Colorado Fly Fishing Blog - The Flyfisher

The Buzz at the 2009 FlyFishing Retailer

 

The end of the first day of the 2009 FlyFishing Retailer Show at the Colorado Convention Center leaves us going back for more on Friday. We are getting ready to embark upon the show floor to hit the booths we did not see yesterday.

 

Thursday was busy with meetings that included, Scientific Anglers, Simms, G.Loomis, International Sportsmen’s Expo, Costa Del Mar, Dr. Slick and others. The best part about Friday is our ability visit other manufacturer’s booths and displays.

 

My gameplan is to test all of the new fly rods and provide our initial feedback back to you. I will also be stopping by some of the other terminal tackle booths to see what new gadgets are available and is there anything innovative that must be on the list for 2010.

 

Below are pictures of the various products we are giving a two thumbs up rating to from our initial touch and feel.

 

 

Hatch Fly Reels Limited Edition Reels… Only 30 of each fly reel size were made and is an item for the serious angler.

 

 

Simms Guide Windstopper Jacket… Warm, waterproof and comes with a removable hood. Great for fishing on cold days.

 

Costa Del Mar Zane Glasses… Available in all lens styles, light frame, anti-fog vents and is made for those that require a larger sized frame.

 

C&F Design Flybox… They now have a screw-in page for the smaller box which provides security of your flies from falling out and floating down the river.

 

Loon Outdoors Sharktooth… Definitely a winner and a gadget for all anglers. It is a tippet spool band with a plastic slot to cut your tippet without you having to fumble for your nippers.

 

Titan Rod Vault… Finally someone has come up with a rod case to attach to your vehicle that is secure, solid, rigid and locks your rods up for security. It holds three rods and there will be more to come on this.

 

Unibobber… You ask what is this… From the makers of the Thingmabobber. These guys are getting creative in the use of the Thingmabobber. For 2010 it is a parachute hopper. I will be adding to the fly box.

 

 

Anthony Bartkowski

Pro Staff Guide

Hatch Outdoors Pro Staff Member

Simms Booth Rocking at FlyFishing Retailer Show

Coming live from the Simms booth at the 2009 FlyFishing Retailer Show... I am the only one blogging right now but it has been busy from the early reports. The booths are busy however the overall size of the show is down with less exhibitors. In looking at the overall size I would say about one-third less and I will get that confirmed from the boys at AFFTA.

 

The good news is that the manufactures like Simms are pumping out new products and they are outstanding quality, just like usual.

 

The key new products are:

 

G3 Wading Pant – zipper, no bulky top to fold down, pockets with zippers. A great product to get for the low water flows throughout the year. Check out the picture of Mike Whitey styling the pants for us.

 

To keep the upper half of your body warm when wearing the new wading pants is the Guide Windstopper Jacket – Waterproof, warm, lined and accessory pockets inside and out. This will be available Nov. 1, just in time for the holiday shopping season. The retail price is $249.95. In having an older version of the Guidestopper Fleece this will go on my wish list. The color selection is great as well, including a two-tone.

 

Now for all of those who have gone to the Vibram Streamtread sole, Simms is introducing the Simms Hardbite Star Cleat Studs. I will be adding these to my Guide boots ASAP. The cleats fit in-between the raised rubber cleats to give you the sticky need on the river bottom. These are slick and made with infused carbide to increase the grip on those slippery slimy rocks.

 

Also coming Nov. 1 are a couple new bags: Headwaters Tackle Bag and Headwaters Gear Bag.

 

More to come from the show this afternoon… Time to hit a few more manufactures.

 

Live From the 2009 FlyFishing Retailer Show

The Flyfisher Guide Service is live here at the 2009 FlyFishing Retailer Show. Matthew Burkett, Ethan Emery, Anthony Bartkowski, Scott McCaslin and Dustin Mastro from FGS and Tucker Ladd and Mitch Vogt. There are a few hot new products we will describe in more detail as the show progresses. A few of the interesting new products from Simms include the G4 Pant and the new carbide star hardbite studs.

Flyfishing Retailers Show 2009

We are off to a flying start, high octane and lots of coffee. We are used to getting up early, but how do we stay alert in seminars and walking the convention center floor? Many of us professional fishing as our path because we wanted out of the office.

Seminars begin at 7AM and show floor opens at 10AM. We are getting ready to attend the one significant fly fishing industry event of the season and are poised to let you know about all the hot new and innovative equipment and gear that will grace your favorite fly shows this fall and next spring. Along with all the new products we will be sure to give you a status report on the fly fishing industry and let you know how we are weathering the economy and what you as a consumer can do to make sure your favorite shop, school and guides continue to offer you access to the products and knowledge that make fly fishing a lifelong pursuit.

We will not be able to bring you the latest fishing reports for the rest of the week. We will however be bringing you reports on everything else fly fishing. I hope the fish get along OK for the next few days without us!

Stay tuned... if you can stand it we will be here around the clock for the next three days. You can also follow us as we Twitter all the best things we see and learn.

Matthew Burkett at http://twitter.com/TheFlyfisher
Anthony Bartkowski at http://twitter.com/Flyfishnbart
Scott McCaslin at http://twitter.com/Troutref5

Flyfisher Guide Service on FlyFishing Retailer Floor on Thursday

In less than 24 hours, the Flyfisher Guide Service will be on the floor of the

2009 FlyFishing Retailer Show at the Colorado Convention Center. We have been able to learn of some of the new products prior to show and will be stopping by the manufacture’s booth to provide you with our opinion.

 

 

If you are wondering we are excited to see the new products. This is where we, the guides, act like kids in a candy store.

 

So you are asking what is new? Check it out…

 

Simms

• G3 Guide Pant
• Insect-Repellent Technology Sportswear

Scientific Anglers

• Expanded Waterproof Fly Box Series
• Kelly Galloup designed Streamer Express Lines

G.Loomis Rods

• Max GLX Comp Czech Nymph Fly Rods
• Stinger GLX Spey Rods
• VersaSpey Fly Rods

 

 

Costa Del Mar

• Zane Sunglasses, Best Eyewear winner at 2009 ICAST.

Sage

• Vantage Fly Rod
• 99 Fly Rod
• Xi3 Fly Rod

Scott Fly Rods

• New S4s Fly Rod

StreamWorks

• Aluminum Pliers with Hub Light

Titan Rod Vault

• Roof Top Rod Carrier

 

 

We are bringing the show to you through Twitter and the Flyfisher Guide Service Blogs.

 

If you have Twitter accounts, make sure to follow us at:

• Matthew Burkett at http://twitter.com/TheFlyfisher
• Anthony Bartkowski at http://twitter.com/Flyfishnbart

Anthony Bartkowski

Pro Staff Guide

Hatch Outdoors Pro Staff Member