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Reporting From the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show: What Do You Want to Know?

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August 15, 2012

Reporting From the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show: What Do You Want to Know?

By Kirk Deeter

I'm en route to Reno, for the International Fly Tackle Dealer trade show which kicks off tomorrow and runs through Saturday. This is the place where the fly fishing industry--manufacturers and dealers--get together to discuss the latest trends, pressing issues, and, of course, show off the new products that will be launched in 2013.

The interesting thing is that many companies have already spilled the beans on their new products. Orvis is launching a "Helios 2" fly rod that is really, really good. (I know, because I've been fishing a prototype for the past month; an in-depth review is coming soon). Far Bank (Sage) is launching some new rods (actually the company already launched them at the European trade show in June) named Circa (a slow action), Response and Approach. But the real news concerning Sage might be that they're introducing the ONE Elite, which is tricked out with fine titanium guides and a reel seat for a record-breaking retail price of $1,295. (That's not a typo).

We're also going to be hearing a lot on the wader front regarding "sonic seams." Orvis and Redington are both using this technology, which eliminates threads and stitch holes to help prevent leaks. Simms is sticking with its usual formula, offering G4Z waders made of five-layer GORE-TEX, retailing at just under $800. (Again, not a typo.)

While I expected a lot of bargain prices, the trend I see is premium product at premium prices. All of which gives me the distinct impression that either the fly fishing manufacturers think the economy is turning around, or else they're content marketing to a demographic that isn't feeling the effects of a soft economy.
 
Maybe I'll be surprised. If you have specific questions, go ahead and comment below, and I will ask them to the people at the trade show, as I always do.

Comments (10)

Top Rated
All Comments
from buckhunter wrote 43 weeks 4 days ago

Deet, Let us know of any advancements in sole technology for wading boots. Not than I'm worried about falling, I have friends that I fish with I'm worried about. ;)

I cannot seem to find many choices for a good fishing backpack.

Have fun in Reno.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Rhythm Rider wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

2 questions for Sage:

1. any interest in fiberglass?
2. what comes after Elite.....Highbrow.. or HFBDCA (Heading For Bankruptcy Don't Care Anymore)?

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from deanlikes2fish wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

Sooo.... Can I have some free stuff from the show? Thats my only question.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from fflutterffly wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

This is getting way out of hand with the over the top pricing. I'd like to know what products are affordable, how they function and are they worth the money. I've converted to Allen Rods for my classes and clients. Not only do the rods fish well, the reel and rods look great. And the price? You won't believe what quality you get for the price you pay. The big companies should get their heads out of the clouds and visit us on planet earth. Tell us about stuff we can afford that's quality.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Koldkut wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

I'd like to see if you could get a breakdown on how fly rod companies price their rods. $1,295 is not making sense to me when I can build a sage one with all titanium components and some super premium cork for under $700 and that's buying all the parts at retail prices. If that's not a good reason for folks to learn to build their own, I don't know what is.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from scooterg10 wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

I'd like to hear if Sage is planning on putting the Konnetic technology in the TCX line anytime soon. Thanks!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from rob wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

It is always so fascinating to see what Whorevis has on tap. Maybe a new gangsta lifestyle line of fly tackle? Buufs for dogs? Or better yet a Buff made dog bed?
And $1300 for a fly pole? Puke in mouth......

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Warmwater Chronicles wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

Kirk,

I would be interested in two things. First, if you notice an overall increase in the level of interest in carp fishing; from a manufacturers point of view. It seems to me fly fishing for carp has been tearing up the Internet this summer (it's about time). I am expecting manufacturers (i.e. Sage, RIO, SA, Orvis, Loomis, St. Croix, Scott, Ross, etc...) to start pushing carp specific gear soon.

Second, the overall level of turn out from the dealer side of the show. I know it has been an ongoing debate for the past four years (that I have been following it) but it seems the show is moving away from an interest in dealers and more manufacturers. We are not attending the show this year (first time in over 12 years [that I know of]). Many of the shop owners we have talked with over the course of the past 11 months have expressed the same concerns and issues. I know you have written about the show in Angling Trade a number of time, even before it was AT, and are a big proponent of the show. I am just curious as to turn out of dealers and enthusiasm in the show.

Thanks, I hope you have a great time and don't loose too much money.

Ian Anderson
ian@flymasters.com

FlyMasters of Indianapolis
www.flymasters.com

Warmwater Chronicles
www.warmwaterchronicles.com

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from abbner wrote 43 weeks 2 days ago

I agree, these prices are getting out of control. I've spent the $800 the G4Z's, spent endless thousands on numerous Helios rods but it's getting impossible to tell if I'm buying the best or just paying a retarded amount of money, because I'm retarded. $1300 for a rod would have me knocking on Kirks' door looking for place to live!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from buckhunter wrote 43 weeks 2 days ago

I understand the need to increase the popularity of fly-fishing and I have always believed the best route would be to increase the popularity of the warm water fisheries, but carp? Com'on. Let's push the old bucket-mouth, at least they'll hit top water with regularity. And they taste better too.

0 Good Comment? | | Report

Post a Comment

from buckhunter wrote 43 weeks 4 days ago

Deet, Let us know of any advancements in sole technology for wading boots. Not than I'm worried about falling, I have friends that I fish with I'm worried about. ;)

I cannot seem to find many choices for a good fishing backpack.

Have fun in Reno.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Rhythm Rider wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

2 questions for Sage:

1. any interest in fiberglass?
2. what comes after Elite.....Highbrow.. or HFBDCA (Heading For Bankruptcy Don't Care Anymore)?

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from deanlikes2fish wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

Sooo.... Can I have some free stuff from the show? Thats my only question.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from fflutterffly wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

This is getting way out of hand with the over the top pricing. I'd like to know what products are affordable, how they function and are they worth the money. I've converted to Allen Rods for my classes and clients. Not only do the rods fish well, the reel and rods look great. And the price? You won't believe what quality you get for the price you pay. The big companies should get their heads out of the clouds and visit us on planet earth. Tell us about stuff we can afford that's quality.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Koldkut wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

I'd like to see if you could get a breakdown on how fly rod companies price their rods. $1,295 is not making sense to me when I can build a sage one with all titanium components and some super premium cork for under $700 and that's buying all the parts at retail prices. If that's not a good reason for folks to learn to build their own, I don't know what is.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from scooterg10 wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

I'd like to hear if Sage is planning on putting the Konnetic technology in the TCX line anytime soon. Thanks!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from rob wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

It is always so fascinating to see what Whorevis has on tap. Maybe a new gangsta lifestyle line of fly tackle? Buufs for dogs? Or better yet a Buff made dog bed?
And $1300 for a fly pole? Puke in mouth......

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Warmwater Chronicles wrote 43 weeks 3 days ago

Kirk,

I would be interested in two things. First, if you notice an overall increase in the level of interest in carp fishing; from a manufacturers point of view. It seems to me fly fishing for carp has been tearing up the Internet this summer (it's about time). I am expecting manufacturers (i.e. Sage, RIO, SA, Orvis, Loomis, St. Croix, Scott, Ross, etc...) to start pushing carp specific gear soon.

Second, the overall level of turn out from the dealer side of the show. I know it has been an ongoing debate for the past four years (that I have been following it) but it seems the show is moving away from an interest in dealers and more manufacturers. We are not attending the show this year (first time in over 12 years [that I know of]). Many of the shop owners we have talked with over the course of the past 11 months have expressed the same concerns and issues. I know you have written about the show in Angling Trade a number of time, even before it was AT, and are a big proponent of the show. I am just curious as to turn out of dealers and enthusiasm in the show.

Thanks, I hope you have a great time and don't loose too much money.

Ian Anderson
ian@flymasters.com

FlyMasters of Indianapolis
www.flymasters.com

Warmwater Chronicles
www.warmwaterchronicles.com

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from abbner wrote 43 weeks 2 days ago

I agree, these prices are getting out of control. I've spent the $800 the G4Z's, spent endless thousands on numerous Helios rods but it's getting impossible to tell if I'm buying the best or just paying a retarded amount of money, because I'm retarded. $1300 for a rod would have me knocking on Kirks' door looking for place to live!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from buckhunter wrote 43 weeks 2 days ago

I understand the need to increase the popularity of fly-fishing and I have always believed the best route would be to increase the popularity of the warm water fisheries, but carp? Com'on. Let's push the old bucket-mouth, at least they'll hit top water with regularity. And they taste better too.

0 Good Comment? | | Report

Post a Comment