News

The fly fishing industry gathered in Salt Lake City, USA this week for the return of the IFTD (International Fly Tackle Dealer) Show.

The event brought companies together to talk business, connect, network, showcase the latest products and honour those whose work has helped fly fishing.

Organised by AFFTA (American Fly Fishing Trade Association), the trade body which guides the sustainable growth of the fly-fishing industry through development and stewardship, the featured its ever-popular New Product Showcase and industry awards.

In three heartfelt speeches, AFFTA’s Industry Award winners graciously accepted their well-deserved achievement honours.

Diane Bristol of Simms Fishing products was awarded the Lefty Kreh Industry Award. Scott Hed was awarded the 2021 Jim Range Conservation Award and Captain Benny Blanco won the 2022 Jim Range Conservation Award.

IFTD 2022 Best of Show Awards were stiff competition with over 300 products being entered for 33 categories. The winners were presented their awards at the Party on the Pond event Thursday evening.

The winners were:

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 Bank) – 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 9ft 5-wt

Fly Rod Saltwater: Sage (Far Bank) – R8 Core 990-4

Fly Rod 2-Hand/Spey: Sage (Far Bank) – Trout Spey G5

Fly Rod Specialty: Sage (Far Bank) – 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 (Far Bank) – Tilt

Fly Reel/Saltwater: Abel – ROVE

Fly Line/Freshwater: Scientific Anglers – Amplitude Smooth Creek Trout

Fly Line/ Saltwater: RIO Products (Far Bank) – SlickCast

Saltwater Leader/Tippet: Scientific Anglers – Absolute Supreme Tippet

Hooks: Ranger Outdoors LLC – Daiichi Selects Series 1924 Size 10

Fly Pattern/Freshwater: Flymen Fishing Company – Chocklett’s Changer Craw

Fly Pattern/Saltwater: RIO Products (Far Bank) – RIO’s Feczko Cheeseburger

Fly Tying Materials: Flymen Fishing Company – Flymen Fly Tying Kit Series

Eco-Friendly Gear: Simms Fishing Products – Fall Run Hoody

Entertainment/Education: Anglers Book Supply – Home Waters: Chronicle of Family

Youth Product: Orvis – Encounter 865-4 Outfit

Accessories Under $50: Oros – Oros Strike Indicator

Accessories Over $50: Abel – Able Nipper

Gifts Under $50: Cody’s Fish – Fish Ornament

Gift Items Over $50: Cody’s Fish – Brown Trout Licence Plate Fish

Boats/Personal Watercraft: NRS – NRS Slipstream 120 Fishing Raft Package

Best of Show: Simms Fishing Products – G3 Guide Stocking Foot Waders