While I am surprised from time to time  with something novel in fly fishing, I think it is safe to say that the industry is squarely in the business of building better mouse traps. Tweaks and variations on themes are fine. If anything, any gear that makes for a noticeable improvement of on-steam quality of life is worth  considering.

Walking the exhibition hall floors of The Fly Fishing  Show I am always on the lookout for new, unique, and helpful equipment. Nearly every company has something of interest. Even if the mousetrap only features shiny new spring colors, they’re worth handling and considering how they’d work for an angler somewhere.

Although there were numerous noteworthy items (including fly rods, which I share last week), I am sharing two that I found particularly captivating. Check out my thoughts on RestorLine and RockSpring Nets below:

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RockSpring Nets

Its a net. True: but it is a more effective net. How can this be? What is different? Where things really matter, RockSpring Nets add a user-friendly design feature that set them apart. The  handle shape is not only ergonomic in hand, but also between the legs. This means a more stable grip when using the net for that vital moment when using a net well matters. The nets are light, come in different sizes, and have a thought-out lanyard attached to them. It is also worth mentioning that they’re quite handsome. But on first pass, it is the grip configuration that sets them apart from the pack.

Spec overview:  4 different sizes in 6 wood combos, $185-$275

Who should check it out: Anyone who wants a net upgrade. Whether you’re moving from a cheap wooden net or a beat-up metal net, RockSpring Nets appear to be both handmade and better.

The model I’m most interested in: The “Jocko” in the long-run length would be a great canoe net. And the all walnut is quite handsome.

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RestorLine

If you have been around Casting Across for any length of time, you have inevitably heard my dogmatic convictions on buying the best fly line you can afford. But what happens when you get a crease or nick in that hundred-dollar-plus line? It is neither wallet nor environmentally-friendly to scrap it. It doesn’t help your cast or presentation to just deal with it, either. RestorLine seems to be the solution. It is a flexible, durable, heat-shrink sleeve that creates a seamless patch. And this is not the “finger-trap” style sleeve, but a solid  way to smooth over any damage or add your own welded loop. In talking to the owner of the company, he shared that his desire is for anglers to “tune up” their old line instead of just trashing the whole spool.

Spec overview:  $29 for two repair pieces (patch or re-loop), 3-6 weight available online now – other weights were on display at the Show

Who should check it out: Anglers who buy premium fly line. Fly shops that want to practice what they preach; offer repairs, not just another sale resulting in a basically good line in the landfill.

The model I’m most interested in: I don’t use welded loops, but I do think having a ReLine kit in my bag or desk would be a wise choice for the inevitable damage in my heads.