AFFTA Confluence 2023 After Show Press Release

Sorry Folks,

  My plans had fallen through for attending this year's AFFTA Confluence out in Salt Lake City.  I'm hopeful to attend next year so I can bring you my usual "from the show floor" coverage.  Until then, here's the end of show press release from AFFTA.

  Thanks, 

    Have a great day!

      And, happy fishing!

         -Nick

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFFTA Confluence 2023: Celebrating Excellence in the Fly Fishing Industry

Salt Lake City, Utah, September 28, 2023 — The AFFTA Confluence event, held from

September 26 to 28, 2023, was a resounding success, marked by industry recognition,

outstanding product awards, and a clear vision for the future. The American Fly Fishing Trade

Association (AFFTA) proudly announces the winners of the New Product Showcase, the Far

Bank Casting Games competition winners, the Iron Fly winner, as well as the recipients of the

Lefty Kreh Industry Award and the Jim Range Conservation Award.

New Product Showcase Winners

● Men's Wader: Patagonia - River Steward Wader

● Women's Wader: Patagonia - Women's Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders

● Men's Wading Boot: Patagonia - Forra Wading Boots

● Women's Wading Boot: Patagonia - Forra Wading Boots

● Men's Outerwear: Orvis - Men's PRO Fishing Jacket

● Women's Outerwear: Orvis - Women's PRO Fishing Jacket

● Men's Apparel: Patagonia - Men's Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody

● Women's Apparel: Patagonia - Women's Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Shirt

● Fly Rod - Freshwater: Redington - Wrangler Rod Family

● Fly Rod - Saltwater: Sage - Salt R8

● Fly Rod - Two Hand/Spey: Scott - Swing

● Fly Reel - Freshwater: Sage - Arbr XL Tempest Blue

● Fly Reel - Saltwater: Sage - Enforcer

● Fly Line - Freshwater: Scientific Angler - Amplitude Smooth Infinity Plus

● Fly Line - Saltwater: Scientific Angler - Amplitude Smooth Bonefish Plus

● Leader/Tippet: Airflo USA - Airflo Standard Fluorocarbon 50m

● Hooks: Daiichi (Ranger Outdoors) - 1719-10- Matte Black Barbless

● Chest Pack/Vest: Simms Fishing Products - Flyweight Vest Pack

● Boxes/Storage System: C&F Design NA (Ranger Outdoors) - 16 - Grand Slam Guide

Boat Box

● Fly Pattern - Freshwater: RIO Products - RIO's Morrish Level Headed Damsel

● Fly Pattern - Saltwater: RIO Products - RIO's Webster Crouser

● Fly Tying Vices & Tools: Dyna King - Barracuda Deluxe

● Fly Tying Materials: Semperfli - EggStatic Egg Fly Tying Collections

● Eco Friendly Gear: Rio Products - RIO Compostable Spool

● Bags and Packs: Grundens - Grundens Wayward Roll Top Backpack 38L

● Youth Product: Simms Fishing Products - Kid's Tributary Wader

● Accessory: Dr. Slick Company - Cyclone Nipper

● Gift Items: RepYourWater - Rainbow Snacks Lowball Glass

New Product Showcase “Best of Show” winner: Patagonia - River Steward Wader

These New Product Showcase winners represent the pinnacle of innovation and quality in the

fly fishing industry, showcasing exceptional products that stood out at AFFTA Confluence 2023.

In addition to the Best of Show awards, AFFTA proudly acknowledges the remarkable

individuals who have made significant contributions to the fly fishing community:

Lefty Kreh Industry Award Winner: Tom Rosenbauer

Tom Rosenbauer's dedication to the industry and his passion for fly fishing have left an indelible

mark. As the recipient of the Lefty Kreh Industry Award, Tom's tireless efforts and commitment

to educating and inspiring fly anglers have enriched the sport and nurtured the next generation

of enthusiasts.

Jim Range Conservation Award Winner: Steve Moyer

Steve Moyer's outstanding conservation work and advocacy for our natural resources have

earned him the Jim Range Conservation Award. His dedication to protecting our waters,

fisheries, and ecosystems is a testament to his unwavering commitment to conservation and

sustainability.

Far Bank Casting Games Competition Winners:

Nick Treynor: Score of 498

Heidi Lewis: Score of 331

Iron Fly Winner: Brita Fordice

AFFTA's Executive Director, Lucas Bissett, shared their thoughts on the event: "AFFTA's 2023

Confluence not only had a new name but also had a sense of new beginnings. As we look to the

future of our industry, we aim to reimagine our gatherings. This year's trade event was

meaningful and was packed with educational seminars, DEI discussions, policy roundtable

discussions, and the TrackFly State of the Industry Report."

"We will build off the successes of this show and forge an event in 2024 that represents the

needs of our membership and achieves the goal of giving our industry the competitive

advantage it needs to expand to new heights. Stay tuned for an industry gathering survey

coming out in the immediate future."

AFFTA Confluence 2023 celebrated the excellence and dedication of the fly fishing community,

setting the stage for an exciting future in the industry.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lucas Bissett

Executive Director

lucas.bissett@affta.org

About AFFTA:

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) is a community of fly fishing businesses

joined together under one banner. That community makes up a powerful trade association. This

trade association represents, fights for and unifies our industry around the values and ethos

found within those who make up the industry. Without this type of representation, the fly fishing

industry would not have the power, voice or recognition it currently does, everywhere from

Washington, D.C., down to the smallest fisheries in the country. The AFFTA community and

banner provide strength, advocacy, conservation and innovation. AFFTA’s mission is to guide

the sustainable growth of the fly fishing industry through Trade Development and Stewardship.

AFFTA has a sister organization that focuses solely on stewardship/conversation and acts as

the small grants arm of the fly fishing industry. If you want to help fund these vital boots on the

ground projects, donate today to the AFFTA Fisheries Fund.

Mid Coast Fly Fishers Meeting -- 14 August 2023

 It was great to be back at the MCFF general meeting last night! We had a good, late-summer turnout that led to great discussions of the state of the Mosquito Lagoon, the upcoming Annual Open House, fishing reports, fly selection and even some casting on the lawn! Looking forward to Tying Night next Monday. As always, All are welcome and I'll be glad to save a seat for you!

SJK Roadhouse Screen Tarp

Now that I've gotten my truck back and the tropics have finally decided to calm down a bit, I was able to get out and do some initial testing on the SJK Roadhouse Screen Tarp. First pitch was fairly intuitive and it went up pretty quickly. Much easier with help than solo, but I'll see if that can be improved upon with further testing. It seems sturdy and well made, the screen mesh is silky soft with a very tight weave and the reflective runners in the provided guy lines are a very thoughtful feature that I usually have to add to tents myself! I'd say if you're in the market for such a shelter, the SJK Roadhouse Screen Tarp is definitely worth your consideration. I'll give updates as testing continues and plan to do a writeup on TheSuburbanAngler.com soon.

Star brite RV Wash & Wax

When I spoke to the folks at Starbrite at ICAST this summer, they were kind enough to send me home with a jug of RV Wash & Wax to try out on the camper. I finally got around to trying it this weekend and I really liked it! It did a fantastic job washing the grime off the fiberglass skin, shined it up at the same time, maintained a high volume of suds throughout the wash and smelled like the purple lollie pops you used to get from the bank as a kid! I'll use it a few more times before I do a full review, but, so far, thumbs up!!! 👍

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CUboKYLstMg/

Exciting News!

Now here's some exciting news for this Monday morning! The folks at AFFTA have rescheduled the previously postponed IFTD Show for March 2022!

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CTxAgp5LIG7/

IFTD 2021 Postponed

Well...that sucks. Probably for the best and it's never an easy decision. I don't envy the folks that had to do it and I feel bad for all the vendors and attendees who were counting on the show. I won't be getting any in-person, live-from-the-show-floor coverage for you guys, but I'll still do my best to introduce you to all the new gear I can find. Just have to approach it a bit differently! If any manufacturers read this and want a little extra coverage, drop me a note, I'd love to work with you!! Everybody stay safe, stay healthy and stay fishy! -Nick

https://instagr.am/p/CTPhWAZL4WR/

IFTD 2021

Received my registration confirmation for IFTD 2021 today!! I'm really looking forward to the show and exploring Salt Lake City!!

via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/CSsxouqjGip/

The Saltwater Angler - Key West

 I had to check out The Saltwater Angler while we were in town! Very friendly folks and lots of good gear packed into a small shop!

Gear Keeper - IFTD 2019

Some cool new stuff coming from the Gear Keeper folks! Make sure you keep an eye out! Anything that helps hang onto your gear is a good thing!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xSPHkBT1s/

Galvan Fly Reels - IFTD 2019

The good folks at Galvan Fly Reels are here demonstrating some new sizes of the awesome Grip line of reels!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3r8aTnBdHA/

Tampa Bay On The Fly

While in Tampa, I had to seek out a fly shop and Tampa Bay On The Fly inside the Minnows & Monsters tackle shop is top notch!! They've got a fantastic fly tying section (with weekly tying classes!) and a growing assortment of rods, reels and gear. I hope to come back and visit again someday, but I really look forward to seeing them at IFTD in a couple months! If you're in the area stop by and tell them I sent you!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B0cAu-lheHV/

Maxxon Outfitters , ICAST 2019

It took two days and 18 miles of show floor walking, but I finally managed to find a booth of all fly fishing gear! Maxxon Outfitters is a direct to consumer manufacturer that has introduced a new saltwater rod series, the Salish, and a fully sealed saltwater reel the SDP. Not to mention their existing lines of rods, reels, lines, boats and accessories. Make sure you check them out!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzyrd7PhUlP/

TFO Axiom II-X and NXT Black Label, ICAST 2019

Seeking out the fly gear!! TFO introduced two new fly rods at last night's New Product Showcase, the Axiom II-X saltwater rods and the NXT Black Label freshwater rods.

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvZS5xhexQ/

Fly Line, New Product Showcase ICAST 2019

Cortland had the only fly line that I could find in the New Product Showcase. The Redfish line is a two-tone, floating, saltwater fly line from their Tropic Plus series. I'll definitely be tracking this one down on the show floor!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BzuGbq-hkTi/

Fly Fishing Accessories, ICAST 2019 New Product Showcase

Here's the entries for the Fly Fishing Accessories category: A Simms Deep Creek Z Sling Pack, Harvest Tackle Co. Bamboo Fly Box, Yakima Double Haul Roof Top Fly Rod Carrier and American Tackle Company MW12 Stripping Guide. Definitely some neat stuff!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BzuD1iDBghC/

Flyreels, New Product Showcase ICAST 2019

Cortland, Pflueger, TFO and Seigler were the flyreels in the ICAST 2019 New Product Showcase! I'll seek these out on the show floor and share any information I can about them!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BzuCP_uhbm8/

Fly Rods, New Product Showcase ICAST 2019

Here's two shots of all the fly rods in the 2019 ICAST New Product Showcase! Cortland, Maven, Fenwick, St. Croix, TFO, G. Loomis and Cyberfishing. I'm excited to learn more about each one!

via Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzt6PLlBNdx/

The Fly Fishing Show -- Atlanta 2019

Evenin' Folks,
   Last month I hitched up the Pup and drove back up to North Georgia to attend The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. I left St. Augustine after work on Wednesday night and boondocked at the Cracker Barrel in Perry, GA.  After enjoying Mama's Pancake Breakfast in front of the fire the next morning, I continued on to Don Carter State Park in Gainesville.
  Don Carter is the newest park in the Georgia State Parks system, but it's been open for several years now. All of the RV sites are paved, and pretty level, with electric and water hookups and a gray water dump. I made my reservation pretty early on, so I was able to get a prime site on a point stretching into Lake Lanier.  Since the leaves weren't out on the trees  yet, there was an almost unobstructed 270° view of the lake!
  After setting up the camper at the campsite, I drove up to Blairsville to visit family. I took the long way up through Helen just to enjoy the scenery. Since I was so close to the Upper Hooch and the Chattahoochee National Forest I stopped to make a couple casts in one of my old favorite spots. I didn't catch anything, but then, I really didn't expect to with high water, saltwater gear and only 5 minutes of trying!!
  The Atlanta Fly Fishing Show actually takes place in Duluth at the Infinite Energy Center and is a two-day engagement over Friday and Saturday. In between, on Friday evening, the International Fly Fishing Film Festival is held at a nearby hotel.  The IF4, as usual, had a cash bar in the lobby and, this year, they handed out fresh bags of popcorn to enjoy during the films. We were also treated to some fine pickin' from a local bluegrass ensemble while waiting for the movies to start!  I always enjoy attending the film festivals, but I can't help but thinking that a lot of the films are starting to look the same.  I hate to complain because I do enjoy them, but I'm ready for something really different.  Is the world ready for a bluegill fishing film?  Maybe something with music that doesn't make my ears ring would be nice, too.  But that's just me, I still encourage everyone to attend, especially if you can take a guest that hasn't made their mind up yet about flyfishing.  These short movies will definitely help get them hooked!!
  If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of The Flyfishing Shows near you, I highly recommend that you do. These shows are always made up of all the local shops making great deals, manufacturers demonstrating new products, clubs and organizations signing up new members, lodges and guides showcasing their services, casting ponds to try before you buy and casting demonstrations, author booths, tying demo's and full, multi-hall lecture schedules. You'd be hard pressed to see and do everything in the two days of the show!
  The Atlanta Flyfishing Show is always a blast and absolutely worth the trip! I'm already looking forward to the 2020 show and I will plan to attend. I hope you can make it! Make sure you stop me and say hi if you see me!  Please enjoy the photos, make sure you follow @TheSuburbanAngler on Instagram and Facebook to see live coverage of all the shows I attend.  And, as always, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch!!
  I hope you're all doing well!
    Happy Fishing!
        Nick

A good night's rest followed by a hearty breakfast in front of the fire! On the road again!!

The sunrise view from the Wolf Pup's window when I was camping at Don Carter State Park for the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show. 

All I had with me was saltwater gear, but I couldn't resist making a few casts into the Upper Chattahoochee River above Helen. That water was high, but crystal clear!! It was such a gorgeous day, if I didn't have previous plans, I would've head deeper into the National Forest and checked some of my old favorite spots!

It's showtime!!!


Checking out some cool new products in the Yeti Coolers booth! The waterproof blanket and folding chairs would be perfect for the camper and the tote bag and wheeled cooler look ideal for surf casting sessions!!

Alpharetta Outfitters had some great deals on clothes, gear, guided trips and destinations!

ARC Fishing was here for their first Atlanta The Fly Fishing Show!! Folks were stopping by to get the rundown on their innovations in fly line, leaders and tippets. They had some fantastic show deals going on, too!
 

Lots to drool over in the Stealth Craft Boats booth! 

I really like the look and feel of these Towee Boats skiffs!! And, there's really no better endorsement for a product than to get to speak with the owner/designer at these shows!

The Angling Bookstore is now on Instagram!! Give them a follow for one of the best selections of fly fishing publications going!! 

Author Steve Hudson having fun talking north Georgia fly fishing and signing his books! 

Got to hang out a bit and catch up with Mark in the Original Ty-Rite booth!! This is one of those awesome little products that you don't think you need until you use one! It's the cure for small flies and cold fingers!!  Mark also had products from other small companies on display, like Brook Fishing Equipment, Ascent Fly Fishing and Fly Trap Holder.

Talked a little shop with Mark Keller, celebrity fly tyer and creator of the Eflyz. There's still a couple slots open on the Eflyz species board that I think I'm going to try to fill in this year!! Check out these amazing hardbody flies for yourself!!

I was a little late, but thoroughly enjoyed Steve Hudson's presentation on fishing for brook trout! Look for his new book on the subject scheduled to be released this spring!!

Enjoying some mountain music while we wait for the IF4 to begin!!

Morning of Day 2 at the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show! The Fly Fishers International booth is already buzzing with new tyers learning the fly tying basics! 

The Sisters On The Fly are showing one of their incredible, vintage travel trailers!

Legend Dave Whitlock demonstrating the tying techniques that go into his Vortex Divers.

Made a stop at the Mauser Fly Fishing booth to check out the new Arete line of trout rods! Their first rod line, The Waterman, was an incredible casting rod, so I have no doubt the Arete will be equally adept!! The guys at Mauser have some great plans for the near future, so it's definitely a brand to watch!!
 

The Unicoi Outfitters booth is always very popular!! They even had a raffle for a Nacoochee Bend self-guided trip!! Have you seen the fish from Nacoochee bend?!?!?

Catching James mid-donut and David tying up some bugs in the River Through Atlanta booth! These guys are the pros for fishing the Chattahoochee River and all of North Georgia!

Checking out the Santee Boats booth. Great looking skiffs with some awesome option packages and rigged to order! The full led light package is a great touch!

Bob Clouser demonstrating casting techniques on the casting pond!

Tyer's Row is always hotbed of activity!! 

The Seigler Reels booth has stayed very busy throughout the show. Have you seen their award winning line of big game fly reels?

The folks that protect this amazing urban fishery were hard at it signing up new members! 

Author Jim Mize read an excerpt from his book, A Creek Trickles Through It, after giving pro tips on making your catch seem larger in stories and photos! I may have to test a few of his techniques... I'm sure a lot of folks on Instagram already have!! 

Enjoyed a fascinating presentation on bonefishing the Bahamas with Oliver White. Go ahead and add this trip to the bucket list! 

My buddy Todd Arnold ( @615groundpounder ) spent the weekend on Tyer's Row tying up some mean looking Game Changers!

The Most Exciting Rods at IFTD 2018!

Evenin' Folks,

  Here's a quick rundown of some of what I thought were the most exciting fly rods on display at the 2018 International Fly Tackle Dealer's Show in Orlando, FL.  The show seemed a bit on the smaller side this year, but I think that's due to the change of venue for next year.  This isn't an exhaustive list of all the fly rods at the show, nor is it meant to be a study in the new rods on the market.  These are the rods that, for one reason or another, caught my interest or got me the most excited.  As always, if you have any questions on the rods here don't hesitate to ask!

   I hope you're all doing well!

    Happy Fishing!

      -Nick

Waterworks-Lamson

     Waterworks-Lamson debuted the Center Axis rod at the IFTD Show 2017, but at this year's show they introduced the Saltwater version of the rod and reel combo.  The designers realized pretty early on that the larger and heavier the reel, the more effective the Center Axis design would be.  With the 3-piece integrated arch design they were able to transfer more power to load the rod without any accuracy robbing flex between the rod and reel.  And, if you like the action of the Waterworks-Lamson rods, but you're not ready to make the leap to the Center Axis innovation, they're available in standard reel seat configurations. 

The Waterworks-Lamson Center Axis Saltwater Systems are available in 9' 6-, 7- and 8-weight fast action configurations with a system price of $799.99

Mauser Fly Fishing

Fans of a certain British motoring show might have heard that some of the best English sports cars were built by "blokes in sheds".  This pretty much sums up the feeling I got when I met with John Mauser, owner of Mauser Fly Fishing.  His passion is contagious, his attention to detail is impeccable and the quality and castability of every Waterman rod reflects his long flyfishing and guiding experience.  The Mauser Waterman series fly rods are handmade in North Carolina of the best materials and parts that Mauser is able to obtain.  And, he has a constant drive to improve.  Just to demonstrate the thought that goes into these rods, Mauser has sourced a US made snake guide that is more circular for less line drag and has concave feet for better connection to the rod blank while using less thread and epoxy to keep the weight down and sensitivity up!  That's "just" a snake guide!  

The Mauser Fly Fishing Booth at IFTD 2018

The awesome Mauser Waterman 890 rod. Mausers are available in 4- through 12-weights

L.L. Bean

  L.L. Bean had four rods on display during their hosted luncheon this year.  Two new rods, the Apex and the Double L, and two updated rods, the Streamlight Ultra II Switch and the Quest Fly Rod Outfit.  Apparently I only had lunch on my mind because I only managed to get pictures of the Quest Outfit!!  My apologies for my one track mind!

The L.L. Bean Quest Fly Rod Outfit, available in 4-9 weight models, 2 piece and 4 piece versions.  Includes Rod, Reel, Fly Line, Backing, Leader and reel-on case. 

L.L. Bean says the Quest Fly Rod Outfit is their "...highest value flyrod outfit ever" at a retail price point of $129-$149.

The other new L.L. Bean rods for 2019 are: 

    Streamlight Ultra II Switch Rod - 

         New tapers and materials for a lighter and stronger blank

         All models are 4 piece

         Anodized aluminum reel seat

         6-, 7- and 8-weight models

         Includes nylon covered fiberglass rod case

         Retail $199

     Double L Fly Rod

          Medium fast taper

         Multi-directional scrim (the pattern in the graphite sheets) for a stonger, more sensitive rod

         3- and 4-weight in multiple lengths

          Matching graphite rod tube

          Retail $230

     Apex Fly Rod

          Fast action for high line speed and tight loops

          Multi-directional scrim for stonger, more sensitive rod

          3-10 weights with various lengths

          Matching graphite rod tube

          Retail $395 

Thomas & Thomas

  Thomas & Thomas introduced their new Zone series of fly rods and managed to score an IFTD Best of Show Saltwater Fly Rod award with it!  The new Zone rods will be available in weights 3-10, with 3- and 4-weight rods being medium fast action and the rest being fast action fly rods.  According to T&T, these rods are hand built in their Massachusetts shop alongside their flagship models, but with a much lower price point to bring Thomas & Thomas rods to more anglers than ever before.  

A rack full of Thomas & Thomas fly rods always reminds me of a box of fine cigars!!  Beautiful design, incredible craftsmanship and a joy to handle.  Just like a box of your favorite robustos!

The Zone rods may be entry level for T&T, but they don't skimp on quality components.  Natural finish carbon construction, anodized aluminum hardware, hand rolled blue fiber reel seat, premium quality cork grips and Thomas & Thomas Blue wrapping thread.

Orvis

With Orvis rods the emphasis was on updating classics this year.  The entry level Clearwater line of fly rods got a full revamp with completely updated tapers across the whole line.  Unfortunately, I didn't get any details on how the taper had changed, but I'll do some research and see what I can find out.  I've been using a Clearwater Frequent Flyer travel rod for a number of years now, so I'm excited about trying out this new taper!!

For the 2019 model year Orvis has updated the tapers on the whole line of Clearwater rods!

Clearwater rods are currently available from 2- to 12-weights and 6' to 14' lengths in single handed and switch/spey varieties.