Last week, the Internation Fly Tackle Dealer show, held in Salt Lake City, showed the fly fishing world was to was to come this year. There were many prominent manufacturers present but only a few were able to walk away with a coveted "Best of 2022" award. You can see the full list of winners at the end of the blog.
ReelFlyRod was lucky enough to be represented on the ground by our own Clay Carter who shared his thoughts on the show and discussed the winners of each categories this year:
And that’s a wrap… IFTD 2022 is in the books as one of the most anticipated fishing events in recent history. After two long years, the curtains finally opened and featured some of the best new products the industry has ever seen. We will be getting a closer look at some of the hot new gear and the awards these amazing companies took home.
And that’s a wrap… IFTD 2022 is in the books as one of the most anticipated fishing events in recent history. After two long years, the curtains finally opened and featured some of the best new products the industry has ever seen. We will be getting a closer look at some of the hot new gear and the awards these amazing companies took home.
The competition was tough here at IFTD 2022 with over 300 products entered in over 30 different categories, it was going to be a tight race. Every product there deserved recognition for the hard work but only a few took home the hardware.
First, we have the Abel Nippers - “The Best New Accessory Over $50”
Made with Type III anodized aluminum this new nipper is stronger than ever. Replacing the original spring system, the new nipper now features two magnets forcing apart making nice even cuts and less maintenance required. With the new magnet feature, this allows for a handy fly dock on either side of the nipper to hold your fly while rigging waist deep in the river. At the top of the nipper is the hook eye cleaner which is in a new location and is more user friendly and less likely to break. Lastly, the nipper includes a lanyard made by recycled Airflo fly lines which is environmentally friendly because of its 100% PVC free construction.
Abel also took home one of the most prestigious awards for the NEW Abel Rove Reel – “Best Saltwater Fly Reel”
Available in four different sizes, the Rove is replacing the Super Series as the new main stay in the Abel Reel line up. Acting as a large/big game reel with a wide spool with tons of backing for those huge running fish. The Rove still utilizing the cork drag system with double pawl springs from the Super Series, so you have no doubt that this reel is up for any task. The new Rove reel is one of the best reels on the market today, it feels light, beautifully crafted, and is sure to be a work horse on the water.
Next, we have the Redington Tilt fly reel winning – “Best Freshwater Fly Reel”
This very sleek reel design turned some heads this week, and rightfully so. With the rise in popularity of Euro/Competition nymphing over the last few years, Redington has designed a unique reel for those die-hard nymphing anglers. What makes this reel so desirable and unique is the addition of three, one-ounce removable weights that will allow any angler to dial in the balance of any rod. Designed with a narrower spool and a fully-caged frame you won’t have to worry about those thin running lines slipping in between the frame and the spool.
Simms yet again distancing itself from the competition and for no other reason than hard work pays off. As expected, Simms took home what appears to be the most awards of the event, adding a nice collection to there already massive trophy case. Taking home awards for:
- “Best Men’s Wader”- Simms 2022 G3 Wader
- “Best Women’s Wader” - Simms 2022 Women's G3 Guide Wader
- “Best Men’s Wading Boot” - Simms Flyweight Access Wading Boot
- “Best Women’s Outerwear” - Women’s Freestone Jacket
- “Best Men’s Outerwear - Simms G3 Guide Jacket
- “Best Women’s General Apparel - Women’s Solarflex Cooling Hoody
- “Best Chest Pack/Vest” - Simms Dry Creek Z Sling Pack
- “Best Eco-Friendly Gear” – Fall Run Hoody
- “Best of Show” - Simms 2022 G3 Wader
Now for the most anticipated awards of the event, the best fly rods. Taking home, the award for the “Best Freshwater fly Rod” is none other than the Winston Air 2 9'0" 5wt Fly Rod When casting this rod in the casting pond for the event you instantly knew that this rod was special. Not hitting more than 6inches apart from each cast means that this rod is a work of art. There is a reason that many call this rod “the best rod ever made” it’s because without question… it is. Light as a feather, amazing recovery, and flawless presentation it is hands down the best freshwater fly rod today.
Lastly, we have the brand-new rod from Sage, winning the “Best Saltwater Fly Rod” – the Sage R8 Core
While casting, and even gazing at this rod you knew you were in the presence of something special. From the first cast and people murmuring about this rod, it has an unexplainable powerful energy around it. Sage has always been known for a very modern, tip sensitive rod, but that’s not the R8 at all. Replacing the infamous Sage X, many thought that the R8 would simply be a mere replacement or rerun, but Sage had other things in mind. Designing the R8 to be more responsive, not only in the tip but throughout the whole rod down to the cork. This allows the angler to be more in tune with the rod with each cast. Whether it’s from 80ft to inside 20ft, the casting motion is just the same. No more overpowering required for max distance casts with a 9wt to a 15ft cast with a 4wt, this type of construction is truly mind blowing, it’s simply game changing.
Closing Thoughts
All in all, IFTD 2022 was spectacular in every fashion, and it did not disappoint. Seeing new gear and talking with the people making it possible is truly a blessing. Next year is already on everyone’s mind and so is the question to “how do you top this”? I am sure with the popularity surrounding the industry and the growth of fly fishing, I am buckling up because we haven’t seen anything yet.
You can see all of the Winners from 2022 IFTD below:
Women’s Waders: Simms Fishing Products – Women’s G3 Guide Stocking Foot Waders
Men’s Waders: Simms Fishing Products – G3 Guide Stocking Foot Waders
Women’s Wading Boots: Redington (Far Banks) – Women’s Aurora Wading Boots
Men’s Wading Boots: Simms Fishing Products – Flyweight Access Boot
Women’s Outerwear: Simms Fishing Products – Women’s Freestone Jacket
Men’s Outerwear: Simms Fishing Products – G3 Guide Jacket
Women’s General Apparel: Simms Fishing Products – Women’s Solarflex Cooling Hoody
Men’s General Apparel: RepYourWater – Merino Wool Sun Hoody Brown Snacks
Fly Rod Freshwater: R.L. Winston Rod Co. – Air 2 9’ 5 Weight
Fly Rod Saltwater: Sage – R8 Core 990-4
Fly Rod 2 Hand/Spey: Sage – Trout Spey G5
Fly Rod Specialty: Sage – SENSE
Chest Pack/Vest: Simms Fishing Products – Dry Creek Z Sling Pack
Luggage Bags/Backpacks: Sea Run Cases – expedition classic fly rod & reel travel case
Fly Box/Storage: Wynd Tackle – Wnyd Bynder 01 Series
Fly Reel/Freshwater: Redington – Tilt
Fly Reel/Saltwater: Abel – ROVE
Fly Line/Freshwater: Scientific Anglers – Amplitude Smooth Creek Trout
Fly Line/ Saltwater: RIO Products – SlickCast Saltwater
Leader/Tippet: Scientific Anglers – Absolute Supreme Tippet
If you're interested in learning more about the award winners from IFTD 2022, please reach out to our knowledgeable Pro Staff who are here to assist you in your next purchase. Either email the shop at [email protected] or reach us by phone by calling 1-855-434-8472 any time from 9am-6pm EST Monday through Friday.
