GEAR TRENDS

As we proceeded through the 2000 tackle year a number of "trends" began to establish themselves regarding consumer tastes. In most cases preferences require a period of time to mature and develop into accepted custom. Here in the northeast we tend to be somewhat incredulous when it comes to innovation or change, whether within the fly tackle industry or otherwise. With this in mind, three distinct trends began to vigorously influence consumer spending conduct as we advanced through the season. Granted while some notions had taken root in the 1980’s, either their revolutionary concepts were ahead of their time, or their evolution could have been hampered by inferior quality product mired in the developmental stage.

MULTI-PIECE FLY RODS
Virtually one out of every two rods purchased throughout the season fell into the multi-piece category. There are two distinct reasons for this ever developing market segment: A) Technical advances in fly rod design has lead to superior performance in this category, and, B) The ambulatory nature of today’s fly angler, often traveling substantial distances in pursuit of his passion, and rods of this nature lend themselves to portability.

Fly rod manufacturer’s have addressed the needs of fly fishermen by offering multi-piece rods at every conceivable price point, usually at an additional cost of 10-15%, a meager tariff to pay when you consider that in today’s market, with the inception of unconditional warrantees, you are purchasing a product for life. These tools are well worth the investment when one considers the ease of transportation, increased overall performance over previous offerings, and superior design.

LARGE ARBOR REELS
In my opinion this revolution supersedes trend and has spurned a new generation of fly fishing instrument, destined to achieve residence in every angler’s arsenal. Let me preface my remarks by asserting that there are simply no disadvantages to these reels. Individuals that bemoan the benefits that large arbor reels have over their predecessors in all likelihood have never owned, operated or understood their capabilities. In the previous few years fly reel manufacturers have focused their attention on developing technology with the intent of providing consumers with a better alternative to the traditional fly reel. The result? A product that is light in weight, retrieves line expeditiously, maintains the fly line on a larger diameter (reducing memory), offers more consistent drag pressure, and nicely complements many of the high tech graphite rods being offered today. When asked the question, "do I really need one?" The answer would be a definitive, "no." However, if you are considering purchasing a new reel, or upgrading that old Rambler, it would be in your interest to consider an LA. As was the case with multi-piece fly rods, one out of every two reels purchased this season, big game or otherwise, was of the large arbor variety.

CLEAR INTERMEDIATE FLY LINES
This trend probably introduced itself 4 or 5 years ago as a technological experiment but has since blossomed into a full scaled revolution. Even if the notion existed that the employment of a clear fly line would offer the slightest benefit in terms of covertness, yet maintain all the superior characteristics of a conventional intermediate line, what would be the detriment? The clear fly lines being offered today by manufacturers specifically address the needs of both cold and warm water fly anglers. While the recent advances that have been realized both in quality and performance will not signal doom to their traditional brethren, they will continue to grow in popularity, if not nationally, certainly here in the northeast.