L AT ES T R E L E A S ES
SALAD BAR
ORVIS - HELIOS BLACKOUT Fresh out of Vermont are these three specialised Orvis Helios rods from their ‘Blackout’ range. There’s a 9’5” 5-weight, an 8’5” 8-weight and an 11’ 3-weight. Early reports on the 5-weight indicate it’s an incredible all-rounder with accuracy and distance to the cast, equally at home laying down gentle dries as it is nymphing. From the smallmouth yellows of the Vaal and its tributaries, to multi-species rivers like the Bokong in Lesotho with its yellows, browns and rainbows, and stillwaters too, this rod could handle it all.
With the 8-weight, Orvis were looking for a boat rod with quick, one-shot accuracy to keep the angler one step ahead of redfish, bonefish and permit. With the power of an 8-weight, yet the feel of a 7-weight, in Southern African conditions, this would be perfect for tigers at Pongola or even a drift down the Orange. Finally, the 11’ 3-weight is an incredibly accurate tool that combines the swing weight of a regular 10 foot euro nymph rod with next level sensitivity, so you can detect the slightest nudges on your nymphs. That extra length gives you phenomenal drift control through complex current seams, while the softer tip protects even the lightest tippets. Overall, if you know how to wield it, it should result in more fish brought to hand. orvis.com
THE MULTI-TOOL - LEATHERMAN BOND Just under 40 years ago, Leatherman released their first multi-tool, the PST (Pocket Survival Tool). Since then, they’ve been the market leaders with a brilliant range of tools for camping, survival, hunting, heavy industry, and, of course, fishing. Loads of guides the world over choose to have a Leatherman on their hips, because not only can they tighten knots and retrieve hooks from toothy mouths, but they come in handy when fixing boats, removing stingray spikes, opening cans and whatever else you might need while out there. The new Leatherman Bond, is a nod to that original Leatherman PST. With a classic stainless-steel design it boasts 14 tools, from needlenose pliers, regular pliers, hard-wire cutters, wire cutters, wire stripper, a 420hc blade, an awl, a can opener, a bottle opener, a wood/metal file, a Phillips screwdriver, a medium screwdriver, a small screwdriver and a ruler. That last one will only come in handy if you catch really small fish like our art director. awesometools.co.za
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