I’ve been in charge of bedtime for my 8-month-old daughter lately, which means I’ve picked out some new stories to read while rocking her to sleep. Somehow—and I’m sure this will shock you—we’ve ended up reading John Gierach. We’re currently halfway through Trout Bum, and I plan to read every book to her before she’s old enough to ask for princess stories instead.
Of the many things that stand out to me when re-reading Gierach, his love affair with bamboo has been striking this go-round. He fished the blue-collar rods, the ones he could afford (and, in the case of Mike Clark’s rods, the ones he really couldn’t, but bought anyway). John was the first to tell you he wasn’t some expert angler, but he fished more often than most of us, so he certainly had a grasp on the performance he wanted in a fly rod.
When he didn’t use bamboo, I know in his later years he used an old Orvis Helios 2, because that’s the rod he rigged up while we fished a small creek together in Utah one spring. The Helios 2 was a fine rod, but by today’s standards? I’m not sure how many folks would view it.
Which got me thinking: are we asking too much of our fly rods these days? Anglers like Gierach, Koke Winters, AK Best, Ed Engle, Curt Gowdy, Lee Wulff, Gary LaFontaine, Vince Marinaro, and many of the other great writers of the sport never really bragged about their gear too much. Sure, they all likely used nice tackle, but by today’s standards, we’d probably laugh at a lot of their rods.
Then, you watch a video like the one below, where Wulff and Gowdy are catching 5-7 pound brook trout on bamboo rods, and wonder how much the rod actually matters.
Just last week, I received a new rod to review from a company who’s made some of the industry’s favorite sticks. I haven’t had it on the water yet, but I spent a half-hour casting with it on the lawn. My takeaway was that this rod felt an awful lot like the one it’s replacing—so why bother with something new in the first place?
Well, part of that is the insatiable demand for new and exciting. When a fly rod company discontinued a rod series that I personally think is the best they’ve ever built, a friend who works there told me, “It’s the end of the rod’s life cycle. It’s almost eight years old. We have to come out with something new.”
In their case, they had a new graphite and resin to work with, so there was technically something new, even if the differences were too minute for most anglers to appreciate.
Now, with some companies claiming a percentage increase in accuracy with their rod, or a return to old-school feeling with this rod, or the “lightest rod ever made,” it’s enough to make even a gear-junkie like me wonder if this is all getting out of hand. Fly rods are just tools, and at some point, won’t we reach a certain level of performance that just can’t be improved upon?
Some might argue we’re already there, and they may have a point. The differences between top-tier rods largely come down to the action you prefer, and whatever marketing copy speaks to your angling instincts the strongest. At that level, you’re buying feeling and brand more so than performance. A rod at the same price, from a different company, will put your hopper next to the bank just as effectively.
For the new anglers getting into the sport, the price disparity can create an expectation that top-end rods do almost everything for you. After all, shouldn’t a rod that costs as much as a mortgage payment make your casts laser-accurate, and hold your drink while doing so?
Maybe that’s what fly rods are missing. A drink holder is their intuitive leap forward in design.
Or, perhaps, fly rod design peaked years ago. We expect the latest and greatest rods to blow us away, but they’re just retreading ground we saw thirty years ago. Are our expectations out of whack, or are we just excited about new ways to spend money doing what we’ve always done: blowing off something more important so we can go fishing instead?
Follow along as we explore the latest fly fishing news and controversial opinions in This Week in Fly Fishing with Jared and Wills. In this episode, Max Erickson joins the crew to talk about the newest Flylords F3T Film, MAKO, and the behind-the-scenes of bringing it to life. We also discuss the new G. Loomis Asquith, Colorado’s record low snow-pack, and tips for carp fishing on the fly. Tune in for the news that matters and the debates that every angler has an opinion on.
In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Cheech with Fly Fish Food shows us three effective ways to use soft hackles in fly tying, each offering a unique approach for making the most of your materials behind the vise.
Learn this Technique:
Difficulty: Intermediate
When it comes to natural materials, there may be none as versatile and fishy as soft hackle. Typically, they come in at moderate pricing and quantity, which makes it important to make the best use of every feather. This video explores different ways to do exactly that, and is worth the watch, read, and testing yourself. Although we don’t have a pattern this week, learning to tie with soft hackle is more valuable than one independent fly alone.
Cheech’s first method focuses on clumping soft hackles together to fit the correct proportions for the fly you are tying. This technique is helpful as it allows larger feathers to fit smaller flies and is the most efficient use of your materials. The second method involves creating a dubbing loop, which will also allow you to adjust the length of feather you’re tying and create an incredibly buggy profile with some added difficulty. The most common technique for tying soft hackles is the third, as it involves simply wrapping the feather around the hook shank. Depending on feather size, quality of your materials, and skill of the tyer, all three of these styles can be used interchangeably for a wide variety of patterns.
Soft hackles create some of the fishiest flies on the market today. Whether you are tying weightless classic flies or European nymphing tungsten beaded bombs, this material thrives. Additionally, swing style flies often implement soft hackles as they add effortless movement and profile, without sacrificing performance. Learning all three techniques described by Cheech in this video will ease tying pains, material waste, and increase productivity on the water, which is well worth the short watch.
Fly rods, no matter the context, are a highly subjective topic to discuss. In a day and age where there are countless high-quality options on the market, it can be hard to narrow down which rods are the “best”. While there is certainly a concrete spectrum of fly rod performance and craftsmanship, ultimately, the best fly rod is the one that you fish the best with—period. That said, we set out to test the newest saltwater fly rods with feedback from multiple anglers to avoid any angler bias.
The purpose of this piece is to highlight the best of the best and discuss where/why each rod excels, so you can consider your saltwater requirements and match a rod accordingly. Let’s dive in.
Narrowing down the dauntingly long list of saltwater fly rods was difficult, to say the least. We pulled together as many proficient anglers into the testing pool as possible to avoid angler bias. The format for testing and ranking rods was not a side-by-side shootout with identical casting conditions and fly lines, but instead included a mosaic of different environmental factors, fisheries, and nitty-gritty applications. Simply put, the best saltwater fly rod was by no means a unanimous verdict, so we’ve done our best to filter through our collective experiences and biases to spotlight the rods worth knowing about, and why.
All products featured on Flylords are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Testing took place in the inshore and offshore waters of my native Cape Cod, the marshes of Louisiana, and the turtle grass flats of the Yucatan, to name a few. From triple-digit Florida tarpon to 10-inch Danish sea trout, our testers checked as many saltwater boxes as possible, and in doing so, determined a list of essential performance criteria despite the differences in angling contexts. We unsurprisingly determined that for saltwater contexts, casting accuracy and distance were pivotal rod features. Overall, rod blank integrity and quality of hardware were also big contributors to scoring. Perhaps less obviously considered, rod nuances like the ability to pick up large amounts of line and casting accuracy at super close range were also scored.
Rod testing encompassed several species over several destinations throughout the year.
Because testing included so many different fishy brains and saltwater theatres, we also made a point to do a bit of side-by-side casting between rod models in a controlled backyard setting. Dropping flies into a hula-hoop at 30 vs. 60 feet is far from the same thing as leading a fish at the same ranges, but we felt some controlled testing parameters were necessary for setting apart some of the most comparable rods in particular. We also deliberately tested (mostly) nine weight rod models to ensure as much consistency in comparison as possible. Certain rod models that were tested for their performance regarding a particular function/application were not necessarily tested as a nine-weight, but rather as the appropriate weight for the given rod trait in question.
While it doesn’t really concern rod performance, each brand’s warranty and repair policies were also given due consideration, because most of us anglers are not made of money, and purchasing a top-tier saltwater fly rod is an investment that ought to be protected.
Exceptional lifting power for how light this rod feels in the hand
Very nice balance of casting power and presentation
Especially great tarpon rod for its ability to deliver accurate casts both near and far, and serious lifting power
Available as an 8’10” one-piece or a 9’ four-piece
Cons:
Expensive option
Some testers reported this rod felt underpowered in lower-weight models, so make sure you’re pairing this rod with an appropriate fly line
While choosing a winner for our favorite saltwater fly rod was nearly impossible, the Hardy Marksman Z was one of the only rods that all of our testers fell in love with. Offering remarkable performance across all the crucial rod stats as well as a beautiful aesthetic, rock-solid durability, and killer warranty, Hardy has hit all the bases and then some with this downright deadly masterpiece.
It doesn’t take long to feel the spectacular quality of craftsmanship once you pick up a Marskman Z, but fishing with this rod is a bit of a learning journey that will bring you to know it more and more intimately. This is a fast-action blank that’s easy to tell has quite a bit of power, so the level of sensitivity and potential for delicate presentations might not be so immediately obvious. Casting the Marksman Z is an absolute joy; it feels super light in hand, offering a very low swing weight that has no business simultaneously packing so much punch. It very nicely draws high-density fly lines off the water due to the purpose-built, beefier butt section engineered to provide serious lifting power, while the tip remains super sensitive.
The 9-weight Hardy Marksman Z was able to put the brakes on this giant bonefish in short order.
Where the Marksman Z really excels, in my opinion, is its versatility in tackling different casting and fighting scenarios on the flats. The rod loads up beautifully with minimal false casting for making long and precise shots, while also offering killer accuracy at closer range. This is largely due to the mindful balancing of the stiffer/stronger butt section and the softer tip. I feel just as lethal punching through the wind to reach a cruising bonefish before it’s out of range as I do dropping a precise 25-foot shot to an easily-spooked tailing permit. We even tested a twelve-weight Marksman Z while targeting offshore bluefin, and it was by far our favorite rod for the task despite not being a designated big-game option. There are not many rods on the market that offer this range of adaptability, which was a huge factor in our decision to rank this stick the best overall.
Beyond the Marksman Z’s level of performance while actively presenting to and fighting fish, the durability of this rod is also exquisite. Built with a Sintrix FLT matrix of carbon fiber and nano silica resin, you can really put the beans to this rod when muscling heavy and stubborn fish to the boat or beach. I’ve fought many a striped bass from the rocks with an eight-weight Marksman Z in hand, and I’m still impressed every time I hook a solid striper at how much pressure I can deliver during the end game in particular. Ceramic-lined titanium-framed stripper guides and titanium RECoil snake guides go on to further display Hardy’s commitment to utilizing top-tier materials and hardware, so you’re getting what you pay for here. I own an eight-weight and a twelve-weight, both of which have been through figurative war while fishing around the world, and they barely look any worse for wear despite my best efforts to beat them up. Speaking of looks, the cerulean colored blank and classy aesthetics of the cork and hardware are downright sexy in my opinion.
Guides: REC black pearl recoil guides and blacked-out double-foot snake guides
Warranty: Lifetime + easy rod section replacements
Price: $649.95
Pros:
Excellent power, accuracy, and overall feel for the price point
Integrated hook keep on each side of the reel seat for stowing your fly
Cons:
Fighting butt used for the 6 through 9wts is adequate, but we prefer the larger style fighting butt used for the 10-12wts
My first time casting the Moment was in the sideways rain, battling nearly 30mph winds. Tough conditions to say the least, yet my impressions were instantly positive. Without exaggerating, I was pretty blown away by the loading power and line shooting ability of this rod, especially considering the reasonable price point—$650 isn’t exactly what I would call cheap, but I can say with confidence that the Moment’s performance competes with the top-tier $1000+ fly rods on the market.
TFO lists the Moment’s action as extra-fast, but nearly all of our testers agreed that this feels like a fast or perhaps even moderate-fast rod when compared to some of the other super-speedy sticks tested. I personally have an affinity for exceptionally fast-action rods, so the slightly slower feel of the Moment was a nice change of pace for me that forced me to slow down a bit and put my casting technique to the test.
A healthy redfish caught on the TFO Moment during testing.
Featuring an especially fast tip, the rod is a brilliant balance of power and sensitivity, engineered to generate high line speeds and tight loops, perfect for punching through challenging wind. The extra-fast recovery of the tip section also enables it to load up quickly with minimal false casting, so fast-paced sight fishing for bones and permit is absolutely within the Moment’s wheelhouse. TFO furthermore decided to leave the rod blank unsanded and unpainted, resulting in not only a lower rod weight, better recovery speeds, and higher overall integrity, but also a rod that sheds glare. Sneaky flats fishermen, take note—any edge to approach a spooky tailing fish unnoticed is appreciated.
The Moment performed great while fighting large stripers, lifting heavy sinking lines from the surf, and casting big streamers while testing on the East Coast, a testament to this rod’s integrity. If you do somehow manage to blow up this rod, TFO covers the Moment with their lifetime no-fault warranty. Perhaps better yet, you can purchase individual rod segments at a reasonable rate for the Moment (and all other current TFO rods), which ship right away without having to send in your rod. Boasting impressive rod specs, build quality, and performance for the price point, the Moment by TFO is our pick for the best value saltwater fly rod.
Guides: Titanium frame stripping guides with Silicon Carbide inserts and REC recoil titanium snake guides
Warranty: 25-year
Price: $1198
Pros
A superbly accurate rod at both close and distant ranges
Casting the more moderate action is more technical than a super-fast rod, yet quite forgiving
Cons
Expensive
Some anglers might not love the rod aesthetics and loud branding on the butt section
The new Helios from Orvis has been making a lot of noise across the fly fishing industry, and we’re here to confirm it’s not just marketing mayhem. Engineered to outperform the previous generation of Helios rods on all fronts, the latest and greatest iteration of Orvis’s premium rod series is worth the hype.
Available in two models, F (finesse) and D (distance), we found the Helios D, which provides greater line speed and lifting power, to be better suited for most saltwater contexts. While this is considered a fast-action rod, my first days on the water with the Helios really forced me to slow down my casting stroke, and I’m admittedly still probably waving this wand more quickly than I ought to be. That being said, I can launch an entire floating fly line with the Helios despite my sub-par casting cadence, which I think speaks volumes about the rod technology introduced here.
Feeling a bit softer than most of my saltwater sticks, it can be fished just as effectively in close-quarters, high-pressure shots as at distance. Similar in adaptability to the Hardy Marksman Z, the Helios is, without question, one of our top-rated rods for conquering different casting demands and overall versatility. This makes it an excellent choice for flats fishermen who require a rod that can handle the constant unpredictability of where skinny water species will pop up next.
The only real downfall of the Helios we discovered is the rod’s lifting power, or lack thereof. Orvis has engineered this rod to be nearly unbreakable, so the amount of bend you can put into this rod is astounding. We found that the level of flex all the way to the cork very intimately connects you to the fish that you’re fighting, but can also make lifting the big boys to the net or boat a bit tricky. I’ve struggled to force big striped bass off the bottom despite being oriented directly above them during the endgame more than a few times. While you might feel a bit undergunned when it comes time to horse fish to the boat or sand, the good news is you’ll be extremely hard-pressed to blow this rod up. Furthermore, if you do somehow manage to bust your Helios, Orvis has you covered with a 25-year warranty.
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty and Xpeditor program
Price: $1635 (8–9-wt), $1750 (11–12-wt)
Pros:
Extremely accurate
Great balance
Excellent blend of power and castability
Cons:
Modern looks not for everyone
The most expensive rod we tested
When G. Loomis first released the Asquith, it tested the market for what premium fly rods cost. Now with the release of the new Asquith, G. Loomis is testing the market again, this time with a price of $1,750. This makes this the most expensive carbon fly rod on the market by far.
On the water, you get what you’d expect out of this fly rod. It has ample power to punch through headwinds, a dynamic action that is capable of delivering casts at any distance, and a lightweight swing weight. But that begs the question, is it worth the price?
Compared to other flagship fly rods, the Asquith was at the top, if not the top, fly rod we tested. However, it was not leaps and bounds better. For the price, it makes it hard to justify spending the money on this rod. In addition, the Asquith features a modern-looking reel seat that may not be for everyone. At the end of the day, if you want the very best and are willing to pay, this is the rod for you, but for most of us, there are other rods that suit our needs for significantly less.
Guides: REC Titanium shape memory Cerecoil stripper guides with zirconia inserts and REC Titanium recoil guides
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Price: $895
Pros:
Lovely balance and overall castability
Surprising amount of power for its weight and action
Glare-resistant blank won’t blow your cover on the flats
Reasonable price point for the quality of craftsmanship and performance
Cons:
Requires particularly high line speed for long-distance casting
Rod aesthetic is quite neutral rather than striking
A rod that’s not spoken about enough in our opinion, the Sky G from Douglas is a remarkably lightweight and well-balanced saltwater rod option that should be on your radar. Another rod that we loved for its versatility across all performance categories, this is a stellar do-it-all option for anglers who demand that their rod hits all the major bases.
After ample testing, we can’t decide which the Sky G excels at most—sensitivity, distance casting, or accuracy —and that’s a good problem to have. This is an impressive conundrum considering some of these rod specs exist at opposite ends of the spectrum. The nine-weight weighs in at just 3.97 ounces, so this is a truly feather-light rod in hand that scores as one of the lowest swing weights in its class. All of our testers were instantly impressed with the balance and lack of heft of the Sky G before even casting it. Despite its almost comically low weight, gaining familiarity with this rod is very intuitive, so learning to cast accurately and at long range comes quickly and easily. Several of our rod testers agreed that for those extra-long shots, the Sky G requires particularly high line speed, so a good double haul is a must. That being said, when you need to drop a close-range, precise cast, the Sky G is surprisingly willing to very nicely load up and lay out shorter lengths of fly line.
The author with a nice striped bass caught wading the beaches of Cape Cod.
We were also impressed by the Sky G’s inherent power once we hooked into a few fish. Don’t let the dainty in-hand feel fool you into thinking this rod is anything short of burly; it provides quite a lot of lifting power, so you can really lay into stubborn fish and feel confident aggressively pulling away from structure. Douglas has constructed this multi-modulus blank with G-Tec platelets and G-Armour coating. Translation: the Sky G is over-engineered to hold its own under extreme pressure. Between the titanium guides, AAAA flor-grade cork, and skeletonized aluminum reel seat, Douglass has equipped this rod with high-quality components on all fronts.
Boasting stellar performance across all categories, high-quality craftsmanship, and a limited lifetime warranty policy, it’s worth noting that the $900 price point of the Sky G is more than fair. Premium quality at sub-premium pricing is something we can all get behind, so if you’ve always wanted to spring for an industry-leading rod, here’s your chance to do so for a few hundred bucks less than a lot of the comparable options.
Guides: Black Pearl RECOIL guides by REC and ultra-lightweight black single-foot snake guides
Warranty: Lifetime + easy rod section replacements
Price: $579.95
Pros:
Extended, IGFA-compliant fighting butt for picking up and casting large flies
Integrated hook keeper for stowing your fly and an engraved Game Changer style fly logo on the reel seat.
Cons:
Only offered as an eight, ten, or twelve weight
Longer rod handle takes a little getting used to
Engineered to turn over the biggest and most heinous profile flies, the BC Big Fly from Temple Fork Outfitters is a brilliant tool for slinging monster patterns at monster fish. Built with an extra-fast action for supporting high line speeds and long-distance casting, this is a rod that every big-fly enthusiast should have on their radar.
As an avid striped bass angler on Cape Cod, I’m used to casting appallingly large flies from the beach. Massive game changers, eel patterns, and bulkhead decievers are the name of my game, so a lot of my fly box consists of 8-inch plus patterns that cast like a wet sock. Casting particularly large-profile, heavy flies takes a toll on your casting arm quickly (just ask my wrist specialist), so any way to minimize fatigue and maximize shootability while pitching BIG patterns is pivotal. The BC Big Fly performed exactly as advertised—excelling at handling large and in-charge streamers with grace.
I fully expected the rod to sacrifice sensitivity and in-hand feel in exchange for the purpose-built taper intended to generate exceptionally high casting power, but it turned out to be a false assumption. The BC Big Fly has killer balance and feels deadly in your hand, much more reminiscent of a premium rod than a value option. Once I got an aggressive 6-IPS full-sink line in the air, however, the burly backbone and loading power of this rod became instantly apparent. TFO lists the rod action as extra-fast, but in my opinion, it’s just fast (there are much faster rod actions on the market). While it’s of course a matter of preference, many anglers agree that a bit more flex feels stellar when loading up heavy sinking lines in particular, really enabling you to generate power deep into the blank. The BC Big Fly does just that when casting high-density and sink-rate fly lines, so those who consistently fish sinking lines (regardless of fly size) will no doubt find a friend here.
TFO unfortunately only offers this rod as an eight, ten, or twelve-weight, so your options are limited on that front. Intending to put the rod to the test for big fly applications with striped bass in mind, I opted to go with the ten-weight. Weighing in at just 5.5 ounces, the total weight is impressively low considering the massive composite cork handle and fighting butt.
Length: Available in 8′ 4″, 8’ 10”, and 9′ 0″ lengths
Weight (9ft 9wt): ***** ounces
Guides: Nickel Titanium CeRecoil stripping guides with super slick, Zirconia inserts and recoil nickel titanium snake guides
Warranty: Lifetime
Price: $1,095
Pros:
Lightweight feel in hand
Fast action rod blank with softer tip section
Extremely accurate
Cons:
Rod finish may not be for everyone
Scott Fly Rods has a long-standing reputation for making premium, purpose-driven fly rods, and the Sector is no exception. It is the only saltwater-specific offering from Scott; other comparable offerings are marketed as “all-water” rods. With that said, the Sector would be the focus of this test.
While it didn’t take home the award for best overall, the Sector was right there with the Hardy Marksman Z. The Sector is a fast-action rod, delivering the power and performance you’d expect from a premium saltwater rod. The lower two-thirds of the rod fall into the truly fast category, resulting in exceptional line speed, the ability to punch through stiff winds, and deliver a fly at distance.
However, power and distance don’t necessarily convert to a great rod. To check the box of an exceptional rod, accuracy and casting ability at all distances are key. Scott solves this issue with a softer tip section. This is a two-fold solution that aids in accurate, soft casts while also properly loading the rod up close. Most fast-action rods often overlook this, but when a fish sneaks up on you, turning your fly over with minimal false casts is essential. A rod that can do this, accurately and repeatedly, like the Sector, will turn otherwise blown shots into more fish on the end of your line.
The Sector, like all Scott Rods, comes with an original owner lifetime guarantee—just be sure to register your rod, otherwise this is voided. The rod is complete with premium guides, reel seat, and cork, along with an unpainted carbon blank. For those looking for an American-made, performance-driven saltwater fly rod, take a serious look at the Scott Sector.
Guides: Titanium frame stripping guides with SiC inserts and chrome-plated stainless-steel snake guides
Warranty: Lifetime
Price: $549.99
Pros:
Excellent value option offering near top-tier performance at a mid-tier price range
Ultra-fast action provides a ton of power for long-distance casting
Unique and sharp aesthetic
Cons:
Feels fairly heavy in hand compared to the top-tier competition
Lacks recoil guides
Another excellent quality option that won’t break the bank, the Cobalt from Lamson is our runner-up for the best value saltwater fly rod. Able to hold its own alongside the premium rods we tested at about half the cost, the Cobalt offered stellar overall performance, particularly for our testers who lean towards an extra-fast action stick.
The Cobalt is a versatile, value-oriented fly rod.
Sporting an especially stiff butt section for delivering big-time power, the Cobalt is a cannon when it comes to line speed and distance casting, as well as punching through stiff winds. The rod’s stiffer base is, however, nicely complemented by a more moderate action tip and mid-section, so that the blank loads up intimately and keeps those speedy loops both tight and accurate. While the in-hand feel, swing weight, and overall balance of this rod don’t quite match up to the top-tier rods we tested, the Cobalt barely fell short when it came down to actual on-the-water performance. In other words, this rod puts the fly directly in the zone up against difficult casting conditions, but doesn’t quite have that extra-lethal feeling in your hand. Available for a mere $550, we think the Cobalt absolutely outperforms its price point.
All things considered, after a few days on the water, the Cobalt might make you wonder why folks spend the big bucks on premium-tier fly rods. Offering all of the power, accuracy, and sensitivity you need out of a high-quality saltwater stick, this is an equally fantastic option as either a daily driver or backup rod, depending on your existing arsenal.
Guides: Recoil titanium alloy snake guides and Titanium frame stripping guides with ceramic inserts
Warranty: Lifetime
Price: $995.00
Pros:
Exquisite swing weight, balance, and overall feel in hand
Shorter length makes this a great boat rod
Shape and size of the fighting butt was arguably our favorite of all the rods tested
100% American-made in Greenfield, MA
Cons:
Shorter length may make keeping your fly line off the water while wading and casting difficult (shorter anglers beware!)
The new Exocett 88 from T&T is a unique saltwater stick due to its 8 foot 8 inch length and exceptional in-hand feel. Designed to minimize fatigue, we initially picked this rod as a candidate for long days of blind casting and/or lifting and casting heavy sink lines. We confirmed that the Exocett 88 is, in fact, an excellent rod for sink line applications, but were pleasantly surprised to discover this rod’s knockout performance with intermediate and floating lines as well.
This is the type of rod that immediately leaves an impression on you upon picking it up. The Exocett 88 is not exceptionally lightweight at 4.9 ounces (nine-weight), but its balance more than makes up for that. I remarked during my first session, casting a 9-weight Exocett 88, that it felt like a 7-weight, and I was barely exaggerating. Our other rod testers agreed—this option feels wildly dainty and almost toy-like in hand; that is, until you get some line up or hook a fish. Once you have a substantial amount of fly line in the air, it’s easy to sense the surprising amount of power in the blank. Fighting fish also immediately turns the Exocett 88 from an ultra-sensitive and delicate wand into a burly workhorse, enabling you to aggressively turn fish in current and effectively lift the big boys to the boat.
The shorter length and steep taper utilized here translate to ultra-fast recovery, dramatically boosting long-distance casting and minimizing swing effort. Another feature worth mentioning that I find underrated in fly rods is the style of fighting butt used here. The slightly larger-than-standard, rounded-off two-inch fighting butt is, in my opinion, far superior to shorter, stouter alternatives when pulling on fish.
The only real downfall to the 88 is the rod’s shorter length while wade fishing. Compared to standard nine-foot rods, the four-inch shorter length lowers your loop more than you might expect, so shorter anglers in particular might struggle to keep their fly line from slapping the water while wading above the waist. Keep in mind, however, that a shorter length rod enables you to load up fly line for making accurate, close shots sooner—so the eight-foot, eight-inch spec is really only a double-edged sword if you consistently find yourself pushing the limits of your waders. A slightly shorter, less wieldy rod is also of course your friend when it comes to fishing from a poling skiff or any vessel really, so the 88 makes for a fantastic boat rod.
Honorable Mentions:
While we couldn’t include every rod on our list, here are a few notable rods that didn’t make the cut but are nonetheless worth considering.
Sage Salt R8:
Sage’s newest flagship rod delivers the fast action and accurate casts saltwater anglers expect. That said, at its premium price point, we can’t help but notice something is missing with this rod. Perhaps it’s personal preference, but the R8 Salt doesn’t have the in-hand feel you’d expect from Sage. Compared to other rods, it does everything a saltwater fly rod should do well, but it doesn’t do anything the best. ($1,100)
Hardy Ultralite X:
An ultra-fast action stick that we loved for dropping lengthy, delicate presentations with the wind right in your face. Designed with a powerful butt section and an especially high recovery rate, the Ultralite X drives extra-tight loops and beautifully handles big flies and stiff winds. Available up to an eight-weight, this is a fantastic bonefish, striper, and redfish rod for anglers with an affinity for fast-action rods. ($995)
Thomas & Thomas Sextant:
Another especially versatile rod due to its accuracy at close range and inherent casting power to more distant targets, the Sextant from T&T is just as lovely to cast as it is aesthetically striking. Built with quick recovery and high line speeds in mind, both expert and novice anglers alike will very quickly get to know this rod intimately. T&T even gives you the option to add a custom inscription and select your preferred stripping guides. ($1,095 – $1,175)
Orvis Clearwater:
A longstanding Orvis rod series, every generation of the Clearwater over the years has impressed us, especially given the entry-level price point. Offering fast action at higher rod weights and more sensitivity than you might think possible out of a budget rod, this is a stellar choice for new saltwater anglers or those looking to pick up a reliable backup rod that you’ll still be stoked to fish with. ($298)
FAQs:
Q: What weight fly rod for saltwater?
Which weight fly rod to fish for saltwater applications is entirely dependent on the environmental conditions, style of fishing, and, of course, the preference of the angler. Different target species, different fly lines, and different fly profiles and weights all call for different strength and sensitivity rod blanks, so there are many factors to consider when selecting the right saltwater stick for the job. Some fisheries might even call for an eight-weight one day, and a ten-weight the next, so there is no definitive “do-it-all” saltwater rod. That being said, if I had to choose one weight fly rod for the best compatibility with the greatest variety of species and saltwater scenarios, I would go with a nine-weight.
A nine-weight has the power to punch through stiff wind and turn over relatively meaty flies while also retaining a nice degree of sensitivity and feel. Generally speaking, a nine-weight also protects your tippet better than higher-weight rods, so it’s a superior choice to a ten-weight when the conditions or target species at hand demand you fish lighter leader strengths. With a nine-weight in hand, I’ve felt confident fighting substantially sized tarpon and also intimately connected to smaller-sized bonefish. I’ve managed to turn over 7-inch striper patterns on sinking lines and to delicately drop tiny crab patterns in 10 inches of water. While owning a quiver of rods is the best solution for conquering each and every saltwater scenario, I’m a firm believer that a quality nine-weight offers the greatest overall versatility of any saltwater stick.
Q: Can you use a saltwater fly rod in freshwater?
Saltwater fly rods can absolutely excel in freshwater fishing. Many of my saltwater sticks play a comparable but different role in my quiver of freshwater rods, so the lines are blurred, really. My fast and accurate eight-weight, which I primarily utilize for bonefishing, is also my go-to rod for tossing big freshwater streamers to largemouth bass. It’s a deadly precise rod that threads the needle between lily pads and lake structure just as well as it gingerly drops shrimp patterns in front of a tailing bone. I also prefer to rely on a slightly beefier eight-weight as opposed to a six or seven-weight rod for pulling largemouth out of weed beds and structure without worrying about overexerting and blowing up my rod. I’ve experienced another salt/freshwater crossover the few times that I’ve pike fished, utilizing a ten-weight that I typically target striped bass with in order to effectively manage the heavy sinking lines and massive streamers required for the species.
Things to Consider
A new saltwater fly rod is not a small purchase, so doing your due diligence researching different model options and how closely they match your specific angling needs is paramount. In this day and age, there are countless high-quality fly rods on the market, which can make selecting the right one feel difficult. Think about the most important qualities you require from your rod, research rod models that satisfy your criteria, and if possible, visit a fly shop that carries the rod and see how it feels for yourself. The main detail to consider while selecting a new fly rod is, in our opinion, rod action and how it will translate to your expected fishing style/conditions. After you break that down, we suggest examining the utilized hardware and warranty policy for any rod you’re considering purchasing.
All products featured on Flylords are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
While most anglers lean towards a faster rod for most saltwater applications, there are certainly scenarios in which fishing a slower action stick can be preferable. Softer rods protect tippet better, so anglers who target large and powerful species on lower leader strengths might gravitate towards a more moderate or slower-action option. When making close-range shots to cruising or tailing fish, getting properly loaded up to drop an accurate cast will require less fly line with a slower action rod. While I personally prefer an extra-fast action rod while fishing in the tropics, I’ve blown countless close-quarters permit shots because I couldn’t effectively load up a measly 20 feet of fly line in time for an accurate cast. Punching through wind and precise long-distance casting are more important stats to me than close-range accuracy, but there are many accomplished permit fishermen who are of the exact opposite camp. At the end of the day, rod action is just as much a matter of preference as it is necessity, so always go with the rod that you fish best with. If you want to go deeper into the rod action rabbit hole and learn more about how it relates to your style of fishing, check out this neat, informative piece from Orvis.
Lastly, make sure you’re taking a look at the warranty or repair/replacement policy for any rod you’re interested in. The turnaround times and fees of some brands are less than ideal—especially if you’re on a tight schedule or budget. A nice saltwater fly rod is a substantial investment, and we all know that things happen, so don’t be left high and dry in the event you bust a rod.
Final Thoughts
Truth be told, the fly fishing market is, at this point, saturated with phenomenal fly rods. In our testing, the difference between our favorite rods and runner-ups was often the slimmest of margins. While rod mechanics, angling conditions and scenarios, and price point should all steer your decision-making process, it should really come down to personal preference.
“This morning didn’t go exactly as planned. My client never showed, so instead of calling it a day, I pushed off the dock solo. I ended up going one for two on tarpon, missed one, landed one and after that I decided to switch gears and hunt tripletail. I landed two tripletail that day, including this fish that was caught literally inches from the boat on the fly.”
Angler Story of the Week from Zach, be sure to check out his guided trips HERE!
There are trips you take, and then there are the ones that change how you think about fishing altogether. For me, the Rio Marié falls into that second category. This is the place where the biggest peacock bass in the world live. Fish that look like bass, fight like saltwater predators, and carry colors that feel painted straight from imagination. I have chased peacocks in Miami canals and dreamed about the giants in Colombia and Brazil for years, but the Marié sits at the top of the mountain.
The story begins with Rodrigo Salles, co-owner of Untamed Angling. He has built these operations in Brazil from the ground up, partnering with local tribes and creating one of the most authentic, ethical, and thoughtful fishing experiences in the world.
After a week with Rodrigo in Kendjam, checking off new species, it was hard to imagine anything could top this trip. That was until Rodrigo mentioned the Rio Marié—a place so remote and untouched that peacocks reached 20 pounds. He was headed to the headwaters with a small group and offered up a spot for the first trip of the year.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime offer, and the angler in me couldn’t pass it up. Adventure, untouched waters, and trophy fish—the type of trip that could leave part of yourself behind in the jungle. I even missed a friend’s wedding for it. Meghan, I am truly sorry, but I would be lying if I said it was not worth it—life back home could wait.
An Adventure In Itself
Getting to the Rio Marie was an adventure in itself. Covering wide expanses of jungle wilderness in a small prop plane comes with its risks, and this trip would be no different. It started with a tiny Cessna flying into the remote town of Manaus. From there, the real adventure began. A float plane arrived to take our small crew deeper into the jungle.
Once we took off, it’d be hundreds of miles of jungle until we hit the Marié. Anytime I’m on a plane, especially a small one, I feel that pit in my stomach. But this was different. Looking out the tiny window, feeling the turbulence, watching an endless stretch of jungle roll beneath us. Pure wilderness as far as you can see.
I couldn’t stop thinking about the millions of creatures down there. Places no one I know has ever set foot in. Things I’ve never seen before. It’s a wild feeling. The true definition of stepping outside your comfort zone. It was excitement, nerves, and curiosity all colliding at once. Then suddenly, a dark ribbon winding through endless green emerged. We had made it to the Rio Marié.
The plane touched down beside the mothership, a beautiful vessel that looks modest from the outside but transforms into a home out in the jungle once you step inside—basecamp for the week. The real adventure was about to begin.
Maiden Voyage
Overnight, the mothership forged deeper up the Rio Marié. I was excited, overwhelmed, and on a boat with people from all over the world. We had all traveled for days to reach this remote, special place. And now we’re all side by side, rigging rods, tying knots, and checking leaders. Stories start floating around, quiet at first, then louder. The shared glow of anticipation started to grow.
The night before, during our first dinner, I kept looking at the walls behind us. Trophy fish from past seasons. Giant, wild, unreal. You just stare at them, and your imagination runs wild.
The next morning, our crew split off onto a support boat with Rodrigo, a guide named Rafa, and a handful of local crew. For the next four nights, we camped and pushed upriver, fishing sunup to sundown every single day.
We were here for one thing: the temensis, the giant peacock bass that lives only in this system. The caliber of fish that tests your tackle in every sense.Fishing for them is like bass fishing on steroids. Eight, nine, and ten-weight rods. Huge saltwater style streamers and poppers, paired with endless blind casting into structure. And every cast could be the fish of a lifetime. That knowledge keeps you moving even when the heat feels endless, and your arms start to burn.
The jungle here is alive in a way that hits you immediately. Tannic water from decaying leaves. Very few mosquitoes, thanks to the acidity. The bees, however, were plentiful. For whatever reason, they were obsessed with me. For whatever reason, I couldn’t escape them. Maybe it was the sweat. Maybe the color of my shirt. But they were on me all the time.
After catching several smaller peacocks, I had my sights on what we came here for: a true 20-pound bass. I made what felt like a perfect cast. Right into a piece of structure that just looked fishy.I start stripping.One strip.Two strips. When it happens…I felt a tickle in the middle of my back. I knew exactly what it was. One of the bees was working its way up the inside of my shirt. As if on queue, I take my hand off the line to shake off the bee, and the temensis I was after engulfs my fly. I scrambled to save the opportunity, the bee flew out of my shirt, and the fish got away.
Water’s Unknown
Each night, we reached the small native mothership as it leapfrogged upriver. We would bathe in the river, eat local fish, talk about the day, and fall asleep exhausted. Mornings came fast, and every day brought new water, new lagoons, new chances. Rodrigo told us stories of places that had only been fished once or twice in the past decade. We pushed into water that had never been fished before.
At one lagoon, I managed only to snag a tree behind me, but Rodrigo still let me name it Jared Lagoon. That is the kind of humor and kindness that makes him who he is.
The fishing was not easy. It was relentless work. Blind casting for hours, trying to find the right angles, trying not to destroy the boat with my back cast. I burned through at least fifteen of Rodrigo’s flies. He gave me a hard time, and I deserved it.
Trophy Temensis
My goal for the week was simple. Find a temensis over twenty pounds. In the peacock world, this is the benchmark: like a thirty-inch brown trout, ten-pound bonefish, or a hundred-centimeter GT. Every species has a number beyond which it stops being a great fish and becomes a once-in-a-lifetime fish.
I worked my ass off trying to make it happen. Thousands of blind casts into structure, hundreds of river miles to cover, and plenty of respectable bass, but not the one I was after.
We continued upriver on the last day, casting to likely structures when we reached a shallow underwater sandbar. I couldn’t see the bottom, but it had a fishy feel to it. The kind of underwater haunt that a giant would be cruising.
I made a blind cast along the edge of the sandbar and began my retrieve. Then the take came. Violent. The pure power of the fish sent shocks through my hands as he ripped line off the reel. It didn’t take long for me to realize this fish was different. After an ensuing battle of tug of war, we finally got it to the boat, landed it, and put a tape on it…
The author, Jared Zissu, with a 20-pound peacock bass.
It was a mix of joy, relief, and disbelief—almost emotional. I had just accomplished something that, a week earlier, felt completely out of reach. And with that, I earned myself a custom hat, an Untamed Angling ritual if you hit the twenty club. It feels ridiculous and absolutely perfect at the same time.
The Journey Home
The last days brought clearer weather and better fishing. We worked back down the river and soaked it all in. The people, the crew, the rawness of living among the local community, the sensation that you are seeing the Amazon in a way almost no one ever gets to. The captain knew every twist of the river by memory. The entire experience felt surreal, like you were part of something ancient and alive.
This was one of the most rewarding fishing trips of my life. A true adventure in the purest sense of the word. Something that will stay with me forever. Untamed Angling has created something rare here, and anyone lucky enough to experience it should count themselves fortunate. It is not easy, it is not cheap, but it is real. And in the world of fly fishing, that might be the most valuable thing of all.
If you ever get the chance to chase giant peacock bass on the Marié, take it. You might leave part of yourself in the jungle, but what you bring home will last forever.
In the mountain west, this winter has not been as forceful as many past seasons, though there is still time for snowpack to even out and temperatures to settle in. Regardless, winter is one of my favorite times to be on the water. The pressure drops, fish settle into predictable patterns and sections that are pressured in the warmer months come alive when the cold sets in. For many guides and anglers, winter is a season we look forward to for exactly these reasons.
But unpressured water doesn’t necessarily mean easy fishing. When winter flows drop, rivers don’t just get quieter. Many grow smaller, and when rivers shrink, the margin for error gets thinner.
This is not a case against winter fishing, but a case for understanding how low flows change the stakes and how angling practices can matter more than many people realize.
Why Winter Flows Change the Game
Low flows compress the system. Habitats shrink, deep, slow water becomes harder to find, and fish stack into fewer holding areas that provide the right mix of depth, current, and cover. What might be spread across a long run during higher flows gets condensed into a handful of predictable lies. This concentration is part of what makes winter fishing feel so good; fish are easier to locate and easier to reach. But it is also why repeated pressure hits harder.
When fish are holding in fewer places, disturbance is less distributed. After release, there is less room to slide away, recover, and reset. Movement between adjacent pieces of water becomes more limited, even when conditions are otherwise healthy. Low flows don’t automatically harm fish, but they magnify the impact of everything else we do.
This dynamic does not apply equally across all rivers. Large, high-volume systems can continue to absorb pressure even at low winter flows, thanks to their depth, width, and habitat redundancy. Fish still have options, and pressure spreads naturally. The situations where margins tighten fastest are smaller freestones, side channels, and reach limited systems where low flows reduce available holding water.
Winter Fishing in a More Crowded World
Winter fishing has changed. More anglers are fishing year-round. Social media, better gear, and improved access have all contributed to steady winter pressure on rivers that once saw long, quiet stretches. At the same time, climate variability is reshaping flow patterns. Longer low-flow periods, reduced snowpack in some basins, and extended shoulder seasons mean fish spend more time concentrated in fewer places.
Put simply, more people are fishing the same water under tighter conditions. What once felt like low-impact winter angling can quickly become repeated disturbance when flows are thin and traffic is steady. The effect is not dramatic in a single moment, but it can become cumulative over weeks and months.
When Success Starts to Concentrate Pressure
Trout are resilient, which is why winter fishing is as effective as it is. They handle cold water, recover from short fights, and in healthy systems can be caught more than once without obvious short-term harm. This issue is not about fragility, but pressure distribution.
“Honey holes” or bottlenecks are not unique to winter. Every river has specific structures and runs that consistently hold fish across seasons. What changes in low winter flows is not the existence of bottlenecks but the number of viable alternatives surrounding them. As flows drop, adjacent holding water often dwindles, leaving fewer places that meet the basic requirements for depth, velocity, and energy conservation. Fish are still choosing good water; they are just selecting from a smaller menu.
In these situations, the signal is not stressed fish or visible damage. It is consistency that does not change with pressure. The same seams, the same depth, the same response hour after hour. That is where judgment matters most, not because trout are weak, but because the system has less capacity to absorb pressure. The better call is often not to stop fishing, but to spread effort out. Move sooner. Fish more water instead of more fish. Let productive water rest, even when it keeps producing.
The Takeaway
The winter fishing doesn’t require a new rulebook. The same principles that matter in warmer seasons still apply in the winter. What changes in winter low-flow conditions is not the technique, but the margin. Pressure accumulates faster, and the system offers fewer places for that pressure to spread.
Winter remains one of the most rewarding seasons on the river. It rewards patience, observation, and intention. Low flows don’t mean stop fishing. They mean fish consciously because when rivers shrink, the choices we make carry a little more weight.
Many anglers think of sharks as a nuisance, but not Conway Bowman, the subject of the film MAKO. The San Diego native has built his life around these majestic creatures, pioneering techniques to catch mako sharks on the fly. But this film goes much deeper than capturing a mako’s acrobatic display. Max Erickson, Creative Director at FISKA, along with his team, Jackson Smith and Zento Slinger, sought to capture Bowman’s story in this riveting film. From raising his children on the water to Conway’s journey into guiding, this film tells the whole story of what it takes to catch sharks on the fly.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Max Erickson and learn what it took to put together MAKO.
Flylords: What got the ball rolling on the idea for this film? What did the early concepts look like, and why did you decide to make MAKO?
Erickson: My friend Zento went down to San Diego in the off-season for a quick photoshoot with Conway Bowman and called me immediately after. He talked about the fishery, the tactics, and the kind of person Conway was, and said, “We should probably make a film about this guy”. I did some digging into what kind of media existed around Conway and mako shark fly fishing specifically, and came up short. I ended up jumping on a call with Conway, and things blossomed from there.
Flylords: Leading up to shooting a film like this, what does the pre-production look like? What kind of elements and scenarios are you preparing for?
Erickson: With any film, I like to get to know the character(s) in prep, after all, that’s what makes a film a film, the story, the people. I had several calls with Conway where we discussed his history, his motivations, and his fishery. With a documentary-style film, I avoid making things too prescribed in pre-production. There’s a fine line between being prepared and forcing your will on a story. We developed beats we wanted to hit with the film, then during production, we used those as jumping-off points.
From a technical standpoint, preparing for this was a bit unique. With anything, especially fishing, you go in with a set of expectations and are quickly met with an alternate reality. Shark fishing was no different, but there were a few points that informed how we would shoot this film. 1 – the fish get close to the boat, really close. 2 – these things jump, HIGH.
Going into production, we had all these micro goals, the shots you want to get, “wouldn’t it be cool if…”. One of those was being able to capture the sharks airborne. Because those moments are so hectic and fleeting, I wanted to try to preserve them as much as possible, allowing the audience to appreciate the detail and nuance of these giant creatures jumping 20’ in the air. Every day, we had our B-Cam, a high-speed beast set up with a long parfocal zoom, ready to capture a shark jumping at any moment. Jackson stood by with that camera at the ready, and after a bit of trial and error, we were able to capture some incredible footage of these sharks rocketing from the ocean.
Another goal was to capture the fish hunting us. These sharks are not shy, and they’re willing to get very close to the boat and stick around. This gave us ample opportunity to film free-swimming sharks. The caveat: I wasn’t interested in being part of the food chain. We employed some unique equipment to hang a camera over the side of the boat and keep the flesh out of harm’s way…mostly.
Flylords: What kind of person is Conway Bowman? How essential is someone like him to a project like this?
Erickson: Conway’s a driven, caring man. He has a presence that fills a room, and you can see all of the people in his life magnetically drawn to him. He has a certain sensitivity and care that he brings to everything he does, from his fishing to his children; everything is done with purpose. Having a character that naturally resonates with the people in their life as the center point of a film is incredibly helpful. That magnetism permeates the screen and pulls audiences into the film; it’s one of those intangibles that makes a film entertaining.
Flylords: In short, what does mako shark fishing on a fly setup look like? What are some of the tactics for getting these beasts to eat a fly?
Erickson: Fishing for Makos isn’t exactly what you’d think. There are the norms: you want a stout rod with significant backbone and lifting power, 14wt on the small end, and you can’t go too heavy. A very large arbor reel with smooth startup inertia and a robust frame. Loads of gelspun backing, and a heavy floating line (12+). You’re not casting far, 30’ at most, so having a balanced setup is much less important than having one that can support your quarry.
The leader and fighting techniques are where things get a bit interesting. At the business end, Conway runs stainless steel wire through a tube fly, which is not much more than a colorful clump of marabou and foam, then a 30lb class tippet above the wire.
When you hook a 300+lb mako shark, it’s like hooking a Lamborghini. You’re not stopping that thing with a little fly rod without killing it. The goal isn’t to tire the fish to the point that you can land it and get your hero shot. The goal is to hook the fish, get a few jumps, then let him forget you’re there.
Conway runs a light drag throughout the fight and, towards the end, reduces the pressure he’s putting on the fish; they start just casually swimming forward while he pulls the boat up next to the fish, grabs the leader, and breaks them off. So many people say they don’t want to deal with landing a 150lb tarpon, get the eat, get the jumps, let him go. It’s the same deal with Makos. And let’s be real, you don’t want your little fingers anywhere near that smile at the end of the fight.
Flylords: What makes a mako shark such a desirable game fish?
Erickson: The visuals, the entire game is predator vs prey, and you’re playing both roles. These fish are coming to you, to hunt you down. It’s the opposite of any other fishing I’ve experienced. Make all the noise, get them mad, make the shark want to kill you, then feed it some feathers. And man, when they jump, it’s just inspiring. Looking UP at a mako shark, that’s pure adrenaline.
Flylords: What were some of the dangers of filming a project like this? Any close encounters?
Erickson: You’re a little boat in the middle of the Pacific trying to look like food. What could go wrong? The most dangerous thing we did was hop in the water with a shark. But honestly, the fish had been around the boat for a while, maybe 30 minutes, and wasn’t showing signs of aggression. Zento dove in with his camera in an attempt to get some photos from a unique perspective away from the boat, but the shark seemed put off by him. Who knows, maybe he didn’t shower that morning. But generally speaking, if you play it cool and stay smart, it’s a safe game.
Flylords: What did the process of trying to find these sharks look like?
Erickson: Conway does a few things. He’s looking for specific fathom lines or contours deep in the Pacific, where these fish run like highways. He’ll set up a drift where the boat floats freely along a certain contour, dragging a chum slick. By the end of the drift, which will last hours, you’ve covered miles and miles of water. He also uses acoustic techniques like banging a special rod against the hull of the boat to create a rhythmic low-frequency sound that travels a long distance in the water.
Flylords: What were some special camera tactics you and the team employed in order to shoot this unique concept in a unique environment?
Erickson: Aside from the stuff I talked about earlier, we decided we wanted a shot of the shark eating the fly, from the fly’s POV. So we rigged a GoPro to a boat hook pole and teased some fish with that. It was really tough to get the shot because the sharks were so keyed in on the electromagnetic frequencies of the camera. They kept avoiding the fly and just eating the camera. I fought one fish for a minute or so, trying to shake the camera out of its mouth. Came back with some scars, but we ended up with some awesome shots.
Flylords: Going into this, what were your expectations? How were they met/ surpassed?
Erickson: I expected more fish, eager to eat a fly at any time. What I learned is that just because it’s the apex predator doesn’t mean it’s a killing machine. The sharks have a curiosity and intelligence that make them a really fun target. You have to play the game, you have to feed the fish, you have to convince them that they want to eat your fly. It starts as a close-quarters chess game and ends with an F1 race, and all hell breaks loose.
Flylords: Do you think there is a fly-fishing film like this out there? If not, why?
Erickson: I don’t think so. This film is an exploration of fatherhood and partnership through the lens of mako shark fishing. It’s a curious duality starring a unique fish. I think people will really enjoy it.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) is running a tournament at Blue Mesa Reservoir—the state’s largest—to remove as many lake trout as possible. From now through April 30, anglers can compete for the chance to win their share of $10,000 in prize money.
CPW wants lake trout removed from Blue Mesa because the fish are highly predatory, especially on younger kokanee salmon. Kokanee are a freshwater sockeye, and incredibly popular sportfish across the Mountain West. They make excellent table food, and are a fun fight on trolling gear. Since kokanee are pelagic (open-water) fish, though, they run into similar habitat occupied by lake trout.
With a booming lake trout population, that means more and more small kokanee are being consumed by these fish, leaving fewer for anglers to catch. This same problem is happening at other kokanee fisheries throughout the region, including Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Utah – Wyoming border.
The tournament at Blue Mesa will get more anglers out there catching lake trout, and according to a CPW news release, it will help “aquatic biologists maintain adequate kokanee salmon fry survival by limiting predation from lake trout. Maintaining abundant kokanee supports quality-fishing opportunities for kokanee and provides a source of kokanee eggs for restocking needs at up to 29 waters in Colorado. Abundant kokanee are also essential for maintaining continued growth and condition of trophy Lake Trout at Blue Mesa Reservoir.”
This isn’t the first iteration of this tournament, either. This is the fourth year in a row CPW has sanctioned it, and 2025’s edition of the fishing challenge yielded 2,770 fish caught, by far the most since 2020.
“Ongoing harvest of small lake trout continues to be needed to maintain kokanee numbers at appropriate levels while also benefitting trophy lake trout production,” said CPW aquatic biologist Giulio Del Piccolo. “Lake trout are prolific, and our research has proven that smaller lake trout 24 inches and smaller consume the most kokanee. That’s why we target those fish in the tournament.”
You can learn more about getting in on this tournament, and how to claim prizes, here.
The fly fishing market just became a whole lot more interesting. As of today, Sitka, the already huge hunt brand, has unveiled its new Fish line of gear and apparel. This lineup consists of everything from technical sun apparel to bibs and rain gear. But what’s most exciting is two new pairs of waders that have entered the wader market. These include the CrossCurrent GTX Zip (zipfronts) and the CrossCurrent GTX (convertible), as well as a matching pair of CrossCurrent Wading Boots. For anglers demanding the most from their gear, Sitka has designed this line to meet their needs. To learn more about this new release, check out the full press release below:
From Sitka:
BOZEMAN, Mont. (Feb. 3, 2026) – SITKA Gear, the industry leader in high-performance hunting apparel, today announced its expansion into the fishing category with SITKA Fish, drawing on more than two decades of technical outdoor expertise. The new category introduces purpose-built systems designed to perform across all waters.
The U.S. fishing market continues to grow, with 57.9 million participants,1 representing a significant opportunity in the fishing apparel segment. With 70 percent of existing SITKA customers already identifying as anglers, the brand is uniquely positioned to serve this growing market. The brand enters this space with advanced technology, rigorous testing across diverse fishing environments, and diverse conservation partnerships built into the business model from day one.
Since SITKA’s founding, the company has continually taken the harder, divergent path solving real problems with advanced innovation and putting the pursuit, not lifestyle, at the center of everything. SITKA is launching Fish with a commitment to entering the category differently by addressing the performance gaps anglers have tolerated for too long. The expansion evolves the brand from a seasonal hunting specialist into a year-round technical apparel company serving the modern sportsman across pursuits.
“Fishing is more than a hobby for our customers—it is part of how they live,” said Matt Carara, Product Line Manager at SITKA Gear. “With SITKA Fish, we’re delivering gear that removes barriers to the pursuit of fishing, so anglers can focus on connecting with the fish, the environment, and the people around them. These purpose-built skin to shell systems perform across all waters, giving every cast and step the attention it deserves.”
SITKA Fish offers a complete suite of products engineered for all-water performance—not just single fishing disciplines. The range is headlined by:
Crosscurrent Wading System: A complete wading solution featuring zip and non-zip stockingfoot waders ($800–$1,000) built with four-layer GORE-TEX PRO construction, along with purpose-built wading boots ($299 Rubber $249 Felt) that solve the industry’s most persistent pain points—durability through wet/dry cycles, replaceable traction systems, and quick-drying materials.
CAT-5 Jacket and Bib System: A technical rain and wind system featuring a jacket and bib (Jacket $500, Bib $500) built using GORE-TEX with Stretch technology—rare in fishing outerwear—delivering guaranteed waterproof protection without sacrificing mobility for casting, netting, and all-day wear.
Guard Sun Hoodie ($99) and Guard LS Shirt ($129): Lightweight warm-weather fishing essentials delivering integrated UPF 50+ sun protection and Insect Shield treatment that won’t wash out, providing breathable, all-day protection on the water.
To demonstrate the all-water capability of SITKA Fish gear, the brand produced four cinematic films documenting full time watermen and the gear they rely on across North America. The films
include “A Town Called Sitka” (steelhead in Alaska), “Feathers to Fins” (turkey and permit in the Yucatán), “Casting for Ghosts” (musky in the Mid-west), and “Kings to Giants” (tarpon and large mouth bass in Florida). The films will release on a rolling schedule from February through June 2026.
SITKA is not just innovating gear—it is rethinking how products interact with the environment. The same way SITKA engineers gear to work as a system, it invests in conservation efforts that strengthen the entire environment supporting fish, wildlife, and their habitats. SITKA Fish launches with five foundational conservation partnerships: Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (modernizing access to our public waters), American Rivers (protecting and restoring rivers), Keep Fish Wet (science-based catch-and-release education), Captains for Clean Water (Everglades and clean water restoration), and Backcountry Hunters & Angler’s Armed Forces Initiative with Chesapeake Bay Foundation (habitat restoration). Together, these partnerships safeguard the future of the outdoor pursuits SITKA depends on.
“At SITKA, conservation is not a campaign—it is core to how we show up in the outdoors,” said Lindsey Davis, Director of Conservation at SITKA Gear. “Rooted in science and shared stewardship, our whole-ecosystem approach guides our entry into fishing, supporting partners who protect water ecologies at scale for the benefit of many species.
Together, the product line and conservation work mark SITKA’s commitment to serving anglers with gear built for the water—and for the future of the environments they depend on.
SITKA Fish products will be available starting February 3, 2026, at https://www.sitkagear.com/fish, in SITKA Gear retail locations, and at select specialty retailers nationwide.
1 Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, 2024
About SITKA Gear
SITKA Gear, based in Bozeman, Montana, created and leads the technical hunting apparel category. The company is recognized for its commitment to continually improving the life experience of the hunter and for its support of healthy ecosystems and wildlife populations. SITKA products work together in systems, and each piece is designed and tested rigorously in both the lab and the field. SITKA is owned by W.L. Gore & Associates, an advanced materials company well known for GORE-TEX™ fabrics and many other industry-leading innovations that provide durable comfort and protection to outdoor enthusiasts. Go to sitkagear.com to learn more about how SITKA enhances the full life experience of the hunter.
