The Other Side of the Story

Earlier we posted about AFFTA announcing plans to announce plans for a new non-nielsen manged fly fishing retailer show and discussing the fact that part of the reason was due to not getting enough booth space at Outdoor Retailer for a successful combination. Now Kenji Haroutunian, group show director for the FlyFishing Retailer and Outdoor Retailer shows sends out an open letter around the same time that gives more background and breaks the news that the show will go on, as a part of Outdoor retailer.

Letter to the Industry,

First I want to thank you, the fly fishing industry for your support and participation with the FlyFishing Retailer World Trade Expo. During the past 11 years, this show has attracted almost every major stakeholder in the fly fishing industry from all 50 states and more than 50 countries worldwide. Even in this challenging global economy, the positive energy that emanated from the show floor in 2009 is proof that even as the fly fishing business landscape shifts, the brands, shops and advocates of fly fishing see a good future when prosperity returns to the economy and the market.

Marketplace Evolves to include 'Outdoor Lifestyle

'Research indicates that active participants in specialty outdoor activities, and fly fishing in particular, crossover to several outdoor 'lifestyle' experiences. As consumers change how they play in the outdoors, businesses are changing their distribution and inventory strategies to both keep pace and stay ahead of this changing consumer behavior. As a result, FlyFishing Retailer is also changing.

Fly Fishing Industry and Outdoor Retailer to Join Forces in 2010

From our 30 years of experience producing scores of specialty-sports tradeshows including 11 years producing FlyFishing Retailer, it is clear that the fly fishing marketplace will be better served now and in the future by expanding its reach to include the overall outdoor specialty marketplace. We are convinced that the best opportunity to grow as a market, and build on the core strength inherent in the fly fishing market, is to be connected to a larger collection of relevant businesses at Outdoor Retailer. Therefore, the entire fly fishing industry is invited to join Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Trade Show in 2010 as the FlyFishing Retailer Trade Expo will no longer be held in Denver.

A Winning Opportunity

More than 25 percent of FlyFishing Retailer companies already exhibit at Outdoor Retailer, and those that haven't are now invited to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2010 Trade Show. For more than 27 years Outdoor Retailer has provided a specialty wholesale watersports culture that thrives on a national and international level. At OR, consistently more than 20,000 professional participants advance the sales process not only in their own category but across multiple lifestyle segments within the overall specialty outdoor market. Please visit www.outdoorretailer.com now for more information about participating in Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

Product Testing Outdoors at Outdoor Retailer

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market has a thriving and long tradition of providing a watersports focused product demo day in the environment in which the products are used. More than 1,200 specialty retailers have consistently attended this demo day each year to test canoes, kayaks, paddles, PFD's, waders, rods and reels and other specialty equipment and apparel intended for use in the outdoors. We invite the entire fly fishing industry to join this widely popular retail demo day next summer.

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market takes place August 3-6, 2010 at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, preceded by our Open Air Demo August 2 at the Jordanelle Reservoir, Utah.

If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Kenji Haroutunian
Group Show Director
FlyFishing Retailer/Outdoor Retailer

While we believe the success or failure of any gathering of fly fishing types rests squarely on the quality of libations offered to members of the media, ultimately it will be the participants that decide which of these events becomes the flagship for the fly fishing industry. Everyone will no doubt agree that at any rate, things they are a'changing.

Nielsen Releases AFFTA from FFR Show Contract

Having failed to reach an agreement to combine the Outdoor Retailer and Fly Fishing Retailer shows Nielsen and AFFTA have decided to go their separate ways. Text of the AFFTA press release follows:

AFFTA ALLOWED TO PURSUE FLY FISHING INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW OPTIONS

LOUISVILLE, COLORADO.

Since April, 2009, AFFTA has been in discussions with Nielsen Business Media, owner of the FlyFishing Retailer Expo (FFR) to determine how to improve upon future FFR shows. Nielsen shared AFFTA's desire to improve upon the design and production of future FFR shows.

Thinking outside the box, as the owner of the Outdoor Retailer Show (OR), Nielsen offered to create a "show within a show" by combining FFR with the 2010 Summer OR Show in Salt Lake City. David Loechner, Nielsen Sr. V.P., delivered the "show within a show" proposal to the AFFTA Board at their meeting in September.

According to AFFTA Chairman, Alan Gnann, "When the Outdoor Retailer proposal was first brought to the AFFTA Board's attention, the Board was interested in the opportunities this combination offered. The thought of having our show within a show the size and caliber of OR was initially felt to be a reasonably good fit."

Unfortunately, when the AFFTA Board received the final floor space proposal from Nielsen, the total space allocated to the fly fishing industry was grossly insufficient; the separate space to create the "show within a show" concept was not offered nor was space allocated for indoor casting ponds. In addition, many AFFTA members stated that the timing of the OR Show was not a good fit for the fly fishing industry. Therefore, citing these deficiencies, the AFFTA Board of Directors rejected Nielsen's proposal.

Immediately after the AFFTA Board voted to reject Nielsen's Outdoor Retailer proposal, AFFTA and Nielsen engaged in good-faith negotiations to allow AFFTA the opportunity to acquire the rights and licenses to the FFR show. Unfortunately, these negotiations were unsuccessful and AFFTA asked Nielsen to either produce a 2010 FFR show or terminate the agreement.

According to Gnann, "Nielsen and their predecessors have been great partners and collaborators for many years. Prior to the downturn in the economy, trade shows nationwide were generally profitable and well attended. However, the current economic climate dictates that AFFTA and Nielsen pursue a different business model. Therefore, as of November 30, 2009, Nielsen released AFFTA from its show production contract. It is now time for AFFTA to move on and determine its next course of action."

"Since April, the Board of Directors has been working diligently with Nielsen to consider a wide range of options and combinations for FFR," said AFFTA President Gary Berlin. "Because of confidentiality and non-compete provisions in the Nielsen agreement, the AFFTA Board has been unable to notify the industry of the on-going discussions or issue a press release on the status of the show. Now that AFFTA and Nielsen are no longer contractually obligated, the AFFTA Board is considering multiple options for a 2010 fly fishing industry trade show, including hosting a standalone show or combining with an existing show."

Berlin promises to keep the fly fishing industry up-to-date on AFFTA's plans for a 2010 fly fishing industry trade show.

Update*** Midcurrent has the Nielsen release and they plan on setting up shop on their own.

Guest Blogger: Hilary Hutcheson

Industry types attending this year's Fly Fishing Retailer show in Denver, CO might just get a bit of a surprise when FlyFishMagazine shows up on their door step. This year instead of ruffians like Jay Moore and myself, FlyfishMagazine will be represented by a much more talented journalist.

We are pleased to announce that Hilary Hutcheson, PR Director for Outside Media will be our eyes and ears on the show floor. Look for posts from Hilary for the duration of the show about everything from new gear to industry scuttlebutt. We will also be closely monitoring the amount of schwag and free drinks that Hilary racks up and comparing it to our take from previous shows. Be forewarned, if she snags more than two middle aged balding guys we are fully prepared to have our corporate counsel draft a strongly worded letter.

Stay tuned for Hilary's unique view from the show floor during this year's Fly Fishing Retailer Show.

Gear: C&R UV Buff to Benefit TU

**Editor's note - For the first time in three years we won't be attending Fly Fishing Retailer. We will certainly miss the New Belgium ale, seeing new gear first hand, and most of all reconnecting with good friends. If any readers are planning on attending and want to guest blog for us during the event, drop us a note at (editor at Flyfishmagazine.com replace the at with an @). In the mean time we will be attempting to keep you informed using our vast network of industry contacts whom we have promised to buy a round the next time we see them in person.

Buff, Inc. Launches New Catch and Release UV Buff and Promotion at Fly Fish Retailer 2009 to Benefit Trout Unlimited

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (September 10, 2009) – Buff, Inc., known for their innovative, versatile and multifunctional headwear loved by anglers worldwide, will be launching the new Catch and Release High UV Protection Buff as an exciting new addition to Buff’s Angler Series at Fly Fishing Retailer 2009.
In Addition, Buff will be running a promotion on the show floor of Fly Fishing Retailer 2009, where the new Catch and Release UV Buff will be sold for $10 to benefit the national coldwater conservation organization, Trout Unlimited (TU). 100-percent of proceeds garnered at Fly Fishing Retailer 2009 will be donated to directly assist with Trout Unlimited’s conservation efforts.

“Buff is honored to play a role in Trout Unlimited’s restoration and conservation projects and hopes to continue to help moving forward with the success of Buff’s products that resonate so well within the angling community,” says Shirley Choi Brunetti, vice president and general manager of Buff, Inc.

“The functionality and versatility of the High Protection UV Buff has proved to be an essential fishing accessory for anglers worldwide to the point where they’ll turn the boat around if they forget their Buff before a day out fishing. We’re very excited about the design and message of the Catch and Release UV Buff” continues Choi Brunetti.

Trout Unlimited is the nation’s largest coldwater conservation organization, with 140,000 members dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds.

“Support from our corporate partners is invaluable to the success of TU’s on-the ground conservation projects,” said Liz Ogilvie, TU’s corporate marketing manager. “Buff, Inc.’s commitment to TU’s mission helps us accomplish our restoration goals around the country.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, TU has helped to restore over 10,000 miles of rivers and streams around the country and is dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. TU has more than 400 chapters around the country. TU’s national headquarters are in Arlington, Virginia.

The UV Buff is designed to offer technical performance and to block 95-percent of harmful UV rays. It can be worn over 12 different ways to accommodate varying weather conditions and offer a custom fit. Additionally, the UV Buffâ is made from CoolMaxâ microfiber fabric to provide superior moisture wicking and dry comfort properties, as well as to reduce skin temperature and maintain hydration.

All Buff models, except for the new Merino Wool Buffâ, incorporate Polygiene technology for active odor and sweat control by releasing non-toxic silver ions to break down odor-causing bacteria.

Please stop by Buff’s booth, number 517, at Fly Fishing Retailer 2009 to buy your Catch and Release UV Buffâ in support of conserving, protecting and restoring national fisheries. Also, additional donations are made through the Trout Unlimited website.

Please visit the Buff, Inc. website and Social Media Release webpage for new, featured products, up-to-date company news, video, images, and much more. Also, please join the Buff, Inc. Facebook fan base.

About Buff, Inc.
Buff, Inc., located in Northern California, is a subsidiary of Original Buff, SA Spain, and established its U.S. presence in 2003. Popular for more than a decade in Europe and used since the show’s inception on CBS’ Survivor television series, Buff, Inc. is distributed in more than 45 countries. Buff performance headwear is all about versatility and simplicity – one garment serves many functions. Among other uses, a Buff can be worn as a hat, neck gaiter, balaclava, bandana, scarf, hair band, helmet liner, headband, and pirate-style cap or as a sun, wind or dust screen. Designed to offer technical performance and protection from the elements during a wide range of outdoor activities and sports, Buff models are available in hundreds of styles and designs. For more information on the entire line of Buff, Inc., call 707.569.9009 or visit the Buff, Inc. website.

FFR 2008: Ross Launches Two New Reels

The Arius - MSRP $190 -$240

The Airius is a high-end, hybrid large arbor fly reel that defines excellence in both performance and cosmetic artistry. The multilevel disc drag system is incredibly smooth, and there is no shortage of stopping power in this modern Ross design. In honor of our 35th anniversary, we have brought back a spindle support shaft that is reminiscent of a design from our industry favorite Gunnison series. This large diameter shaft provides incredible stability, and is now manufactured out of fully anodized aluminum that is strong, incredibly light and saltwater safe. The spoke designed frame and extensive spool ventilation adds to this series lightweight feel, yet the Airius is built to endure a lifetime of flawless performance. Each reel in this series is designed with a unique diameter and width to maximize the properties of drag consistency and quick line retrieval. The Airius has been fitted with a new quick-switch retrieve conversion that makes changing the direction of retrieve as easy as flipping ona light. The reel is also equipped with our newest drag knob design that delivers smooth rotation, infinite adjustments and secure settings.

FRAME/SPOOL MATERIAL 6061-T6 aluminum alloy
MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS Fully machined, 1 piece frame, 1 piece spool – manufactured on automated
CNC machining centers
DRAG MATERIAL Delrin 500AF with impregnated Teflon – space-age polymer that is durable, heat resistant, self-lubricating
and maintenance free
DRAG ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM Delrin 500AF to stainless interface – pull frame friction multilevel disc drag system
ESCAPEMENT SYSTEM Dual pawl internal escapement mechanism
SPOOL ROTATION MECHANISM Synthetic Zytel bushing rotating on an anodized aluminum shaft
FINISH Anodized
NUMBER OF REELS IN SERIES 5
FLY ROD COVERAGE 2wt. – 9wt.
FISHING APPLICATION Designed for use in all freshwater, warmwater and saltwater fishing environments
AVAILABLE COLORS Black and Smoke Grey



The FlyRise Series MSRP - $95 - $110

The Flyrise is a hybrid large arbor fly reel that is beautifully crafted with cosmetic innovation and precision workmanship. The drag system is identical to the system used in the award winning Rhythm USA reel series. This is pretty impressive considering that the Rhythm sold for more than twice the price of this incredible new series! The drag adjustment is precise and sensitive – capable of protecting the lightest tippets even when battling world-class fish. To guarantee the level of dependability anglers have come to expect from all Ross products, the drag is a triple redundancy system; providing three backup systems for dependable performance under the most demanding fishing conditions. The Flyrise has also been fitted with our newest drag knob design that delivers smooth rotation, infinite adjustments and secure settings. The Flyrise truly is a premier reel at an incredible price!

FRAME/SPOOL MATERIAL High quality aluminum alloy
MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS Pressure-fed cast aluminum, 1 piece frame, 2 piece assembled spool, machine finished
DRAG MATERIAL Delrin 500AF with impregnated Teflon – space-age polymer that is durable, heat resistant, self-lubricating
and maintenance free
DRAG ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM Delrin 500AF to anodized aluminum interface – conical friction drag system
ESCAPEMENT SYSTEM Triple redundancy radial pawl engagement
SPOOL ROTATION MECHANISM Oil impregnated bronze bushing rotating on a stainless steel spindle
FINISH Aerospace grade polyurethane
NUMBER OF REELS IN SERIES 4
FLY ROD COVERAGE 3wt. – 8wt.
FISHING APPLICATION Designed for use in all freshwater and warmwater fishing environments

Both series will be available from your favorite fly shops starting in November, 2008. Check them out at the Ross WorldWide Website: http://www.rossworldwideoutdoors.com/

Update: I Just notice this in the description - "conical friction drag system" and I am wondering how this equates to the drag system used in the Lamson reels?

Fly Fishing Retailer 2008: Smith Optics Mogul

Smith Optics has always been one of our favorite stops at the retailer show. This year was no exception as it gave us a chance to have a look at their new angler centric polarized sunglasses, the "Mogul." The Olive Stripe frame with Polarchromatic brown lenses caught our attention since we could see an excellent application for both the color of the lenses and the photo chromatic feature for the small stream angler.

"With a dedication to the very best materials available, the MOGUL shows you mean business without having to flash it around."

The Mogul fits medium to larger faces and the frames wide arms shield the eyes from excess side lighting. The lenses are made from TLT Techlight Glass and as pictured the suggested retial price is $179. Check them out via the Smith Optics website.

NRS New Product: Gig Bob Frameless Personal Pontoon

If the whole blogger/writer/marketer thing doesn't work out for our pal Tom Chandler of The Trout Underground, perhaps he can farm out his services as a product model.

In this photo Tom is adeptly demonstrating a new personal pontoon boat from NRS. The interesting thing about the NRS "Gig Bob" (we have no idea why they call it that) is that it has no frame. The base is 100% inflatable (in the fashion of NRS's other raft products) and uses expandable strings in the pontoon portion of the craft to keep it very rigid. The whole package rolls up into a backpack and weighs around 50 lbs.

Word from NRS is that these have been tested on class 3 water so we are guessing that the pure buoyancy makes up for the lack of upturned pontoons. The MSRP will be somewhere around $1,600 to $1,700. It could also make a great substitute for that inflatable chair in your television room.

Tyler Harris with NRS fished our email out of his spambox (we hate when that happens) and sent us the specs on the "Gigg Bob."

NRS GigBob: MSRP $1595.00

* Material: 840 denier PVC coated Nylon
* Dimensions: * Over all: 8' L x 4' W x 17" T
* Deck: 6' 6" L x 3' 10" W
* Weight: 48 lbs
* Comes with: 7' 2-piece Carlisle Oars w/ sleeves and stoppers, oarlocks, springs w/ split rings, two Easy Access Tackle Bags and a Stripping Apron.
* Frameless design * Lots of tie-down points
* Fully adjustable seat with a pocket on the back We are currently taking orders for the GigBob.

The Boats will be available to ship in Early March, 2009.

FFR Show 2008: Origo Guide Pro Fishing Watch

One look at my over laden fishing vest will tell you that I am the type of angler who really enjoys a good gadget or two or ten. It is no surprise then that the Origo Fishing Pro Watch caught my eye at this year's Fly Fishing Retailer Show. This watch, created with the angler in mind, is loaded with so many helpful gizmos that any fly fishing 007 could not help but be impressed.

• Predicts and gives a countdown until the best fishing time, the next best fishing time, and projected best fishing time over the coming days. Includes a best fishing time alarm.
• Digital Compass, Barometer, Altimeter, Thermo Sensor
• Forecasts weather
• Displays Tide data - high/low, countdown to next high/low tide, projected high low tides
• Sunrise, Sunset, Moon Phase
• Water resistance to 50 meters
• Back light
• Alarm can be audible or vibration
• and it even tells time - "Smart World Time" for both home town and visiting city that is.

MSRP is $230 dollars and is available from OrigoWatch.com.

The Fishing Guide boasts all the same features as the Fishing Pro in a lighter weight injection molded body, minus the altimeter, barometric pressure, and weather forecasting . These watches retail for $120.

For sportsmen strictly interested in fishing and time of day information, the Origo Fisherman offers all the same fish and game-specific features as the Fishing Guide without the digital compass. The Fisherman retails for $60.

Watch for more information about this products durability and practicality to appear in FlyFishMagazine.com in the near future.

FFR Show 2008: Buff now with Insect Shield

I've been wearing a Buff (and getting some odd looks from the worm dunkers) on our area trout streams and lakes for several months now so I was pleased to hear that Original Buff has announced the addition of Insect Shield (FKA Buzz Off) to their popular and versatile line of sun and wind protective head gear. My own, non-insect repellent Buff, kept my nose warm and my neck pale in grand fashion during the trip but it would have been great to have it keep the bugs out of my face as well. From their recent press release:

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (September 14, 2008) -Buff ® Headwear, known for their innovative line-up of stylish and multifunctional headwear, continues to deliver with the Insect Shield ® UV Buff. Buff Headwear is coveted globally by outdoor enthusiasts who will now be able to focus more on fishing and less on bothersome insects thanks to the added protection of the Insect Shield technology.

Beyond the guaranteed insect protection apparent in this new product, the Insect Shield UV Buff offers enhanced UV protection, blocking 95-percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays. The Insect Shield UV Buff, among other Buff models, comes complete with a non-toxic Polygiene treatment that prevents odor-causing bacteria and leaves your Buff fresh and odorless. Additionally, the CoolMax yams provide moisture wicking, dry comfort.

The Insect Shield process binds insect repellent to fabric to repel mosquitos, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, midges and no-see-ums. This technology helps protect against insects that carry the West Nile virus, Lyme disease, malaria, dengue fever and other insect-borne diseases.
"The Insect Shield technology is just another value-added feature that will enhance Buff products," says Shirley Choi Brunetti, Buff general manager, United States. "For outdoor enthusiasts who are exposed to mosquitoes, ticks and many other annoying insects, the Insect Shield UV Buff is a dream come true since it reduces the need for a topical repellent."

For more information about Insect Shield (A North Carolina Company) visit their website.

FFR Show 2008: Cover Your Butt

Do you suffer from embarrassing fighting butt injuries? After a fishing trip, does your wife suspiciously question those circular shaped bruises on your normally pristine six pack abs?

Coming soon to a fly shop near you, the solution for tender bellied anglers everywhere, Cover your Butt reel seat cushions.

No word yet on the retail price but being called a wimp by your fishing buddies.....Priceless.

FFR Show 2008: Wright & McGill's Quik Drop

Little things that make our angling life easier amuse us greatly. After a day of digging around our fishing vest for a plastic bag of split shot then trying to get one out without spilling them all over the place, the Qwik Shot from Wright and McGill caught our eye. Think Pez dispenser for your non-toxic shot. This item got one of our votes for best new product at the show. Here is the description from the Wright and McGill website (the all caps thing is them not us).

THIS IS THE NEW NON-LEAD, SPLIT SHOT DISPENSER FOR THE FLY-FISHERMAN. EACH MODEL WILL HOLD AND DISPENSE TWO DIFFERENT SIZES OF ROUND, NON-LEAD SHOT. ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR TWO HANDS AND THE LOSS OF SHOT FROM TRADITIONAL ROUND SHOT DIAL PACKS.

It comes preloaded with shot and refills easily.

FFR Show 2008: Patagonia Reception

Every year at the retailer show, the good folks at Patagonia put on a reception at their Denver store. We attend and always snap a few paparazzi pics along the way.

Bill Klyn - The guy behind Patagonia's World Trout Initiative and 1% for the Planet.

Steve Apple of Rollcast Productions and Fishizzle! fame gaves us the Al Braughtinwood update and let us know about his latest project.

"Get that camera out of my face," might have been heard as we spotted TC of Trout Underground infamy interviewing the movers and shakers of the fly fishing industry.

Even Trout Fish Bums have to eat. We spotted Chris Owens of AEG Media enjoying a tasty bite. There was no fermented Yak milk to be found.

Finally, we managed to snap this rare photo of two bloggers in their natural habitat, In this photo, taken from great distance via telephoto lens, we capture FlyFishMagazine.com's Jay Moore and Trout Underground's Tom Chandler, sitting around the schwag pile and enjoying some gratis beverages.

Thanks to all the folks from Patagonia for a great evening. Patagonia is a company that really puts their money where their corporate values are when it comes to doing things correctly for the environment. Somehow Patagonia fly fishing gear guy Brian Bennett of Moldy Chum escaped our lens this time.

FFR Show 2008

Wherein we resisted the urge to offer to help this nice lady string up her fly rod. However, Jay Moore and Tom Chandler did manage to give her some casting advice.

FFR Show 2008: MicroTrash Container

Fishpond launched a tiny little trash can with a no spill top. You can carry on your belt to hold all those bits of mono and used non-toxic split shot. In a pinch it also makes a really nice holder for your night crawlers and corn.

FFR Show: Best book title

Here's a new fishing book with one of the best titles ever.

FFR Show: Cliff's "Justin" Case

Cliff Outdoors is famous for large fly boxes but this one takes the cake. Designed for the angler who needs everything he owns with him at all times. We loved it but can't figure out how to fit it in our fishing vest. More on new products from Cliff Outdoors later.

FlyFishMagazine.com: Old Guys Love Us

flyfishmagazine.com The site appeals to a mostly male, 50+, HH income up to $60k audience.

Via Quantcast - Well we never really tried to be "This is Fly."

We do have some exciting things in the works for the near future,if all goes according to plan. Plans include a radical site redesign (no page flipping software though) that combines the blog with the e-zine domain, the addition of a "Editor of Coarse Fishing" (read carp), installing a fly fishing artist in virtual residence, and articles about fly fishing the world from one of the biggest fly fishing outfitters in the UK.

I am also looking to expand our regional coverage so if you are interested in writing articles or blog posts about your "neck of the woods" drop me a note and lets talk. We don't pay but If you are a fly fishing guide or have something to sell we will give you lots of free advertising and as you can see old guys with a reasonable amount of money love us.

Meanwhile, next week we will be prowling the floor of the Fly Fishing Retailer Show in Denver looking for paparazzi photos of fly fishing industry types in compromising situations to exploit for free gear new and exciting products of which we will surreptitiously snap photos and upload to this site via our super secret James Bond like spy camera / Crackberry. Thus giving our readers the scoop on goings on

Fly Fishing Retailer 2008

Tennessee Editor Jay Moore and myself are currently packing our bags to head out to the Fly Fishing Retailer Show in Denver, Colorado. Our plans include several meetings with industry types, confabs with fellow bloggers, the consumption of malt beverages, and this year we have even managed to plan a meet up for some fishing with FlyFishMagazine.com's Western Correspondent, The Sultan of Big Western Rainbow Trout, Ali Hassan.

This year we will be focusing on new gear and innovation in the fly fishing world with emphasis on some of the smaller companies who are doing some exciting things. We will attempt to refill our schwag can with all manner of free stickers and pins and etc (contrary to popular belief vendors do not throw fishing gear at the media at this sort of event.) Not that we wouldn't be open to that if anyone wanted to.

If you have questions you would like for us to pose to any of the gear company representatives leave us a note and we will try to get in front of them at the show and get an answer for you.

Of course, all of this is subject to them letting us in the door this year. We sent off our registration months ago and still haven't gotten the normal pre-show info packet nor have our emails been answered. This might be simply due to new show management. Oh well, if we don't get in it just means we will have more time at the bar to fish.

PANOPTX to Launch New Logo / Brand

From a recent press release from Flip Pallot and the folks at PANOPTX:

PLEASANTON, Calif. (October 31, 2007) -- Panoptx, a leader in high performance eyewear for outdoor, boating, fishing, general sports and snowsports enthusiasts announced today that, effective January 2008, it will launch a new logo, a stylized numeral 7 tied to a new brand 7EYE. Along with the new name comes an emphasis on targeting the next generation of consumers looking for performance combined with style that easily transitions from the rigors of outdoor activity to stylish everyday use. Products bearing the new logo will be available at retail beginning this January.








Explaining the rationale behind the new name, Panoptx President and CEO Bob Hall noted, “We wanted a name with instant recognition, a logo that would stand out, a domain name that people could spell, a name with youthful energy and attitude. We found that combination with the logo and brand.” To the question, “Why 7?,” Hall replied , “At 7EYE, we create eyewear that helps consumers see all seven colors in the spectrum of visible light. By helping people see the world in all its colors, we give them the freedom to do whatever they want to do better and in greater comfort. We loved the 7EYE logo the moment we saw it,” Hall added.

I am currently in the process of field testing a pair of their sunglasses and have so far been very impressed with their quality, comfort, and performance (a review is in the works).


PANOPTX first started making high quality sunglasses for motorcycle enthusiasts. Their glasses are designed with integrated eye cups and air dams that help prevent dry eyes and limit light leakage from the sides. This unique technology is something that easily translated into the world of the boater and fly fisher.


I can imagine that the spelling of their name without the assumed "i" in Optix has caused them substantial issues in the internet age in which we live.


Additional Info from the release:


The first Panoptx frames bearing the 7EYE logo are already being introduced as Seven Eye by Panoptx Limited Edition III series to the motorcycle market, where Panoptx is a leading brand. “The reception by dealers and consumers in this market has been exceptional, indicating that the future looks bright for 7EYE,” continued Hall.

“The introduction of 7EYE is the beginning of a new platform for product development,” notes Hall. “We have new eyecup technology and new frame designs due to roll out in 2008 that will clearly separate us in a very competitive market from the wanna-bes. We are creating a solid foundation for brand expansion and sales growth, and with new styles and new technology in the pipeline, 7EYE by Panoptx will fuel that growth.”


Link to the PANOPTX website.


Link to our previous coverage of this brand.

Ed Dentry on the FFR Show

Ed Dentry of the Rocky Mountain News prints his views of this year's Fly Fishing Retailer Show. He points out the one thing that might actually help our sport grow:

The wisest also have figured out that price tags for the basics need to come down if the ancient sport is to continue recruiting newcomers - especially children.
It is gratifying to see that happen. An obvious trend at the show was the appearance of more quality fly rods, reels and combination sets priced for modest budgets.

He also makes points out some of his favorite items from the show.