in standard size Medium), the Flyweight Packable Wader is engineered for mobility and minimalism without sacrificing the performance and durability anglers have come to expect from Simms. Originally created for backcountry anglers willing to hike further, travel lighter, and chase fish to the edge of the map, the wader’s versatility quickly expanded its reach. What began as a niche solution for remote pursuits has evolved into a go-anywhere, do-anything wader that thrives across seasons, fisheries, and travel scenarios.
Lefty Day
Lefty Day is an international celebration recognizing one of fly fishing’s most influential figures.. We’re excited to share the word that our friends at Fish Tales Fly Shop will be hosting this event on May 17. This day is special for Dave and Nancy as they remember back to the start of their guiding days and the impact Lefty had on them….
Editor’s Choice: Simms Flyweight Boots
I’ve got two primary goals when I fly fish. One is to catch fish, and the other is to catch fish in places where I’m all by myself. To achieve those goals, it’s not uncommon for me to hike long distances. When Fly Fusion HQ sent me the Simms Flyweight Boots to test out, it was kind of a “you had me at hello” type scenario. The quarter-top boots shed some noticeable weight with less material in the boot’s height, but also in construction. I tested boots in size-11 which weighed 51 ounces for the pair (which is just slightly over three pounds. The Flyweights were comfortable to hike in, and as a bonus I reduced the poundage of my checked baggage for my Rocky Mountain trip this past summer. With less material, I also found the boots to dry faster, which was also a bonus for traveling.
After wearing them over thirty days on the water thus far, here’s what I found appealing. The boots show no sign of abnormal deterioration. They’re dirty, but they’re not falling apart—no broken seams, no tattered material, no cuts, or gashes on the soles. The boots hold up, which is good because I plan to wear them beyond the testing period. With the type of fishing I did, throughout the summer and fall, I didn’t notice a trade-off. I didn’t miss the higher ancle support, and I didn’t miss the stiffness of a sturdier boot. On top of that, I’m impressed with Simms Vibram soles. On a grip scale, with studded felt being a ten and tennis sneakers being a one, I’d place Simms Vibram soles at a solid eight, which I think is quite good for a rubber sole boot. The industry has come a long way in the last few years. I waded confidently and completely upright and have the added peace of mind knowing I’m not spreading micro-organisms from stream to stream. ~ Derek Bird, Founding Editor
Scott Fly Rods’ 50th Anniversary Edition Collection
This year, the Scott Fly Rod Company proudly celebrates their 50th anniversary. “It’s been a journey filled with fun, firsts, camaraderie, and a half-century of handcrafting high-performance fly rods,” states Scott president, Jim Bartschi. “In contemplating the most fitting tribute to the anglers who fish Scott rods, the rodsmiths who craft them, and the rod designs of Harry Wilson, Larry Kenney, and myself, we picked one rod from each decade that exemplifies Scott innovation and, in some way, changed the way we fish.”
The 50th Anniversary Edition fly rods were chosen from an award-winning series of Scott rods that are even more celebrated by the anglers who fish them. For those anglers, these are never-part-with rods. Rather than simply replicating the originals, Scott has built the rod blanks to spec with a resto-mod approach to finishing them. Though instantly recognizable to Scott history buffs, these anniversary rods are finished with today’s best-in-class components and construction techniques. In celebration, the Scott Fly Rod Company offers these tribute fly rods with a heartfelt thank you to the whole Scott family.
F 703/4
When Harry Wilson founded the Scott Fly Rod Company in 1974, he built a name for himself and the brand by making some of the most coveted light-line multipiece fiberglass fly rods. At a time when the typical fly rod was a heavy, clunky 8-foot 6-weight two-piece rod, Scott’s light-line multipiece rods opened up new opportunities for anglers fishing cold, clear streams with dry flies by providing light, responsive, and smooth rods for the task. Advanced tapers and the Scott hollow internal ferrule were central to accomplishing this feat. No model exemplifies this better than the F 703/4.
April Vokey joins ambassador team at Ross Reels, Abel Reels, and Airflo
Mayfly Outdoors, the award-winning manufacturer of high-performance fly fishing products and parent company of Abel Reels, Ross Reels, and Airflo, is excited to announce that world-renowned fly fisher, guide, author, and conservationist April Vokey has joined the Mayfly family as a brand ambassador.
Known for her work through Anchored Outdoors and years of guiding in some of the world’s most iconic fisheries, Vokey has become a respected authority in fly fishing, conservation, and education. Her ability to connect with anglers of all skill levels, coupled with her dedication to preserving rivers, has solidified her role as a leader in the industry.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Mayfly Outdoors family. I’ve respected Ross, Abel, and Airflo for decades, and having the chance to represent them now is both an honor and a full-circle moment,” Vokey shared. “These brands stand for more than just fly fishing—they embody a deep respect for craftsmanship, adventure, and the wild places that inspire us. I’m looking forward to working with the team, sharing new ideas, and continuing the tradition of creating products that truly connect anglers to the heart of the sport. This partnership feels like the perfect fit, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.”
As an ambassador, Vokey will engage in a range of initiatives, including product testing, collaborating on educational content, and offering valuable insights for product innovation. She will also continue her advocacy for conservation, working alongside Mayfly to support their ongoing commitment to habitat preservation and community-driven stewardship.
“April truly embodies what our brands stand for—performance, craftsmanship, and respect for wild places we love,” said Jeff Wagner, CEO and President of Mayfly. “We’re beyond excited to have someone with her passion, expertise, and authenticity representing Ross, Abel, and Airflo. April’s influence and knowledge will be an incredible asset as we continue to innovate and honor the traditions of fly fishing for future generations.”
This collaboration marks a new chapter for Mayfly Outdoors as the company strengthens its ambassador roster and continues to develop industry-leading fly-fishing products.
Iconic fly-fishing brand joins Mayfly Outdoors
You can consider yourself truly blessed when providence favors you with the extreme good fortune to turn your life’s passion into your lifetime vocation. This has certainly been the case with Andy Renzetti. He loves to fly fish, work with his hands and create beautiful things for others to enjoy, a natural progression to building a company that is renowned for offering the best in fly tying vises, fly-tying hand tools, accessories, rod building equipment and manufacturing solutions to business.
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