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Salad Bar
LATEST RELEASES 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.
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 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 MISSION - BEST BEANIES IN THE WORLD
Ok look, self-promotion can be a cringey thing, but forgive us this one because we’re especially stoked with how our new beanie collaboration with Blankets from Africa turned out. Made from 100% pure Merino wool by women in rural communities in the Eastern Cape, these things are warm as hell and brilliantly made. Available in two styles: the ‘Kelpie’ green on green seaweed ensemble or the ‘Spiedkop’ blue and red/pink, buy one of these and not only will it keep your pip warm, but you get to support a good cause too. themissionflymag.com
UMPQUA - HOOKS
Umpqua, or, Umpqua Feather Merchants as their mother calls them, is one of those brands that just gets on with it, making a range of quality products from flies, to tippet, packs, fly boxes and apparel without making too much noise about it. Now, both salt and freshwater options from their X-series and U-series range of hooks is available in our part of the world via Xplorer Fly Fishing. In the specialist X-series check out the XS420 flats hook for your Gotcha/ Charlie-type patterns, the XS415H heavy hooks for tarpon and XC450BL-BN jig hooks for your nymph box. In the great value U-series made of high grade carbon steel, with chemically sharpened points and micro barbs for easy penetration and easy de-barbing, look out for the UC655BLBN JIG 60, the UC600BL-BN dry fly hooks and the U401 stainless salt hook. umpqua.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za
SIMMS - PRO WADING STAFF
Whether it’s due to strong currents and slippery rocks where you fish, or the fact that your knees are held together with gristle and the Holy Spirit, you might want to consider some extra insurance by adding the Simms Pro Wading Staff to your kit. A lightweight, high-strength 4-section carbon staff, it has a FastLock system (like those touring-style ski sticks) and the length can be customized from 51 to 56 inches. A contoured cork handle delivers nonslip grip, while the quick-release ergonomic strap ensures safety. Neoprene sheath comes standard. simmsfishing.com, frontierflyfishing.com
LATEST RELEASES SALAD BAR
FISHPOND – SWITCHBACK PRO WADING BELT SYSTEM
Kings of Convenience are a Norwegian folk-pop duo, but it’s a moniker that could just as easily apply to Fishpond’s ingenious customisable modular pack systems. Taking onboard feedback from customers, Fishpond have improved on the popular Switchback Wading Belt System with the Pro version that includes the wader belt with net slot, a 5L pack, a Tacky Fly Dock, and shoulder strap. The pack features a large main pocket with an interior divider and 2 stretch pockets, a magnetic drop-down pocket with two interior stretch pockets and one zipper pocket, an exterior Velcro patch for the Tacky Fly Dock, a built-in net slot and numerous attachment points for floatant holders, hemostats, nippers and what have you. How you wear it and how you pimp it, is up to you, but with an ambidextrous design for left, or right shoulder orientation and easy pairing with other Fishpond gear like the Quikshot Rod Holder, Thunderhead Submersible Pouch, or a whole host of other add-ons, it’s hard to find fault with the new Switchback Pro.
fishpondusa.com, frontierflyfishing.com
FISHPOND – THUNDERHEAD CHEST PACK
If you’re on the hunt for a small yet customisable waterproof carry system, take a gander at the chest pack from Fishpond’s Thunderhead waterproof range. Made from their 1680D TPU coated recycled Cyclepond nylon, the main compartment sports a fully waterproof TIZIP zipper closure and interior organization with one zippered pocket and one clear stash pocket, plus there’s a front stretch mesh pocket with zipper closure. Exterior Hypalon tabs give you easy attachment options for tools and accessories. The lightweight foam backpanel has an integrated net slot for holding long or short handle nets (there’s also a D-ring for those who prefer to use a net release). As a standalone, it has all you need for a day out, but being a Fishpond product means it fits into a greater modular system, so you can wear it integrated into a Thunderhead backpack or lash it onto a boat. fishpondusa.com, frontierflyfishing.com
UMPQUA - UPG HD LARGE FLATS FOAM AQUA FLY BOX
Did anyone order the crab curry? Scampi platter for two? Perhaps a plate of whitebait? With the double-sided goodness of the UPG HD Large Flats box from Umpqua, all your crustacean and small baitfish patterns are covered. Bullet-proof, water-proof, lightweight and see-through (for quick identification of your sought-after patterns), once you get it, this is the kind of box you will never know how you managed without it. umpqua.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za
LATEST RELEASES SALAD BAR
LOOP – DRY TACTICAL BACKPACK
We’re loving the collaborations coming out of Scandinavia at the moment. First Podsol made a bag with Sandqvist and now Loop have teamed up with renowned Swedish designers Coxa Carry to create a phenomenally comfortable and functional 100% waterproof 15L fly fishing pack. It’s highly customisable system disperses the weight off your shoulders and on to your hips (making casting and trekking long distances a lot more comfortable). Featuring roll top closure, a detachable MOLLE system, concealed bottle holders and primary and secondary rod storage, the Dry Tactical Backpack does everything you want from a dry pack, but it also lays claim to being one of the safest bags on the market. This is thanks the ingenious quick release buckle system which reminds us a little of a child’s car seat (in a good way). If you’re going to be wading in deep, fast-moving or treacherous water, this pack is made for you. looptackle.com, flyfishing.co.za
LOOP – DRY HIP PACK
Prefer a lighter carry for the flats or fjording deep spots in your home rivers? Loop’s 7L Dry Hip Pack hits that sweet spot between weight, waterproofness and durability, thanks to their TPU coated 420D nylon fabric. The roll top closure ensures it stays fully waterproof, while the 7L carrying capacity featuring a large primary compartment and as well as several organisation options on the interior will carry all essentials. The outer Molle system patch offers additional attachment points, while a bottom pouch stores a 1L water bottle, that you can easily access and stash without having to move the pack around. A sturdy air mesh hip belt ensures all-day comfort, with two smaller mesh pockets for storing smaller items. looptackle.com, flyfishing.co.za
HARELINE - ECONOMY FLY TYING KIT
If you want to get into fly tying, it can be difficult to know where to start because from fresh to salt, beginner options to pro gear, myriad species and patterns, there are so many options in every direction. In our opinion, the best thing to do when starting out is to get a quality kit like this comprehensive starter outfit from Hareline. Containing 48 different premium fly tying materials, a vice, tools and Veevus fly tying threads, PLUS a 60-page 20-fly pattern book, it’s the perfect place to get the ball rolling. hareline.com, frontierflyfishing.com
UMPQUA - ZS2 LEDGES WAIST PACK 650
If Inspector Gadget was into fly fishing, he’d carry one of these bad boys, because it manages to be incredibly feature-rich without being cluttered. The waistbelt itself is designed to carry a load, but it’s also functional with side pockets for extra storage and a Molle webbing system (both on the sides of the waistbelt and on the pack) that gives you plenty of options to customize the pack as you like. In the interior, one cavernous main compartment will hold all your fly boxes and your lunch, while two smaller pockets on the front take smaller fly boxes and accessories. Smart ports for nippers, plus net and hemo sheaths ensure your tools are there when you need them and out of the way when you are fishing. A water bottle holder is mounted on the side so there’s no reason to get parched. umpqua.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za
LOOP X SIGHTLINE PROVISIONS - SALMON BRACELET NAVY
Sightline Provisions, esteemed purveyors of piscatorial mangles (man bangles), have teamed up with Loop on a range of bracelets celebrating the Swedish company’s favourite fish, the Atlantic salmon. Available in navy leather, the mangle features a salmon with the Loop logo running through it. Wear it in and around Dullstroom and people will think it’s a massive trout. looptackle.com, flyfishing.co.za
RIO - PREMIER STRIPER FLY LINE
Over the years, with the major US-based line manufacturers most species on the boxes might have a pretty global spread (e.g. trout, bonefish, permit, GTs, tarpon). Every now and then something very specific to an area, like tigerfish or dorado might appear on the box, but as far as we are aware that’s never happened for our beloved kob (mulloway/jewfish), so the general rule of thumb in South Africa is that anything pitched as a “striper” line to the US market, is a kob line to us. Featuring quick-loading, easy casting heads Rio’s series of striper/kob lines include a full floating line, a clear intermediate sinking line with luminous running line (great for fishing in the dark), and a series of 30 ft long sinking head fly lines with intermediate running lines. Each sinking fly line is density compensated and allows anglers to stay in touch with the fly. All of these lines are now made with SlickCast, Rio’s phenomenally slick, durable coating. rioproducts.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za
