New Gear for 2010
Posted By Joel on February 24, 2010
I stopped by Tailwaters this past weekend to check in and see what’s new in the realm of flats fly fishing equipment for the season. Here are some interesting tidbits:
1) The new Simms Flats Boot – these are amazing and the greatest advancement in warm water wading since Patagonia first came up with the concept years ago. I’ve always been a fan of the Marlwalker and have burned through a few pairs in the past decade (no flats boot will stand up the abrasive effects of sand and water for very long when worn almost daily). But, when you put the latest version of the Marlwalker side-by-side with the Simms, there’s no comparison. A pair of the Flats Boots came home with me.
2) Awesome new flies – I have to say that Tailwaters is becoming quite the Carp Headquarters. Their selection of carp flies is continuously growing and when you add Hexes, crayfish, and other “cross-over” trout patterns, you could fill several boxes from their racks. Pictured above is one that really drew my attention – Whitlock’s Improved Rubber-legged Red Fox Squirrel nymph (I think that’s the correct name). It’s from Rainy’s and has all the great features a carp fly should have – even a weed guard. In the commotion of taking a 7 year old and a 2 year old into a fly shop (thank God for Honey Girl!) I somehow forgot to grab a couple for trials when the carp come up for their pre-spawn feed. Good reason for a return trip!
3) New rods – Along with carrying my favorite carp rod (the TFO TiCr”X” 7’6″ 6 wt), there are some other interesting sticks coming to the rod rack at Tailwaters. Scott is releasing an 8 foot rod in 6 and 8 wt. (A3 series) as competitors in the recent “warmwater/bass rod” craze. Bart said he was able to give the 8wt. a work-out and it cast like a rod costing twice as much. The six weight should be VERY INTERESTING. I’m trying to lay my hands on one for a casting session. We’ll let you know. Combine these with the Sage Bluegill and you have some great, value-point choices for a combo carp/bass/Texas coast rod.
4) Hip packs (does anyone call them “fannies” anymore?) – William Joseph, FishPond, Simms, Patagonia, etc. – there are packs out there APLENTY. No matter if you want waterproof, breathable mesh hip belts, adjustable water bottle pockets, load suspension adjusters, etc.; there is a hip pack out there for you. Check out the new MAGseries from WJ – VERY cool (hey Bart – order me one!).
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