SALAD BAR

SAGE - R8 SALTWATER ROD

People often put rods in two categories - ones that are great for casting but that break easily and others that cast like broomsticks, but can horse big fish in with ease. With their new Sage R8 range, Sage claim to have increased the fight in the rod by adding 25% more strength per weight. That allows you to land fish faster and practise better catch and release. But does that mean it’s a broomstick? Nyet, comrade. While still boasting an elite feel-oriented cast, the Sage R8 Salt has a taper that delivers a fine touch and accurate presentations even in the heavier weights. Translation – this sounds like a Goldilocks-zone rod where everything is just right. Available from 6 to 12-weight (with two variants in the 12). farbank.com, frontierflyfishing.com

PATAGONIA - BLACK HOLE 25LT BACKPACK

For the working traveller who always packs a fly rod, we present to you Patagonia’s Black Hole 25L Backpack, a pack that’s as comfortable at a hot desk as it is at a honey hole. Made mostly from recycled materials, it features a main tech-friendly storage compartment, with space for a 15” laptop or a large hydration bladder and hose port, depending on your needs. A smaller front pocket allows quick access for storage of essentials. An all-round durable water repellent finish gives the body and lining some protection from the elements. atagonia.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za

HOWLER BROTHERS - SNAPBACK RANGE

New Howler Brothers cap dump at Upstream Fly Fishing! The El Mono Snapback and Electric Snapback offer a more traditional trucker style (old school curved brims), with a medium crown height, and hi-tech glare-reducing (navy) under brim. A species feature is highlighted in the Creative Creatures Roosterfish Snapback, a 5-panel captain’s hat that moulds to any shape, with an adjustable snapback and pliable brim . upstreamflyfishing.co.za, howlerbros.com

WAPSI - PRO LITE SYSTEMS

If squinting through slitted eyes with a headlamp halfilluminating a disproportioned fly is your thing then great, but why suffer? Like your ex in that weird recurring dream, Wapsi’s ProLite Fly Tyers LED Lamp Magnifier has 18” flexible arms. That gives you a wide angle of bright light, plus there’s the natural-coloured magnification lens to help you see your work better. When you see better, you reduce eye fatigue when tying flies meaning you tie more flies, get better at it and enjoy your fishing more. Well, that’s the theory anyway. The ProLite Systems include a builtin storage tray, bench-mounting clamp option, and LED bulbs that stay cool. You can opt for the light/lens combo, or a dual LED version specifically intended to improve lighting for photography of a finished fly. Your fans on the ’Gram expect quality. xplorerflyfishing.co.za, wapsi.net