The new Redington CRUX fly rod.
Ah, it must be show time.
As in the International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) show held this year in conjuction with the International Convention of Allies Sportfishing Trades show (ICAST). You can tell because of all the press releases hitting social media over the last couple of days promoting the new gear for the coming season.
Here are just a few of the new products out there:
- G. Loomis announced its new IMX-Pro fly rod with conduit core technology. Retail price? About $500.
- Sage is hitting the market with a lower-price “do-it-all” rod—the Foundation—that retails for $325. It also comes in an outfit with a 2200 series reel and a RIO fly line for $525.
- Redington is hitting the market with a new fly rod, too—the CRUX, which promises to be a fast-action rod with new line-speed taper. It also introduces the company’s new “angled key grip.” It retails for $399.
- Scott is launching a new G series rod, which promises to build on its own high-end technology. The video below is a pretty solid testimonial.
- Nautilus Reels announced its new GTX series, which is “built to put the brakes on the fastest and strongest fish on the planet.”
- Simms announced its new line of soft goods, including updates to its popular G3 Guide line of products.
- Korkers is out with improvements and innovations to fly fishing footwear, including new sole lines and new boots for both men and women.
- RIO is hitting IFTD with a host of new fly lines for varying fishing situations.
- Orvis is announcing its new H3 fly rod, which builds on the popular H2 and H2 Covert.
There will be more gear on display at the IFTD/ICAST show, including lots of spinning and bait-casting gear. We’ve got our guys from Angling Trade on the ground in Orlando, so watch for updates, reviews, videos, etc. The show starts Wednesday and lasts through Friday.
The two shows will be together this year and next before the IFTD moves back to Denver in 2019 for a solo event.
— Chris Hunt