Every year, new gear hits the fly fishing scene. Ranging from new flagship rods and reels to wading essentials like boots and waders, these products garner plenty of attention from gear-savvy anglers. But what gear is worth adding to your collection? To find the answer, we tested new products across categories to find the best new gear of 2025. Here are our picks for the first annual Flylords Gear of the Year.
How We Made Our Picks
The objective of this test was to find the best gear in each of the 18 gear categories we selected. These include trout fly rods, saltwater fly rods, fly reels, waders, and accessories, to name a few. Once we had our list of dedicated product categories, we sorted gear into the categories and began our testing. To qualify for a category, a product had to be released in 2025.
Each winning product had to meet one requirement—it had to be the best piece of gear for that category. A rod could be a middle-priced rod, and cast better than premium rods nearly double the price—if that were the case, the more affordable rod wins the category. In other words, the products we chose to win each category were the best of the best, regardless of price, warranty, and other factors. Our list is as unbiased as possible, with performance taking precedence over everything else.
Flylords Year in Gear Awards
Best in Class Trout Fly Rod: Orvis Superfine Graphite
Trout Fly Rod
Orvis Superfine Graphite
Orvis rods have almost become boring because of how effective they are. That’s not the case with the new Superfine Graphite series. These rods are modern updates of classic Orvis graphite rods of yesteryear. If you fished and loved the Far & Fine, Ultrafine, or Seven/Eleven, these rods are back and built with the company’s award-winning Helios construction techniques.
That means you get a rod with a perfect medium action that bends deep into the cork while still throwing laser-accurate loops. The Seven/Eleven 4-weight, in particular, shines as the go-to rod for technical dry fly fishing on spring creeks and tailwaters.
The Superfine Graphite rods are lightweight, with minimal branding and cork reel seats. They look and feel like a modern take on vintage rods, which is exactly what they are. Best of all, though, is how they effortlessly blend the best of old-school fly rods with modern design and materials. They’re made in the USA, retail for $598, and are the best dry-fly focused rods on the market right now. –Spencer Durrant
Best in Class Freshwater Fly Rod: St. Croix Tannic Pike & Musky
Freshwater Fly Rod
St. Croix Tannic Pike & Musky
Freshwater fly rods are a wide-ranging category, spanning from bass, carp, muskie, and every other freshwater species you can target on the fly. For that reason, we created its own category, differentiating it from trout-specific rods to warm-water sticks and other species that anglers regularly target.
This year’s rod offerings saw several new models that could have taken home the award, but one specifically designed for toothy critters out-fished the rest. We first saw the newly released St. Croix Tannic Pike & Musky at ICAST, and instantly thought this would be a solid contender. After fishing it hard in the Midwest for muskies, we made our decision that this was the clear winner.
The rod is available in three different 9-foot models, each with corresponding rod weights of 10, 11, and 12, to cover a wide range of fisheries and waterbodies. The 11 and 12-weight models come with an extended front grip and a 4″ fighting butt. For musky fishing, this enables anglers to cast easily with a two-hand overhead cast and figure eight boatside. Perhaps our favorite feature is the cactus cork grip—a mix of two different cork types—this creates texture that gives you a firm grip even when wet. –Max Inchausti
Best in Class Freshwater Fly Reel: Redington Ace
Freshwater Fly Reel
Redington Ace
When Redington quietly retired their long-standing Rise reel, many anglers wondered what could possibly take its place. Enter the Redington Ace Fly Reel, a completely reimagined design built for anglers who want lightweight performance without compromising strength, style, or their wallet.
The Ace takes everything anglers loved about the Rise and elevates it. With a fully machined aluminum frame, a modern ported design, and a refined carbon fiber drag system, the Ace delivers smooth, consistent stopping power in a sleek, minimalist package. It’s lighter and more balanced than its predecessor, yet tough enough to handle everything from backcountry trout to aggressive smallmouth and even light salt applications. Available in multiple sizes (3-10wt) and colorways, the Ace is Redington’s statement that affordable reels can still look and fish like premium gear. –Tripp Nazziola
Best in Class Saltwater Fly Rod: TFO Moment
Saltwater Fly Rod
TFO Moment
This year, we didn’t see many new saltwater fly rods hit the market. The ones that did, however, proved to be great value rods, with performance to boot. Of the rods we tested, the one clear winner was TFO’s newest saltwater rod, the Moment.
The Moment is TFO’s extra-fast saltwater fly rod. It comes in weights ranging from 6- to 12-weight, covering practically every inshore saltwater species you can think of. The rod we fished the most was a 9-foot, 7-weight, which proved to be an excellent choice for targeting shallow-water redfish and bonefish. The ultra-fast blank punches heavy flies through the wind and delivers them with surprising accuracy. Every rod also comes with corrosion-resistant components, a must-have for saltwater rods, and a lifetime warranty. –MI
Best in Class Saltwater Fly Reel: Bauer SLT
Saltwater Fly Reel
Bauer SLT
Saltwater fly reels face a tall challenge—they must handle powerful fish, withstand the elements, and perform consistently without failure. This year, Bauer, a sister company of Winston, released the SLT. This reel comes in three sizes, designed to cover nearly any saltwater species you’re likely to encounter. The 7/8/9 will cover small inshore species like bonefish, redfish, striped bass, and more. For larger inshore species, opt for the 9/10/11, and for the biggest saltwater species and pelagics, choose the 11/12+.
Each reel comes with a fully sealed carbon disc drag, a must for any saltwater reel. In addition, the drag is linear with every click. In other words, anglers can consistently adjust their drag without worrying about free spooling or overtightening, minimizing the chances of breaking off a fish. All three models come in around $1000, which is by no means budget-friendly. That said, you get reliability, a smooth drag system, and a reel built to last. –MI
Best in Class Freshwater Fly Line: RIO Elite Gold XP
Freshwater Fly Line
RIO Elite Gold XP
RIO’s lineup of GOLD lines is designed for multi-purpose use across various applications. These are the lines purpose-built for anglers who start out with nymphs in the morning, move to a dry-dropper in the afternoon, and finish the day fishing spent-wings during the spinner fall.
The Elite GOLD XP line is the multi-purpose workhorse of the family, built a half-size heavy to load faster-action fly rods, or handle larger rigs. Whether you need to tie on a hopper-dropper rig and work long seams, or you’re tossing small dries on long leaders, the Elite GOLD XP’s 40-foot, half-size heavy head has the weight to push through wind, but still present flies with realistic delicacy.
These lines also feature longer rear tapers to aid in mending and line control while still in the air, giving you more flexibility with how you put flies in front of fish. –SD
Best in Class Saltwater Fly Line: Scientific Anglers Sonar Striper
Saltwater Fly Line
Scientific Anglers Sonar Striper
Scientific Anglers has been developing exceptional lines for years, like the Magnitude clear tip fly lines released last year. This year, SA released its new Sonar Striper line, catering to coldwater anglers. This intermediate line has a short, aggressive tapered head, which makes turning flies over in the surf and wind quick work.
The Sonar Striper features a 1.5 IPS sink rate, which is versatile for inshore and shore-based striped bass anglers. In addition, the line features SA’s AST Plus Additive. This coating creates a slick shooting line that also enhances durability. The end result is a dedicated striper line that works for years to come. –MI
Best in Class Nets and Tools: Rising Lunker Net
Nets and Tools
Rising Lunker Net
Built for big fish and bigger water, the Rising Lunker Net is the workhorse of Rising’s new lineup. Made in Utah and built from anodized aluminum, it’s tough enough for guides and weekend warriors alike. The extended handle gives you extra reach when netting fish from a drift boat or deep run, while still feeling balanced and light in hand.
Like every Rising net, the Lunker can be customized with a range of anodized color options, from classic gunmetal to bright oranges, blues, and greens, so you can make it your own. Pair that with a replaceable rubber bag and bombproof construction, and it’s easy to see why the Lunker is quickly becoming the go-to net for anglers who chase big fish in serious water. –TN
Best in Class Waders: Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip Front
Waders
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip Fronts
At $550, it’s hard to find a better value wader on the market than the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Zip Fronts. These things have all the bells and whistles of a $1,000 wader, at almost half the price.
For starters, thanks to Patagonia’s extensive sizing system, it’s a piece of cake to dial in your fit, ensuring your waders last longer and feel better while on the water. Patagonia also paid attention to how well these waders move with you, whether that’s while you’re rowing a drift, scrambling over boulders, or hiking to the next spot on the river. These waders are arguably the most comfortable on the market, and they even feature a convertible option if the day gets too warm.
The exterior chest pocket orientation isn’t for everyone, but it’s the only knock you can make against these waders. They’re durable, extremely comfortable, and reasonably priced. You can’t ask for much more than that. –SD
Best in Class Saltwater Wading: Simms Flats Sneaker
Saltwater Wading
Simms Flats Sneaker
The original Simms Flats Sneaker achieved legendary status amongst flats anglers around the world. I still know anglers who are holding on to their boots for dear life, patching and mending them in any way possible. It was comfortable, durable, and capable of sneaking up on even the wariest fish. When Simms released the newest iteration of this boot, we knew it was up against a tall ask.
The new Flats Sneaker builds upon what the old boot excelled at, enhancing it with modern technology. The inside of the boot features a neoprene lining, allowing wearers to fish in comfort all day. You can fish barefoot in these boots, but we prefer a pair of wool socks and gravel guards to keep sand out. The sole is non-marking and is made of a gummy rubber material that aids in traction on and off the boat. In the saltwater wading boot category, there is no more comfortable and versatile option than the Simms Flats Sneaker. –MI
Best in Class Wading Boots: Skwala RS Boot
Wading Boots
Skwala RS Boot
Skwala has a reputation for overbuilding and over-engineering their gear. That’s not a bad thing, but it means that when you see their RS wading boots for sale, you have to understand that these aren’t just another boot.
Skwala took the time to reimagine boot design from the ground up. Gone are the stiff midsoles and flat insoles, replaced with flexible materials molded to the shape of your feet. You gain more feel and feedback from your feet in these boots, enabling you to react more quickly to the ever-changing conditions of the riverbed.
The RS boots are built for the extremes of this sport: wading rocky steelhead rivers miles from the truck, stomping across boulder fields in the high country, and standing firm in swift current. In each aspect, they deliver, and they’re among the most comfortable wading boots on the market.
Skwala retails these for just over $300, which is a far cry from some boots on the market. But above all, the durability and comfort of the RS make it stand head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. –SD
Best in Class Outerwear: Simms Midstream Jacket
Outerwear
Simms Midstream Jacket
Simms’ newest performance jacket may look like a piece of modern technical fishing apparel, but underneath it relies on a timeless classic, wool. The Midstream Hooded Jacket allows anglers to get the benefits of wool, keeping them warm even when wet, with the fit and feel of a modern fishing jacket. The outer liner consists of a nylon blend that is water-resistant and durable, while the inner jacket is made from Lavalan Sport wool insulation.
In addition, the Midstream has an adjustable hood, inner gear pockets, and YKK zippers—all features common in performance fishing outerwear. Simms’ blending of classic materials with modern fit and function earned this jacket its place as the best outerwear of 2025. –MI
Best in Class Technical Apparel: Free Fly Topogrid Pants
Technical Apparel
Free Fly Topogrid Pants
Technical apparel is a wide-ranging category encompassing pants, shirts, and other clothing that anglers depend on. It’s the category with the largest number of products to test and one that truly needed to excel above the rest to win. After a year on the water, we can confidently say the Free Fly Topogrid Pant is that product.
Free Fly launched the Topogrid Pant earlier this spring, and it instantly became our go-to pant. They have an athletic but relaxed fit, allowing free movement whether jumping over logs on the river or scrambling down from the poling platform. These pants feature nylon ripstop materials, which aid in making this one of the most durable technical fishing pants we’ve worn. They are also water-resistant and quick-drying if they get soaked through. Free Fly really thought of everything with this pant, even down to the upwards-facing pockets which ensure your belongings stay put. –MI
Best in Class Rain Gear: Skwala RS Outpost Jacket
Rain Gear
Skwala RS Outpost Jacket
If you want to never get cold or wet again, the Outpost is the must-have jacket. Alright, you might still get a bit chilly, but the Outpost makes it hard to imagine how that could happen. It’s stuffed to the brim with 150 grams of their 3DeFX+ spiral insulation, which moves and flexes with you better than Primaloft. It’s the same insulation used in their award-winning Fusion 3/2 Puffy jacket.
On top of that, the Outpost features a moisture-wicking liner so you don’t get too sweaty, and it’s all wrapped in a fully waterproof shell that isn’t just a stiff piece of cardboard. It’s flexible and soft, moving with you as you cast, hike, and land fish. It also boasts pass-through pockets to access your RS Waders without removing the jacket, yet another indicator of just how over-engineered every Skwala product is.
The Outpost isn’t cheap, but it’s leaps and bounds better than any other raincoat on the market. If you’re consistently chasing fish in awful conditions, it’s hard to find a single layer that packs as much functionality as the Outpost. -SD
Best in Class Fly Fishing Pack: Fishpond Stormshadow Lumbar Pack
Fly Fishing Pack
Fishpond Stormshadow Lumbar Pack
In the world of fishing packs, Fishpond has built a reputation for making reliable and functional products. This year, Fishpond released the Stormshadow series, which includes several packs. While the race for the best pack was tight, the Stormshadow Lumbar Pack edged out the competition for our favorite gear this season.
The Stormshadow Lumbar Pack features a waterproof outer, enabling anglers to fish and wade in confidence. That fancy camera you have, your phone, and wallet—all that and more can comfortably fit in this pack while staying dry. The pack also features a net holder, several pockets, and water bottle pouches to keep you prepared for a long day of fishing. If you’re worried this may be too heavy, Fishpond even included a shoulder strap to lessen the overall weight. –MI
Best in Class Fly Fishing Accessory: Cling Mag Grab Rod Rack
Fly Fishing Accessory
Cling Mag Grab Rod Rack
The crew over at Cling Fishing came up with one of the best fly fishing accessories we’ve seen this year, the Mag Grab Rod Rack. It’s a simple two-part magnetic system that keeps your fly rod secure when you need both hands free, whether you’re swapping flies, releasing a fish, or just grabbing a snack on the bank.
The base plate straps to the butt of your rod with a sturdy rubber clasp, while the top magnet clips onto your vest, pack, or waders. Bring them close and click, your rod’s locked in place. It also has a built-in fly threading groove that holds even tiny flies steady, plus an eye-cleaning needle, hook keeper, and lanyard. It’s one of those pieces of gear you don’t realize you need until you use it once, and then you’ll never fish without it. –TN
Best in Class Boats: NRS Approach 138
Boats
NRS Approach 138
For many, a drift boat is the ultimate tool to escape and explore new waters. Of the many types of drift boats, inflatable rafts are the most versatile and affordable. This year, NRS released the Approach 138 Raft. This three-man boat is easy to set up, can be launched just about anywhere, and has all the features anglers come to expect from a premium boat.
Some of our favorite features solidifying this raft as the best boat of the year are the sturdy self-draining floor, easy-to-operate anchor system, and the comfortable thigh hooks. If you’re looking for a way to access more water, we highly recommend you consider the NRS Approach 138. -MI