The International Fly Tackle Dealer Show has returned to beautiful Colorado! For three days, fly fishing companies will be showing off their latest and greatest to others in the industry. While the purpose of the event is to cultivate relationships and broker deals, many fly fishers keep an eye on the goings-on. What gets unveiled at IFTD is next year’s next big thing.
Understandably not everyone can be in Denver this weekend. However, I’ve reached out to some of my industry contacts. Risking life, limb, and press pass, they’ve peeked in crates and snuck behind booth displays. Although there is a lot of secrecy surrounding the big announcements, I’ve secured some pretty juicy tidbits.
Today, on Casting Across, I’m sharing seven brand new products that aren’t even going to be shown off at IFTD!
Keep reading for an exclusive look at the next bigger things that are going to take fly fishing by storm:
Orvis HX
Taking a page from a certain fruit-themed tech company, the good folks in Vermont are skipping the H4 through the H9 to unveil the Helios Ten… or the Helios “X”… for $1,049 you can probably call it whatever you want. It is 10 times as accurate and 10 times as fast and 10 times as white as the H3.
Podcast Casting Buddy
Do you listen to so many fly fishing podcasts that you feel like the hosts are personal acquaintances? With this handy little device, they can become your next fly fishing buddy. Some of the top fly fishing podcasters have recorded phrases like “beautiful day, eh?” or “nice cast!” or “presentation over pattern.” Simply wearing the player will trigger random comments throughout the day. Currently offered: April Vokey, Tom Rosenbauer, and Larry from Tailer Trash (parental advisory).
DroneFly by PostFly
Getting flies in the mail every month is great, but that doesn’t help you when you lose your last Copper John to a snag. Now, with the tap of a finger, a drone is deployed to your precise GPS location with a curated selection of flies. Remember not to cast when the multi-rotored robot is hovering overhead!
RepYourWater Wedding Rentals
He likes fly fishing. She likes fly fishing. It is their special day, and they want everyone to know they like fly fishing. Cutesy centerpieces with trout and flies aren’t going to drive the point home. Now, brides and grooms can cover themselves with their angling loyalty. Dresses and suits are available for most states and a handful of fish patterns. She’s going to look absolutely stunning in carp.
TenkaraUSA Seibu
I can’t read Japanese, but Google Translate tells me that word means “western.” Sure enough, TenkaraUSA is unveiling a new tenkara rod that features a reel seat and guides. Marketed to those who have gone head over heels for tenkara, but want the flexibility of casting for distance or reeling in fish, the Seibu is sure to make a splash. Militant devotees need not compromise their simplicity when a little complexity is required.
Umpqua Mop Capes
Everyone ties mop flies. So why not tie with a better mop? Umpqua has partnered with farmers across the globe who exercise planet-friendly, sustainable mop farming practices. Each mop cape comes from an organic, free-range, cruelty-free source, guaranteed. At launch 14 colors will be available, including “Powerbait Orange” and “Toxic Greenish.”
Vedavoo Underoos
Better American intimates. Enough said.
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Want more hush-hush products that you still haven’t seen two years later? Check out my IFTD 2017 coverage.
Perfect, Matt! Thank you for putting a big smile on my face today.
Glad you liked it, Dean.
Just make sure to mention you heard about the HX from me when you order.
I won’t be ordering a $1,000 fly rod from now or in the future, but when the HX shows up on eBay I probably bid on it.
Fun read, thank you. Regarding the HX, It’s a $200 penalty charge to not have the bumper sticker on your rod.
You are welcome!
To be honest, I’d fish with a sparkly pink fly rod if it casted well!
Can’t wait for April next year.
The month, or the voice? 🙂