IFTD 2016 New Product Showcase Winners Announced

July 15, 2016 By: Erin Block

Winners of the New Product Showcase were announced by AFFTA vice-chair Michael White at the annual IFTD “Party at the Pond” event held Thursday, July 14, 2016, in Orlando, FL. Big winners included Sage, Patagonia, Simms and RIO.

Read more in the press release below.

IFTD 2016 New Product Showcase Winners Announced

The fly-fishing industry voted on the best new products for 2016

Orlando, FL: More than 225 attendees of International Fly Tackle Dealer voted for their favorite new products for 2016. In total, 28 categories were represented, from fly rods and waders to books and DVDs. The voting occurred in a secure space separate from the manufacturers, and the results are calculated by code, ensuring the winners are kept a surprise until the very end.

American Fly Fishing Trade Association vice-chair Michael White announced the winners at the annual “Party at the Pond” event on Thursday, July 14, 2016. Simms Fishing Products, Sage, and RIO were the big winners, with Simms Fishing Products racking up five categories. Sage took overall Best of Show honors with the Sage X590 freshwater fly rod.

A complete listing of the winners and categories are included below:

  • Men’s Waders: Simms Fishing Products — Headwater Pro Waders
  • Women’s Waders: Hodgman — Women’s H4 Wader
  • Wading Boots: Simms Fishing Products — Rip Rap Shoe Felt
  • Men’s Outerwear: Patagonia — Minimalist Wading Jacket
  • Men’s General Apparel: Simms Fishing Products — Intruder BiComp L/S Shirt
  • Women’s Outerwear: Patagonia — Women’s River Salt Jacket
  • Women’s General Apparel: Simms Fishing Products — Women’s Rip Rap Sandal
  • Youth Product: Umpqua Feather Merchants — ZS Wader Chest Pack
  • Fly Rod — Freshwater: Sage — X 590
  • Fly Rod — Saltwater: Sage — X 890
  • Reel – Freshwater: Ross Reels — Colorado LT
  • Reel – Saltwater: Abel Reels — SDS
  • Accessories (under $100): Orvis Company, Inc. — U.S.-Made Aluminum Nipper
  • Eco-friendly Product: Fishpond — Thunderhead Duffel
  • Check Pack / Vest: Simms Fishing Products — G4 Pro Sling Pack
  • Luggage: Umpqua Feather Merchants — ZeroSweep Cooler-Gater
  • Boat / Personal Watercraft: Outcast Sporting Gear — Fish Cat 5 Mat
  • Book: Angler’s Book Supply — Fusion Fly Tying
  • DVD: RIO Products — Favorite Fly-Fishing Knots
  • Fly Box / Storage System: Tacky Fly Fishing — Tacky Dry Fly Box
  • Fly Line — Freshwater: RIO Products — InTouch Big Nasty
  • Fly Line — Saltwater: RIO Products — Winter Redfish
  • Fly Pattern — Freshwater: Aqua Flies, LLC — Stu Foxall’s PrawnTruder
  • Fly Pattern — Saltwater: Umpqua Feather Merchants — Contraband Crab, Chicone
  • Fly Tying Materials / Equipment: Freestone Designs — The Go Box
  • Gift Items (under $100): Umpqua Feather Merchants, ZS Guide Wader Belt
  • Leader / Tippet: Rio Products — RIO Saltwater Mono
  • P.O.S. / Booking Software:  The Outfitter Pro — Online Booking System
  • Best of Show: Sage — Sage X 590

AFFTA advocates for and promotes the sustained growth of the fly fishing industry. By igniting consumer demand for products and services, providing businesses the tools to be successful, and advocating for access, protection and restoration of fishing waters, we will continue to enhance the passion and profitability of the sport of fly fishing.