( FLY ) GEAR

Best Accessory Magnifly

For many of us as we age and our eyesight diminishes, it becomes more difficult to tie tiny flies to fine tippet. To the rescue comes the ingenious MAGNIFly featuring a precision glass lens with three-power magnification. Designed to rotate 90 degrees and swivel 360 degrees, it clips easily to pack straps, waders, caps and more. Simply flip down the lens to tie on a fly, then flip it back up out of the way. The device even has two magnets to hold flies while they dry. Artisan Angler, www.artisananglerllc.com

Best Tippet Material Value Packs

FROM TYING MATERIALS TO APPAREL TO TACKLE, OUR ANNUAL ROUNDUP OF THE BEST NEW GEAR FOR GETTING CANADIAN FLY ANGLERS IN ON THE ACTION FOR PRODUCT PRICES AND AVAILABILITY, PLEASE CONTACT THE RESPECTIVE MANUFACTURERS.

WITH PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS behind us, there was a distinct air of excitement at the most recent International Fly Tackle Dealer Show, held in Salt Lake City, Utah, to showcase the latest products in the world of fly fishing. A big shout out goes to Patagonia, which donated its entire display area to non-profit groups and activists working to protect our fisheries. There were also many organizations at the show promoting forwardthinking conservation solutions, all of which gives me hope for the future of both fly fishing and our wild places. Here are my favourite new products for Canadian fly anglers.

Long known for its high-performance tippet and leaders, Frog Hair has introduced combo Value Packs for trout, salmon/steelhead and warm-water fish. Each pack includes a tapered leader and three 30-metre spools of tippet, each sized for their respective species. While providing superior knot strength, the tippet and leader material is ultra-supple and shockand abrasion-resistant, with plenty of strength for its diameter. Frog Hair, www.froghairfishing.com

Best Fly Organizers

OUTTA THE BOX, VEST PATCH, DO-ALL PATCH

Along with excellent fly boxes, Brook also now makes three silicon fly patches that are impervious to the weather. The small Vest Patch [A] attaches to your pack or vest with Velcro or via a lanyard, while the medium-sized Do-All Patch [B] and the large Outta the Box [C] are ideal for mounting in boats or on the outside of gear bags. Equipped with both slits and bars, the handy patches can securely store a large number of flies of different sizes. Brook Fishing Equipment, www.brookfishingequipment.com

BEST FLY ROD R8 CORE

Sage’s exceptional new R8 Core rod series uses a proprietary aerospace composite for a stiffer, stronger backbone with a more sensitive tip. With this versatility, these rods fish dries, nymphs and streamers equally well. The line includes 19 models, from 3- to 9-weight, with lengths ranging from eight feet six inches up to 10 feet. One rod designer describes the R8 rods as a combination of science and art. After casting one, I know exactly what he means. Sage, www.sageflyfish.com

Best Waders Moxie Chameleon

Women wanting properly fitting waders will love Miss Mayfly’s MOXIE Chamelon chest waders. Cut for the female form and based on traditional dress sizing, these medium-weight breathable waders come in sizes 6/7, 8/9 and 10/11 for slim, curvy, full and plus body types. They also come equipped with suspenders, an elastic wading belt, a fleece hand-warmer pocket, gravel guards, neoprene booties and two zippered pockets. The new line includes wading pants, as well. Miss Mayfly, www.missmayfly.com

Best Fly Line Elite Warmwater Predator

With a short, powerful front taper and a rear-loaded head to drive out large flies, this latest innovative line from Rio is designed for catching bass and tropical fish species. It also has a low-stretch core and a tough SlickCast finish, and to avoid confusion with your other lines, the model number is printed right on it. The line comes in 6- to 10-weight sizes, as well as floating, intermediate-sinking and sink-tip versions. Rio Products, www.rioproducts.com full brim for sun protection. Other features include a comfortable elastic inner band, a black underbrim to reduce glare and an adjustable chin strap. Wearing this hat supports conservation, too—since launching in 2011, RepYourWater has donated more than US$400,000 to North American non-profits promoting healthy fisheries and outdoor recreation. RepYourWater, www.repyourwater.com

Best Pack Rod Sagi

Until now, reel-less tenkara fly rods were intended primarily for small trout. Enter the 13-foot sixinch Sagi. It has a powerful butt section, and the flex and strength to handle salmon, steelhead, northern pike, carp and bass. Roughly equivalent to a 7-weight, it can cast ultra-light tenkara lines as well as standard lines up to 40 feet in length. The rod collapses down to 25 inches, and comes with a spare tip, rod sock and travel case. Zen Tenkara, www. zentenkara.com

Best Tying Material

KAPOK DRY FLY DUBBING

Kapok is a buoyant natural fibre that’s long been used in life jackets, and now as dubbing for dry flies. Expanding on this, Semperfli has developed a dying method for Kapok featuring 28 colours, including fluorescent hues. Half the diameter of other dubbing materials, Kapok absorbs water very slowly, making it ideal for small, delicate dry flies with slender bodies. It’s available in single packs, as well as in 12- and 22-colour dispensers. Semperfli, www.semperfli.net

Best Travel Accessory

CRC FLY ROD

CARRIER V2.0

Trxstle’s CRC represents a whole new concept in rod carriers. Designed to mount to the exterior of vehicles, the carrier can enclose two entire rods and reels sitting face up to protect their various delicate components. Made of anodized aluminum with closedcell EVA foam padding inside, the CRC telescopes from four to 10 feet in length, and weighs 15 pounds. It mounts to vehicles with the included clamps; it can also be easily removed and used as a portable case instead.

Trxstle, www.trxstle.com OC

CONTRIBUTOR WAYNE PHILLIPS ALWAYS LOOKS FORWARD TO HIS ANNUAL VISIT TO THE INTERNATIONAL FLY TACKLE DEALER SHOW.