Refinements in fly lines, fly rods and fly reels, not to mention useful accessories to the growing sport, increasingly provide fly-anglers a wealth of advantages in pursuing a range of species in salt water.
This 100-foot line features a 31-foot head with short front and rear tapers and a forward-weighted, graduated belly to facilitate fast delivery at all distances. The 175- to 305-grain heads of the lines weigh in at a half size heavier than their designation to facilitate quick loading with minimal false casting. In warm water formulations 6- to 9-weight; cold water, 8- to 10-weight. $99.99; scientificanglers.com
Following in the successful footsteps of RIO’s specialized permit and bonefish lines, the DirectCore Tarpon floating line features a powerful front taper to handle large flies and dismiss the wind; a 40-foot mid-length head behind 14 feet of compound front taper facilitates gentle delivery, and the long back taper stabilizes longer casts and enables effective at-range pickups for second shots. Low-stretch, low-memory DirectCore straightens easily and stays that way, yet retains enough stiffness and body in the heat of tarpon season. WF9F to WF12F; $119.99; rioproducts.com
With advanced compound taper construction, 15 percent lighter than original NRX rods, the NRX+ series provides the power and line speed expected of fast-action rods, without compromising feel and finesse in the short game. The Multi-Taper Design develops stable loops with less effort and a crisp feel. In six, saltwater-specific 9-foot, 4-piece models, 7- to 12-weight: $895; gloomis.com
LK Legacy fly rods from Temple Fork Outfitters are an evolution of the BVK series and an homage to Lefty Kreh. With fast action and tapers designed for intermediate to advanced casters, they excel in presentation and distance. The 6-, 7- and 8-weights–of most interest to saltwater anglers–are available in both 9- and 9 ½-foot, 4-piece models. $279; tforods.com
Saltwater flies require tough materials, but those are no match for Loon Prime Scissors. Oversize loops easily accommodate plus-size digits and ensure a secure grip, and precision ground blades provide exceptional sharpness and durability for tying even the largest flies. Available in 5- and 6-inch lengths. $30 and $32; loonoutdoors.com
With a well-earned place in the salt, the Abel SDS (Sealed Drag Salt) reel, quality built from 6061-T651 cold-finished, aerospace-grade aluminum, is now available in a range of new custom finishes. As well as the popular species motif, now in tarpon and dolphin, there are two new designs celebrating flats species in the individually laser-engraved Casey Underwood Editions. Available in sizes 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12. $1,095 to $1,395; abelreels.com
Designed and built from the bottom up for the rigors of salt water, The Ross R Salt boasts a sealed 16-disc stainless and carbon drag that generates up to 30 pounds of drag pressure. Dual counter-balances on the spool yield vibration-free performance on the fastest running fish. A frame-integrated drag knob allows accurate adjustment on the fly. Frame and spool are machined aluminum, and all internals are machined stainless. Available in sizes 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12, in platinum or black. $595 to $795; rossreels.com
The Respool line from Columbia incorporates fabric produced by EcoNyl, the Italian manufacturer of fabric from recycled materials; in this case, made from ocean-salvaged commercial fishing nets. The shirts incorporate Columbia’s Omni-Shade and Omni-Wick treatments for top performance in sun protection and perspiration management. Available in men’s and women’s styling and sizes, in Tropic Water (green) and Harbor Blue. $50; columbia.com
The Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Charter Jacket from Grundéns offers breathable, waterproof protection with a 2-layer construction in a thin, lightweight, packable jacket finished to resist stains, including oil and gas. Appointments include zippered pockets, adjustable hood, kill-switch anchor, and raglan sleeves for full range of movement. Sizes S to 3XL in four colors: Surf, Anchor, Refraction Garno Glacier. $269 to $299; grundens.com
Streamlined and easy to wear, The Orvis Bug Out Backpack offers 25-liter capacity with three main compartments accessible from the top or the side for sling-like access. Doubles as a carry-all go-bag or a flats-stalking companion, featuring a water bottle holder that converts to rod tube holder, stowable hip straps and mesh-covered ridged foam back panel for comfort and versatility. $189; orvis.com
Simms new technical rain suit designed for female anglers pairs the 2-layer Toray Women’s Challenger jacket with matching bibs. The jacket offers 3-point adjustable hood, center-front zipper with a waterproof storm flap, chest pocket with sunglass chamois, handwarmer pockets and waist cinch. Articulated sleeves improve mobility, and cuff straps keep water out. The bibs feature side body zip, stretch woven back panel, pass-through handwarmer pockets, pliers port, and knee-high leg zippers. Jacket $199.99, bibs $199.99; simmsfishing.com
