13 minute read
Salad Bar
LATEST RELEASES SALAD BAR
BAJIO - SUNGLASSES
There’s a new premium fly fishing sunnies giant in the arena and they’re shooting the lights out. Now available in South Africa, Bajio boast phenomenally clear lenses and a completely carbon neutral business model. Add to that a huge range of both mens and ladies frame shapes (our current favorites are the Caballo, Calda and Paila), frame colours and lens options and you can see, clearly, why Bajio have rapidly become so popular in the USA. There’s an extensive range available at X-Factor, the exclusive supplier and stockist of Bajio in Africa. bajiosunglasses.com, xfactorangling.co.za
LOOP - EV0TEC G-5 REEL
Relax tinfoil hat brigade. This is the G-5 reel, nothing to do with 5G and Bill Gates. It’s the latest iteration of Loop’s brilliant Evotec series with a sleek, updated design and several upgraded features like a new brake knob system that will give you better control over the brake even when your fingers are frozen. They have also introduced a new spool cap – which provides much better grip for spool changes – and enhanced the overall strength of the frame. Strong, smooth and sexy as all hell, the Evotec G5 is available in 4/6, 7/9 and 9/13 models in sleek gunmetal grey. And yes, G5 reels will work with your existing G4 spare spools. looptackle.com, flyfishing.co.za
TIEMCO - SHIMAZAKI MAGIC SPRAY & SHAKE
2 minutes to go in a test match and your prop goes down. Out come the medics and they proceed to spray his shins with magic spray while he catches his breath. He bounces back up, dominates the next scrum and you win the game. While, Bob Skinstad aside, fly fishing and rugby have few connections, magic spray exists in both worlds. Shimazaki Magic Spray and Shake does to your dry flies what the medic spray does to props. Point it at the fly and give it a quick shot on the top and bottom and watch the magic happen. It actually comes out as a liquid and then turns into a white powder right before your eyes. The most impressive thing is that the powder stays on the fly longer, giving you more cast/fish per treatment. tiemco.co.jp, xfactorangling.co.za
FISHPOND – FIREHOLE BACKPACK
To go boldly where no one has been before (or at least recently), you need a pack that can take everything you might need for a full day and then some. The 26-litre Firehole backpack ticks all the boxes from support to space and organization. Features include a lightweight foam shoulder strap, hip belt, molded back panel, adjustable sternum strap and interior sleeve and pass-through for a bladder ensuring comfort and hydration on long hikes. There’s a removable hip belt and integrated net slots and water bottle holders on either side of the pack. Perhaps the smartest feature is the stowable Hypalon® wader/ boot pouch with additional exterior attachment points so you can cover distance in a pair of trail shoes and then change into the heavy stuff when it’s time to get wet. As is Fishpond’s way, the Firehole backpack is compatible with the Thunderhead, Canyon Creek and Cross-Current Chest Packs. fishpondusa.com, frontierflyfishing.com
REDINGTON - TRAILBLAZER 6-PIECE ROD
Remove the, “Should I? Shouldn’t I” dilemma around packing a rod for any trip - be it a multi-day hike in the middle of nowhere, an overseas trip to an area that might have some fishing, or even a dog-walk at the local park with its carp-laden duck ponds – by getting a smuggler. The Redington Trailblazer is a 6-piece travel rod designed for just such a job with single foot Snake guides for reducing weight and a compact rod tube for stashing in a backpack or under a car seat. Available in a 7’6” 3-weight for small stream sessions or a 9’ 5-weight for larger rivers, stillwaters and those carpy duck ponds. Bonus = the lifetime warranty. farbank.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za
SHAKU HUNTER – SPRING/SUMMER DROP
Our favourite Japanese smallstream fly fishing clobber crew, Shaku Hunter, are back with a new range of gear. There’s a lot to choose from, including stream jackets, long-sleeved shirts and hoodies, but if forced to choose, our top picks would be the following: Cotton Silk Bandana – Featuring the contours of the Shaku Hunters’ home rivers in the Miyagi prefecture north of Tokyo, this 50-50 silk/cotton blended bandana can be used as a sun mask, neckerchief for bank heists, or a mask for garage pie skermishes in the time of Covid etc. Jackalope Tee- an homage to their favourite town, Jackson WY (and the Jackalope, a mythical rabbit-like beastie with antlers), this relax fit T is made from combed yarn that gives it a smooth clean touch.
Shaku-Hun W.W. Short – designed for wet wading these 5-pocket cargo shorts are made with super water-repellent, quick drying, soft and durable taslan nylon.
shakuhunter.official.ec
LATEST RELEASES SALAD BAR
SAGE - THERMO REEL 10/12
A new entry in the heavyweight reel category, Sage’s Thermo looks like the real deal for dominating poons, geets and sundry super-sized species. Former Proteas captain MC Coetzer did his homework on this reel before getting one. He says, “The new Thermos 12-weight reel landed in my lap a few months ago and my first impression is that this reel is an absolute machine. It’s a bit heavier than other reels in its class, but it is clear that it was built with durability in mind. The Thermos will undoubtedly stand up to an impressive amount of abuse. The outstanding features are the drag and drag knob. The stated drag is an impressive 20 lbs and when you actually pull line against the drag it is smooth - that’s if you get to move the spool. The drag knob is huge and it takes the drag from zero to maximum with less than one turn. This feature is definitely a game changer. No more struggling to turn a small drag knob with wet hands while a fish is abusing you out on a reef. The drag and drag knob alone makes this reel super impressive.” MC will be testing his on tarpon in Gabon soon. You can get yours at Frontier Fly Fishing in South Africa. farbank.com,
frontierflyfishing.com
JMC - COMPETITION STYLE CHEST PACK
JMC is one of those low-key French fly fishing brands that don’t really market themselves. Then you realize a ton of top competition anglers use their stuff and the penny drops. This pack is a prime example. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Magnetic pouches for quick and easy access, D rings in the right places, a comfortable sizing that can be adjusted to fit all and most importantly, space to carry those essentials on the river.
xfactorangling.co.za YETI - 10oz MUG
There’s a new Yeti drop at Upstream Fly Fishing, including a 10oz and 14oz Rambler stackable mugs and the 20oz Rambler travel mug. Made from stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation, they also sport those nifty magslider™ lids. Great for both compact storage and hot brews. yeti.com, upstreamflyfishing.co.za
LIVELY LEGZ - THE NET MAN
Nets, if we’re honest, can be a ball-ache to handle. You do the hard work of hooking, fighting and bringing a fish in, but at the crucial moment of landing it, all grace and co-ords escape you as, eyes on the fish, you scrabble around for your net. While it might sound like a fishnet stocking-clad burlesque show, The Net Man from Lively Legz is in fact a super smart net carry system consisting of a holster designed to clip onto your belt and hold the net, a magnetic mounting bracket allowing the net to hang securely from the holster and a lanyard so that even if you drop your net, it won’t disappear downstream. livelylegz.com, xfactorangling.co.za
LATEST RELEASES SALAD BAR
PATAGONIA - STEALTH PACK VEST
Iiiiiit’s baaaack! The latest iteration of Patagonia’s iconic fishing vest is made from 100% recycled polyester warpknit mesh and contrast fabric that is 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a PU face coating and a TPU back coating. It boasts an ingenious suspension system using tech that comes from their latest trail running vests. The result? An athletic fit and balanced carrying. On the subject of carrying, at first glance the Stealth Pack Vest only seems to have a few front pockets, but nothing could be further from the truth. From the visible to the concealed, there are two zippered, pass-through back storage pockets with hydration compatibility; two large fly-box pockets; four additional vertical pockets, a floatant pocket and zippered security pockets including a removal waterproof sleeve for keys, phone etc. Throw in the integrated rod holder, fly patch, hemostat dock and garage, multiple clip and attachment points, and an adjustable front closure that allows for layering and you have a vest for the ages. patagonia.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za
SIMMS - FREESTONE WADER PANTS
Like the conditions we fish in, not all waders are alike. For many people, high-chested waders capable of fjording deeper rivers are simply not necessary. If you are pretty confident you’re not going to wade past waist-deep, then Simms Freestone wading pants may be a good option for you. They pack small and their durable, breathable Toray® QuadraLam™ 4-layer fabric can take a proper bundu beating. What else? Gusseted & zippered fly for improved fit and easy on-off? Tick. Hip pockets for quick access to essentials? Tick. Built-in Gravel Guard with gathered elastic bottom hem, 3 belt loops with a 2 in. elastic waist belt and anatomically engineered neoprene stockingfeet with anti-microbial finish? Tick. simmsfishing. com, upstreamflyfishing.co.za
IWANA - WIDE SMALL TROUT REEL
Named after the Japanese name for whitespotted char, the Iwana reels made by Liu Shaojie and Wang Liang are based on the classic stylings of legendary reelmaker Stan Bogdan’s reels. Made from 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminium bar stock with ebony or wooden handles, these affordable little click and pawl stunners are beautifully finished and tightly machined. Unless you can afford a Bogdan original, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better match for your favourite small stream rod. Iwana one, how about you? Available from Frontier Fly Fishing in a Wide Trout Small (4-weight) and a Trout (5-weight). iwanafishing.com, frontierflyfishing.com
HOWLERS BROTHERS - UNSTRUCTURED SNAPBACKS
Need a quality lid? Look no further than the unstructured Howler Brothers Rainbow and Trout Snapbacks available at Upstream Fly Fishing. With a soft crown and lack of internal structure they take the shape of your pip, while the dark underbrim reduces glare on the water. howlerbros.com,
upstreamflyfishing.co.za ORVIS - TROUT RISING TECH BALL CAP
At first glance, this is a basic a baller, but look a little closer and you’ll find a feature rich melon covering. Made from moisture-wicking fabric with built-in UPF 50 protection from harmful rays, it sports an adjustable hook-and-loop closure for the perfect fit. Bonus: it’s eco-friendly, with the brim made from 100% recycled fishing nets, keeping our oceans cleaner. orvis.com, flyfishing.co.za
THOMAS & THOMAS - VINTAGE LOGO CAP
More old-school when it comes to taste in caps? Look no further than Thomas & Thomas’s classic Casting Man patch embroidered on a 100% cotton twill ball cap. With a dark under-bill to cut glare on the water and adjustable buckle closure with ‘1969’ and the T&T signature on the back, this is the kind of cap you live in. thomasandthomas.com,
upstreamflyfishing.co.za
SIMMS – ROGUE HOODY
For a hoodie that goes from the couch to the creel without letting either location down, meet the lovable Simms Rogue. It does the snug, comfort side of things with aplomb thanks to a breathable, soft fleece interior, but with water-resistant externals, and a 3-panel drawcord hood it’s got you covered if the weather changes. The self-fabric cuffs and hem accentuate comfort and warmth, while a zippered chest and 2 hand pockets hold a fly box, tippet and whatever else you might need for a quick session. simmsfishing.com, frontierflyfishing.com
PATAGONIA - SUN STRETCH SHIRT
Sun hoodies are great for many applications, but often nothing beats a technical long-sleeved button-up fishing shirt. Made from a stretchy, ultralight nylon/polyester blend with mechanical stretch, Patagonia’s Sun Stretch shirts are designed specifically for hot and humid conditions. Two vertical-zip chest pockets hold anything you need to access quickly (such an underrated feature) and feature mesh backing for improved ventilation and drainage. The durable plastic zippers prevent corrosion in saltwater environments. patagonia.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za
LATEST RELEASES SALAD BAR
UMPQUA - ZS2 TRAVELER FLY TYING KIT
Whether it’s a fly tying evening at your buddy’s house or a cross-country roadtrip where you’re going to need to adapt and restock your boxes as you fish different areas, a fly tying bag designed for travel is a seriously handy thing. Umpqua’s customizable ZS2 Traveler Fly Tying Kit nails the brief. The molle design allows for internal and external attachment of a vise storage pouch (included); a unique pop-up tool caddy holds up to 22 tools on one side and a zippered compartment storage on the other. The caddy is also removable and free-standing so you feel right at home whether traveling or tying at the kitchen table. From that to the many zippered mesh pockets and the thread storage tubes, this is a seriously clever, well-thought out piece of kit. umpqua.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za
ORVIS - NEOPRENE GUARD SOCKS
We love that there are people out there doing serious R&D into socks so we don’t have to. The Neoprene Guard Socks from Orvis are a prime example. Quick-drying with a new, improved anatomical fit, they are constructed from a four-way stretch 3mm perforated neoprene that keeps you comfortable on the water while the perforations allow the socks to dry quickly and breathe. Rollover gravel guard protects your laces, stays in place, and blocks debris. No trench foot for you! orvis.com, flyfishing.co.za
DAIICHI - PREDATOR, 4X STREAMER, JIG HOOKS
Refilling your fly boxes this winter? You might want to restock on a selection of Daiichi hooks available from Xplorer Fly Fishing. For streamers, muddlers, zonkers, bucktails and your wooly bugger stash, check out the forged 2220 4XL Streamer Hook with its round bend, down eye, 1X heavy wire and 4X-long shank. Available in #2-#10. For nymphs small and bead head leeches, the 4647 Heavy Jig with 60 degree bend, flat eye and black nickel finish is the hook. Available in #10-#18. For multipurpose streamers, or as a tube fly hook, the wide gape and short shank of the durable 2477 Alpha Predator Hook is your go-to. Made from hi-carbon steel with a straight eye and black nickel finish. Available in (#2, #1, #1/0). xplorerflyfishing.co.za
