Major men’s lifestyle magazine names gear from G.Loomis, Orvis and Simms among the best fly fishing products for 2021

One of the world’s best-read magazine brands has delved into the world of fly fishing to reveal the best new gear coming out of the sector this year. 

Men’s Journal claims an audience of 3,070,000 for its bi-monthly print magazine, while mensjournal.com boasts 4.3m unique visitors and 76.2m page views per month. Social media followers number 7.8 million.

The article’s author, angler and journalist Jess McGlothlin, includes clothing, rods and reels in her report. “Whether you’re a Colorado trout angler making plans for pre-runoff angling, a Massachusetts fisherman getting ready for spring stripers, or a traveling waterman prepping for the saltwater trip of a lifetime, here are a few new releases that are worth a longer look,” says McGlothlin.

Here are some of the favourite picks in the report with accompanying comments. 

Orvis Pro Waders and Wading boot: “Orvis has recently undergone a revitalisation of its fly fishing tech. The new PRO line of waders, jackets and boots is its burliest line-up of fishing wear yet. Guide-savvy features include a durable, proprietary Cordura fabric shell, refitted neoprene booties and removable OrthoLite knee pads (which help eliminate a common complaint from wading anglers – worn fabric at the knees). The paired Pro Wading Boot boasts sole technology from Michelin, an industry-first collaboration that provides eerily efficient wet rubber traction.”

Thomas & Thomas Paradigm Rods: “Thomas & Thomas recently re-released its storied Paradigm rod as ‘the ultimate presentation rod’. Ultralight, it offers a smooth, medium-flex action for delicate presentations to spooky trout, but has enough backbone for breezy conditions. Details such as titanium-finish, single-foot REC guides, matte roll-stamped hardware, and gorgeous maple spacers ensure the semi-gloss blue-tinted rod looks as good in the truck as on the water.”

Costa Del Mar Tailwalker Sunglasses: “Costa’s sunglasses are the gold standard for anglers around the world. The new Tailwalker brings adjustable locking-lever temple tips with four stops for a total of nearly 30cm, allowing for a customisable, comfortable fit. A 45-degree bend over the ear helps eliminate pressure points without sacrificing security.”

Simms G4 Pro Jacket: “It’s nearly impossible to talk about fly fishing gear without mentioning Simms. Famous for its waders, the company has just released a new iteration of the beloved G4 Pro Jacket, crafted from three-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabrics. The jacket boasts thoughtful details for those putting in long hours on the water, such as a streamlined front pocket design, nine pockets (including a large rear game pocket), and a three-point adjustable storm hood with a high-visibility centre hood panel.”

Loomis NRX+ Rods: “G.Loomis produces workhorse rods that stand up to some of the meanest fish on the planet. The brand’s newest rod series, NRX+, features its graphite matrix and resin system, rolled with an advanced compound taper construction to ensure the power, line speed and loop stability expected from a performance fast-action rod. Beefy enough for windy conditions yet still capable of delicate presentations to spooky river residents, the NRX+ family includes more than 20 individual rods in the saltwater, freshwater, and two-handed families.”

Orvis Mirage LT Reel:“The Mirage Reels have been a high-end reel standard for years. But sometimes less is more, and the brand’s latest member of the classic Mirage LT family delivers the same performance while balancing better with modern, ultralight fly rods. With the same sealed, maintenance-free carbon/stainless steel disk drag system as its big brother, the Mirage LT, it is 30% lighter and narrower. The smooth drag adjusts easily from zero to full drag in a single rotation, allowing for precise, quick adjustments.”

Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Infinity Line:“This line series pushes back in the face of the modern textured-line trend and offers a return to classic, smooth lines — as they should have been in the first place. These slick lines, available in both freshwater and saltwater versions, offer up to five times less drag than traditional smooth lines thanks to the brand’s AST Plus slickness additive. Both fresh and saltwater lines are crafted a half-size heavy to punch through stubborn wind, and the extended head length provides accuracy at distance.”

The full article can be read here.