The who’s who of the fly fishing industry met up in Orlando for the world’s largest fishing expo, ICAST. Companies unveiled their new products for anglers to unleash on the casting ponds near by.
The Orvis Helios 3 was our favorite rod of the convention. For those who enjoy throwing absurdly long casts with no effort, this rod can do it. But when it is time to get accurate and catch fish, this rod is 2nd to none. After hiring some sort of mad scientist, Orvis managed to construct a rod that flexes in a manner that does not limit accuracy. When casting the rod does not feel like anything out of the ordinary, but when it is time to dump the line the Helios delivers pure magic.
At first glance TyWheel looks like another rack to hold tying tools, but it is so much more than that. This magnetized rack brings the traditional wooden tying stations into the 21st century. Once you use this tool, you will rely on it as much as you rely on your whip finish tool, it makes tying that easy. The rack has modular attachments that use magnets. You can choose what attachments you want on your wheel, making it very customizable. You can leave a section blank if you want, using the magnets to hold your tools.
With their amazing video side-project it is easy to forget that YETI is more than a media company. YETI released some big products at this years trade show. Their new Panga is their new duffle bag. It is fully waterproof and just as bomber as their coolers. Their LoadOut is YETI’s take on the classic orange Home Depot bucket. With YETI’s durability and non-slip rubber on the bottom, don’t count on replacing this any time soon.
Hatch revamped their classic reel with new bold colors, a new seal and crank. With the same durability Hatch is known for, these reels can be counted on in even the most remote locations.
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- The Orvis Helios 3 is a game changer to say the least.
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- Nautilus’s new GTX won best saltwater reel.
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- TyWheel may be the new kid on the block, but this attachment will soon be a must have for any tying enthusiast
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- The Yeti booth was crowded from the start of the show to the end
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- The standout rod for Echo was their Bad-ass-glass rod
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- Yeti steps away from insulation. Their new duffle bag and bucket were the highlight of their booth.
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- Hatch steps away from black and silver. Their new line of fanatic reels see large improvements on what many anglers already considered a perfect product.
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- Fishpond’s line of bags and packs
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- From bland to flashy, blackstrap has it all.
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- The new crux rod is their new flagship cannon. Coming in sizes ranging from trout size to tarpon.
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- The Sage van was a hit at the show, their new Salt HD rod also brought home the best saltwater rod.
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- With human powered transportation on the rise amongst anglers, the Diablo kayaks turned heads
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- Capt. James Ferguson of Blackfly Outfitters gives the new Thomas and Thomas SS cast.
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- The Sightline Provisions had a steady flow of people eager to see how they can wear their favorite fish.
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- The Blackstrap has a style for everyone in 2018
Scott G series rod is a worthy mention too, best dry fly rod on the planet.
You are correct, Scott makes a sweet rod especially their saltwater Meridian rod. We don’t float too many dry flies on the G series for poon though!