Like it does every year, starting sometime in the late fall soon after the annual Fly Fishing Retailers show in Denver, owners of Fly Shops get bombarded with "New Product Announcements", updated catalogs, new product samples, and visits from "Tackle Reps" (Manufacturers Representatives) showing off their new wares.

After a quick review, one thing that is apparent is that after last year's rash of new products targeted at both ends of the price spectrum, things look a lot quieter and more focused. With signs that the economy may be picking up (at least outside of Maine!), many manufacturers are reaching out to the serious angler while not overlooking the new entry.

In addition, 2003 brought one major merger (Sage buying Redington), numerous shop closures across the country, and a few new players. The most interesting new entry is "Albright Tackle" started by Jim Murphy of Redington fame (often referred to as a the one whom brought "affordable" fly fishing equipment to the masses). While one might question why any would enter the game at this point, and as such their chances of succeeding, if anyone can pull it off, Jim Murphy can.

In addition to adding three models to last years high-performance TCR line (two 6-weights and a 9-weight), industry leader Sage has discontinued its phenomenally successful RPLXi line and replaced it with the new Xi2. Long considered the standard by which all saltwater fly rods were judged, the RPLXi leaves a big shoe to fill! After casting the new Xi2, as expected, Sage has done exactly that - outdone their own masterpiece!

Long known for a "traditional" look (nickel and wood reel seats, etc.) and feel (true slow/medium-action), Winston has entered the high-tech fly rod market with a bang with the new Boron IIx (B2X). This true fast-action rod utilizes titanium guides, lightweight aluminum reel seats, and woven graphite spacers. At just 2-¾ oz. for a 9' 5-weight (and a 4-piece to boot!), the B2X is one of the if not the lightest rods on the market. In addition, Winston discontinued both the DL4 and the LTX, and eliminated all but a few models in both the BL5 and XTR series.

Redington, now owned by Sage, has radically scaled back their offering by discontinuing all of the higher end rods (DFR, NTI, Nano-Quartz). In addition, they will no longer offer waders or boots. They are also going forward with a line of affordable, outdoor clothing. All in all, as a Redington dealer I can say that with the exception of the waders and boots (which we did well with), these were sound business decisions that in the end should strengthen Redington.

Ross has added the $200 "Rhythm" series of lightweight large-arbor freshwater reels. With this came the elimination of the long popular "Gunnison" (one of the most popular reels of all time!). Another shop favorite, Galvan, introduced the $300 high-tech "Torque" series. Abel introduced the Super-9, which should be a real favorite of Atlantic Salmon fishermen. Lastly, Tibor replaced the "Spring Creek" with the new "Spring Creek CL" (self-lubricating and more porting!)

Having dropped from $350 to $299, Simms' "Guide" (now called the "Classic Guide") jacket (the jacket by which all others are judged!) should be an easy sell to those looking for a quality breathable jacket. At the high end, Simms has introduced the $399 "G3 Guide" jacket with all of the features and materials you would expect from a high-end mountaineering jacket, but designed for the fisherman. The G3 represents the absolute most technically advanced wading jacket in the history of the industry.

Add to this RIO's "Selective Trout" fly line (the first double tapered/weight forward Line - think two WF's cut in half!), Scientific Anglers "Trout" (midway between their XPS and GPX), Scientific Anglers price-point fluorocarbon tippet ($7.95 suggested retail), and if this is any indication, the new products offered by the rest of the industry, and the 2004 fishing season is looking like it will be another good one for both serious and not so serious fly fishermen alike!

Bob Mallard has been a flyfisherman and fly tyer for over 25 years and is the owner of Kennebec River Outfitters on Route 201 in Madison, ME. He can be reached at (207) 474-2500 or www.kennebecriveroutfitters.com.