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.

IFTD Demo Day 2017

Evenin' Folks,

  I thought I'd start off the series of AFFTA IFTD 2017 posts with a recap of Demo Day.  IFTD Demo Day is an event where members of the media are invited to the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando before the opening of the IFTD Show and given the opportunity to talk with some manufacturers and use their new products on the water, under real conditions with a rep's (or in some cases, the designer's(!!!)) coaching and input.  It really is an incredible opportunity that I very much enjoy.  

  The setup was a little different this year in that all of the participating manufacturers were lined up along one long pond, which really made it easier to get to all the booths and make sure there was time to try all the new toys.  And, I don't want you to think that this was like casting into a 2-inch deep pool like the indoor casting ponds at various fly fishing events.  No, the water hazards of the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes golf course are trophy managed bass ponds.  Certainly not easy ponds to fish, but if you are lucky enough to hook up it's with a largemouth bass worthy of the latest and greatest products being tested.

  Unfortunately, I was skunked.  But, I was skunked using some of the most advanced fly fishing products to date.  And I had a hell of a time doing it and can't wait until Demo Day 2018!  Follow along with the photos below.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of them.  And be on the lookout for the next article in the IFTD 2017 series very soon.

  I hope you're all doing well,

     -Nick

IFTD 2017 Demo Day 7am at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida

The J.W. Marriott Hotel at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Golf Course, Orlando, Florida

Hardy Fly Fishing let me cast one of their new Zephrus Ultralight Series rods in 9' 5-weight with one of their classic Bougle reels.  This setup was designed for delicate presentations and was a pleasure to cast!

The new Salt HD from Sage Fly Fishing has a very soft, smooth cast and the KonneticHD technology helps put the power on for the quick casts that sight fishing saltwater fish requires.

I had the opportunity to cast the new Waterworks-Lamson Center Axis rod and reel side-by-side with an identically outfitted conventional fly rod and reel and the difference was quite astounding! 

At the Scientific Anglers station I got to cast their new Bonefish line on an Orvis Helios 3 rod.  This combination made for near effortless casting of this 8 weight!  I'd really like to spend some more time fishing with this setup!

G. Loomis introduced their new IMX-PRO series of rods this year.  These rods take advantage of the IMX-PRO Matrix graphite that they've been using on their tournament bass rods.  This strong, lightweight rod was a pleasure to cast and with a price tag around $500 it's a high quality rod that's not totally out of reach.

We weren't the only ones fishing at the Ritz-Carlton!

I spent some time talking with Nick (good name!) from Simms Fishing in front of the Simms Bus.  As a Large Outdoorsman myself, I was very happy to hear the Simms has starting increasing the sizes available on some of their more popular lines. 

The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes is a beautiful venue for the AFFTA IFTD Demo Day.  They hotel even provided drift boats and guides to help put attendees on fish!

IFTD 2017 Best In Show Award

IFTD 2017 Best In Show Award goes to Sage Fly Fish for the Salt HD flyrod! Congratulations to the folks at Sage!!!

via Instagram http://ift.tt/2tk5LuZ

A beautiful evening on the balcony...

A beautiful evening on the balcony and only 3 more days until the first ever IFTD Demo Day at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes!! We are so looking forward to meeting with manufacturer reps on the water and trying out their products. Its going to be a great day!!!

via Instagram http://ift.tt/29sfir0