Stuck in mounds of piling snow, far enough removed from the last steelhead trip to hardly remember it and still too far away from the spring thaw to get truly excited, anglers must seek satiation elsewhere. Thankfully, this is the time of year new products are released. For anglers, now may in fact be the best time of all to pull out the wrapping paper, the ribbons, and the bows and spread a little post-holiday cheer.

ALL TACKLE

Daiwa Samurai-7i spinning reel www.daiwa.com

With all the advanced highlights Daiwa is known for, the Samurai-7i series spinning reels put quality in anglers’ hands at an affordable price. The reels feature seven ball bearings and one roller bearing to ensure the rotor spins smoothly, with no wobble or inopportune “grabs.” The large-diameter ABS spool reduces coiling and tangles while Daiwa’s Twist Buster system lays line evenly without twists or loops. Models are available in four sizes, to handle 6, 8, 10, and 12-pound test, and they retail for just $29.99.

Penn Slammer Series spinning reel www.pennfishing.com

The Penn Slammer is a durable metal-bodied spinning reel with a full-length stainless steel main shaft and machined anodized aluminum spool. Four internal ball bearings and Penn’s balanced rotor combine for wobble-free retrieves. The series is designed for 8, 10, 12-pound test and reels retail for $129 to $139.

Shimano Tekota trolling reels www.shimano.com

Offered in seven different models, the Shimano Tekota series reels feature diecast aluminum frames for tight tolerances and increased durability, an oversized clicker button, and a crossbar forward design to allow more access to the spool and palming comfort. When it’s wet or cold—which is often in Alaska—each Tekota reel has an ergonomic Septon power handle that offers a non-slip grip and allow for three different handle positions. The series across all seven models will handle just about any angling application imaginable, from using downriggers or Dipsey divers to planer boards or leadcore lines. The Tekota reels retail for $159.99-$189.99.

These reels are designed to handle the abuse tackle is commonly subjected to…and even more importantly, to provide comfort and ease of use to enhance your fishing experience. — Jeremy Sweet, Shimano product development team.

Okuma Titus Gold TG-15-II www.okumafishing.com

The Okuma Titus Gold TG-15-11 is one of the few out-of-the-box 15-pound line class two-speeds in the world. The one-piece frame and side plates are machined from solid stock aircraft-grade aluminum; all external parts have been cold-forged, and the stainless steel gearing has been oversized. The Titus Gold also features a new, extra-strong, double “dog” anti-reverse system and is ideally suited for tackling Alaska’s larger gamefish, most notably ocean-fresh Chinook salmon.

P-Line Spectrex IV www.p-line.com

Spectrex IV is a four-carrier braid, with each carrier having up to 60 strands of the highest quality Spectra braided into a single line. What does this mean to Alaska’s anglers? The Spectra IV has increased sensitivity because of the near-zero stretch factor, increased line capacity because of the high strength in comparison to the diameter, and it is UV resistant, 30-foot sinking head, and like all Mastery Series lines, is formulated with AST. Retail price: $59.95.

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Stren Super Braid www.stren.com

The Stren Super Braid offers superior strength and sensitivity, while resisting fraying and fading. Knots also cinch down tight. The line comes in either hi-vis gold or low-vis green, and can be used in virtually any of the Great Land’s variety of fishing settings.

Izorline “Brutally Strong” Spectra www.izorline.com

Izorline has developed a new 12-pound test Spectra line, which is ideal for use in freshwater fishing applications. The line is reputed to have very low or even no memory, so it’ll resist coiling and twisting problems common to many Super Lines. It also comes in a wide variety of spool sizes and can be used for everything from fly line backing to spooling a deepwater bait-caster or a small spinning outfit.

Lamiglas Rogue River Special rods www.lamiglas.com

Originally designed for one of the most demanding rivers in the United States, Lamiglas’ Rogue River rods now offer two new models, a heavy-action 8-foot, 6-inch casting model and a medium-action 9-foot casting model, ideal for fishing floats. In average-sized to large rivers, the longer rods provide extreme casting distance and awesome line control. The longer blank also offers a greater range of flex to protect supple lines in battles with large fish. For those trolling herring and/or anchovies, longer rods offer the flex to carry lead weights and dive planers while maintaining some give on the strike to help hooks find a hold. Featured on both models are translucent forest green blanks with chromed aluminum oxide guides and custom cushioned-hood reel seats.

RR 90 M, 9-foot two-piece, K to I-ounce lures, 8-12 lb. line weights, moderate/fast actions, mdium power: $188.

RR 80 HC, 8-foot 6-inch two-piece H to 2 H-ounce lures, 12-30 lb. line weights, moderate/fast actions, heavy power: $188.

Shakespeare Ugly Stik Bigwater rods www.shakespeare-fishing.com

Already a legend in Alaska, the Ugly Stik Bigwater rods continue to set the standard for durability in a salmon rod. The new models feature durable EVA foam handles and graphite-reinforced reel seats with stainless steel hoods. Bigwater Rods also have aluminum oxide guide inserts to prevent line abrasion, an epoxy coating to protect from UV rays, and extremely tough Carboloy tiptops.

Cape Fear Man O’ War casting/trolling rods www.capefearrodcompany.com

The newest rods from Cape Fear, the Man O’ War series rods were built to handle a wide range of chores, from open-water trolling to casting for schooling salmon in a tidal estuary. Each rod in the series features a fast-action blank, with Fuji guides or Aftco rollers available in most sizes.

St. Croix Premier Ice Rod www.stcroixrods.com

New this year, these rods feature the same solid carbon blank and guides as the Avid Series of St. Croix ice rods, but with a traditional cork handle. The Premier Combo adds a three ball bearing aluminum spinning reel to the rod. Together, they’re the perfect combination for working Alaska’s over-wintering fish, and their small, lightweight size makes them ideal for packing along on a snow machine or cross-country ski trip for those headed to more secluded locations.

Luhr Jensen Kwikfish K-16X Extreme www.luhr-jensen.com

The newest item from Luhr Jensen, and one Alaskan anglers will want to quickly get acquainted with, is the all-new Kwikfish K-16X Extreme. This new size represents the second member of a new generation of Kwikfish, which features fixed eyelets and side-to-side body construction. The K-16X dives deep (up to 18 feet), does not require tuning, and has extreme action and vibration. It is not a replacement for the standard K-16; but rather an all-new lure that should be added to tackle arsenals for deepwater applications or where a more extreme action is needed to trigger strikes. The K-16X is available in the same finishes as the other salmon-sized Kwikfish, and in both rattle and non-rattle versions. The Kwikfish K-16X Extreme will also be available in a water-activated lighted model.

The deep diving plug, complete with rattles and accentuated movement, carries all the qualities an angler desires when targeting deep water kings. —Scott Haugen, Fish Alaska contributing editor

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Kodiak Custom Fishing Tackle titanium spinners www.kodiakcustom.com

The bonded-sleeve Titanium Spinner will twist, bend, and stretch, then spring back into position and allow anglers to keep hammering gear-busting fish all day long. This spinner is specifically designed for salmon, pike, and bass anglers who experience constant fish-on-the-bite action. Kodiak Custom Fishing Tackle (bonded-sleeve) titanium spinners are available in 15 colors, nickel or brass finish, treble or single hook, and in sizes #5 (H oz.) or #6 (O oz.). They cost between $7 and $8 each and if not lost to a fish, will literally last forever. Extra durable stainless steel wire shaft spinners are also available with all the same options plus a size #4 (N oz.) in addition to the #5 and #6. They cost between $3.49 and $4.49 each.

Kone Zone Flasher www.konezone.com

Trolling for salmon in Alaska’s saltwater is all about trying to cover as much good water as possible, and of course, attracting as many big, bright Chinook or coho salmon as possible. To the latter, here’s a product that can help, the Kone Zone flasher. With its “Slow Roll,” light-bending action—smooth at any trolling speed—the Kone Zone will definitely bring the fish in. Now all you’ve got to do is set the hook.

Kodiak Custom Fishing Tackle Bottom Fishing Jigs www.kodiakcustom.com

The Kodiak Custom Fishing Tackle Bottom Fishing Jigs were originally designed for targeting halibut and lingcod in the Prince William Sound and Kodiak areas. New additions include a trailer hook attached to a Finn-Tastic Titanium Leader and a Gibbs/Nortac Mudraker skirt.

The Bottom Fishing Jigs are available in a variety of colors and come in 4 oz., 7 oz., or 11 oz. sizes, retailing for between $11.50 to $15.50 each.

My #1 policy is to ensure that all of the gear I make will not only catch a lot of fish but will also hold up to the punishment and abuse that hard fishing and saltwater will dish out before I put it on the market. —Tony Davis, owner and lure designer, Kodiak Custom Fishing Tackle

FLYFISHING

Ross Reels Rhythm Series fly reels www.rossreels.com

For over thirty years, Ross Reels has continued to introduce reels to satisfy even the most demanding fly anglers. New for 2004 and continuing in that tradition is the Rhythm series—large arbor fly reels that incorporate the Gunnison’s tradition of durability, style, and performance, with all the features of new Ross technology added in. The series features a strong, smooth, and sensitive disc drag system (made of the same Delrin-based material as is used for the super powerful Ross Canyon Big Game series reels). Designed for rod weights between one and eight, there’s a Rhythm reel for nearly every application in Alaska. The series is modestly priced as well, retailing from $180 for the one-weight model to $230 for the eight-weight reel.

Tibor Spring Creek CL reels www.tiborreel.com

Part of its Tibor Light series, the new Spring Creek CL reel is designed for anglers using light lines, making it an ideal grayling, Dolly Varden, or small trout reel for Alaska anglers. The drag system of the Spring Creek series has been refined with the addition of the ConstaLube system, which utilizes felt and Tibor’s special lubricant, TiborLube. The system was designed by Ted Juracsik to reduce friction and help protect light tippets. Tibor Light reels are available in custom colors and with personalized engravings, which range from existing templates like trout, salmon, bonefish, or tarpon to custom logos or artwork. The Spring Creek CL retails for $305.

RIO GrandSpey/RIO WindCutter Spey lines www.rioproducts.com

Casting for distance can be important in many of Alaska’s larger coastal rivers. Lately, to meet this need, the two-handed or Spey rod has begun to gain in popularity. For anglers wanting to give Spey-casting a shot, two RIO lines cover nearly every need. First is the WindCutter, the best choice of line for those learning to spey cast and for the angler who likes to shoot line to get distance. Second is the RIO GrandSpey, a long belly line based on a very successful, century-old design—Alexander Grant’s continuous taper fly line, which the designer used to cast an amazing 195 feet. RIO has improved the front taper from the original design so that it easily casts big flies and sink tips. This is the line for distance-casting, as well as the perfect product for the Spey caster who doesn’t want to shoot line, but wishes to fish in the traditional “cast and swing” method. Both RIO Spey lines are available in a floating line or an interchangeable tip version.

Teeny Tandem Series fly lines www.jimteeny.com

Known as one of the few true innovators in freshwater fly-fishing, Jim Teeny has done it again. With the new Tandem Series fly lines, Alaska anglers can be as flexible as the water conditions across the state, without needing to carry a bag full of sink-tips. Two complete fly lines in one, the Teeny Tandem Series lines are 130 feet long and come in one piece, perfectly balanced from the factory, eliminating any loops, splices, or knots in the full length of the fly line. Enclosed are two braided loops to be attached at each end of the fly line, allowing the fisherman to reverse the line with ease when fishing situations change. There are two models available: a long shot taper floating line/Mini-Tip combination, plus a pairing of the Mini-Tip with the ever-famous T-Series lines. The Tandem Series lines retail for $82, and beginning in 2004, all Teeny fly lines come with an enclosed instructional DVD. On the 90-minute DVD, Jim explores casting, equipment, knots, fly-tying, reading the water, and other fly-fishing basics.

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Scientific Anglers Mastery Series Fly Lines www.scientificanglers.com

Trout Taper

The all-new Mastery Series Trout Taper was designed for serious trout anglers employing traditional dry fly or small nymph tactics. The Trout Taper lines are offered in both weight-forward three to seven-weight and double taper two through six-weight sizes, and they also feature Scientific Anglers’ “dry slick” Advance Shooting Technology. Available in either willow or fire orange colors, the Trout Taper retails for $59.95.

This line addresses precisely every comment and suggestion I’ve made for a technical trout fly line. This is the line I’ve been waiting for for years. —René Harrop.

Nymph Taper

This new Mastery Series line features a more powerful front taper to better turn over weighted flies, split shot, and strike indicators, and an extra long compound tapered head and extended rear taper for improved line control and long-distance mending. A new, larger tip also provides for added floatation, easier mending, and better strike detection. The Mastery Series Nymph lines are available in willow and retail for $59.95.

The most important development in fly fishing since the invention of modern fly line itself. —Lefty Kreh, speaking of Scientific Anglers Advanced Shooting Technology.

Streamer Express lines

Designed to get flies down quickly, the Scientific Anglers new Streamer Express fly lines come in six grain weights, from 200 to 450, and are perfect for subsurface applications as varied as tossing baitfish patterns in the salt to casting large salmon streamers in Alaska’s bigger freshwater rivers. Sink rates range from 5.5 inches per second with the 200-grain line to 8 inches per second in the 450-grain version. The intermediate-sinking running line has a graduated-density transition to the 30-foot sinking head, and like all Mastery Series lines, is formulated with AST. Retail price: $59.95.

Frog Hair leader-tying kit www.froghairfishing.com

The Frog Hair Leader Tying Kit is the first true leader “kit” that includes everything you need to make your own hand-tied leaders quickly and easily. The kit comes complete with 14 spools of Frog Hair leader building materials (sizes 7X thru 0X, 0.013, 0.015, 0.017, 0.019, 0.021, and 0.023), a How-to-Guide complete with instructions and leader formulas, a retractable tape measure for measuring out leader sections, and a convenient Leader Tying Tool that makes quick and easy work of tying leader sections to one another using blood knots or double uni-knots. The entire kit is packed in an attractive box to keep all the materials conveniently and neatly organized.

G.Loomis StreamDance fly rods www.gloomis.com

StreamDance is the new concept in trout fishing from G.Loomis, and there’s more to it than premium cork handles, fancy reel seats, high performance materials, and new hi-tech guides. For this new series, G.Loomis has incorporated special actions and tapers and even a few new design theories. The top-of-the line model is the StreamDance GLX, which features the finest components available, including Portuguese cork handles and the company’s proprietary GLX graphite. In addition, they’ve added a new reel seat and recoil guides made from a special nickel titanium alloy. The StreamDance GLX fly rods are available in line weights from two to six, in three and four-piece models, and in medium-fast to fast actions. The rods retail for $575-$645. Also a part of the StreamDance lineup are a second model made from a special blend of two and sometimes three proprietary graphites, the StreamDance Metolius. There are three different actions available in the Metolius line (including a 13-foot, 4-inch medium taper Trout Spey model), which retail for $345-$445.

Sage Xi2 fly rods www.sageflyfish.com

Over three years of material and design research has gone into the production of the newest Sage series of fly rods to hit the market, the Xi2. The rods feature Sage’s Modulus Positioning System, developed specifically for this series to provide a startling level of “line feel” throughout the casting stroke. This enhanced ability to feel the rod load allows anglers to apply power more efficiently, which in turn means tighter loops, better wind penetration, and more distance. Xi2 Series rods also feature new, lower profile, oversized guides and a round tip-top guide to reduce friction, as well as an improved, saltwater-safe reel seat. The rods come to fit line weights from 6 to 14 and retail from $620 to $695.

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Scott A2 and V2 fly rods www.scottflyrods.com

Scott is introducing a pair of fly rods for the 2004 season, the A2 and V2 series, which are handmade in their Montrose, CO, production facility and include all the hallmarks of a Scott fly rod—high strain graphite, hard chrome plated guides, premium cork grips, and machined aluminum hardware. Only these rods were designed for the budget angler, or as Scott puts it, trout bums. Both are available in 2-piece and 4-piece configurations and in line weights three through ten. The A2 retails for $245 / $280, and the V2 retails for $160 / $190.

These people are hammering waters all season long, living out of their cars, and they’re quite happy about it all. We know that fish bums have different needs, and we’re making sure those needs are met. Besides, there’s a bunch of fish bums walking the halls here who need these rods. —Jim Bartschi, Scott Fly Rods designer

Teeny Sparkle Nymphs and Leeches www.jimteeny.com

The Teeny Nymph has long been a favored fly for Alaska salmon anglers; now it’s even more effective. Tied the same as the regular Teeny Nymph, except with a Krystal Flash butt section added, the Teeny Sparkle nymphs and leeches make great attractor patterns, which performed terrifically during Jim’s 2003 product testing, enticing everything from Chinooks on the Kanektok to the brown trout in Chile. Both the Sparkle Nymphs and Sparkle Leeches come in Ginger, Chili, Hot Green, Black, Flame Orange, and Antique Gold feather colors. They can be purchased for $1.75 each.

JW Outfitters Fishing Backpack with removable Dry Bag www.scientificanglers.com

The JW Outfitters Fishing Backback from 3M Scientific Anglers offers 1731 cubic inches of storage space and two side pockets. There’s also an 850 cubic-inch wet compartment to handle waders and boots at the end of the day. Mesh drain holes in the pack drain water in case you wade too deep, and the rest of the backpack is constructed of urethane-coated 500-denier nylon fabric with heavy duty zippers. It’s offered in both green and willow colors.

The JW Outfitters Fishing Backpack allows fly anglers to be ready for anything—and take just about anything—when they hit their favorite waters. And it’s designed with the utmost in comfort in mind, including load-adjusting compression straps, adjustable padded shoulder straps, and a thermal-formed back panel. There’s also dedicated space for a rod tube so you can keep your hands free when hiking in to remote spots. —Del Kauss, Scientific Anglers.

Patagonia’s The Great Divider gear bag www.patagonia.com

The Great Divider is a padded, portable, highly water-resistant storage bag for anglers, photographers, sailors, outdoorsmen, and other Patagonia customers who’ve been seeking a way to carry their valuable equipment afield. Ten years of technical research have combined to produce this highly-innovative, almost 100-percent waterproof bag. The Great Divider can handle rain, standing freshwater and saltwater up to the point of extensive submersion—and keep the contents within dry. The body is constructed of 840-denier nylon and double-coated with polyurethane coating, and the bag has 1,600 cubic inches of storage space.

FOR EVERYONE

SIMMS G3 Wading Jacket www.simmsfishing.com

If last season’s success of the new G3 breathable chest waders is any indication, SIMMS new G3 wading jacket is due to be an overwhelming hit. The jacket utilizes the most technical waterproof/breathable fabrics available and features waterproof zipper seams, corrosion-resistant zipper pulls, thermo-laminated zippers, and a very angler-friendly design.

BITE Steelheader wading boots www.bitefootwear.com

Featuring BITE’s specialized easy-entry Heel-Lok system, the Steelheader FT is an extremely comfortable wading boot that offers extended support and durability. For extra traction, the boots are also equipped with BITE’s exclusive OUZEL Spike System and non-slip felt.

Black Diamond Moonlight Headlamp www.blackdiamondequipment.com

Four super bright LEDs light the way with Black Diamond’s new Moonlight Headlamp, which provides up to 150 hours of illumination on one set of batteries. Anglers wanting to gain more stream time in the morning or evening can regulate the intensity of the LEDs, and a tilt housing allows the light source to be directed to where it’s needed most. The waterproof Moonlight weighs only 2.9 ounces without batteries and is compact enough to easily fit in any vest pocket when not in use. Retail price: $29.95.

Orvis Tailwaters XT waders www.orvis.com

Though bootfoot waders have long been in vogue, especially for late fall and winter steelheaders, Orvis is now introducing a new wading shoe—with the waders attached. The new top-of-the-line Tailwaters XT offer the support of a wading shoe with the convenience of a bootfoot, in the same integrated breathable wading system.

From the waist down, the waders are constructed from four-layer, breathable fabric, while the upper features four-way stretch fabric that is waterproof, breathable, extremely light, and not bulky, as it folds comfortably into the waist when conditions call for waist-high waders. Built in gravel guards protect the inside fabrics from abrasion and keep fly lines from snagging in laces.

The Orvis Tailwaters XT breathable waders retail for $389.

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Outcast PAC-1200 www.outcastboats.com

The newly designed Outcast PAC-1200 brings top-of-the-line materials to a craft designed for technical angling applications. The new frame design provides more legroom for both the oarsman and angler and includes a casting platform with lean bar. Seams are thermal welded and the cargo platform is equipped to handle up to 600 pounds in weight. Pontoons are 13 feet in length and 20 inches in diameter. The PAC 1200 retails for $2,199.

TyGer knotable leaders www.tygerleader.com

For every angler that targets toothy, tippet-snapping fish, the TyGer stainless steel, knotable leaders are an ideal product. TyGer Leaders are flexible enough to knot well with monofilament, and the nylon coating ensures the knots won’t slip. Casting action and turn-over is not compromised, and the small line diameters make the leaders reel-friendly.

Garmin Rino 120 GPS/Radio two-pack www.garmin.com

The Rino 120 combines a state-of-the art GPS navigation and two-way communications in a single product, which also includes enough memory to download detailed mapping for driving, hiking, hunting, or fishing directions galore. The unit is waterproof and can beam positioning information to another Rino user within a two-mile range using Garmin’s Position Reporting. The radio also functions at a range of two miles. The Rino 120 retails for $267.84.

XTOOLS Floating Pliers www.xtools.us

Xtools new line of floating pliers are designed for those anglers who may have had a bit of trouble in the past keeping their all-metal pliers from meeting with river bottom. The tungsten carbide cutting system has been specially designed to cut braided line, and the lightweight pliers also feature soft-grip handles and come in high-visibility green and blue.

Action Optics polarized sunglasses www.actionoptics.com

New for 2004, Action Optics has introduced seven frames to its collection of quality polarized sunglasses. The new looks include the Fishbone, a sleek and modern restyling of a traditional full coverage frame that’s been designed to satisfy the rigorous standards of professional fishing guides—providing full coverage, full polarization, and as much peripheral vision as possible. As part of the all-glass Action Optics Crystal Collection, the Fishbone is available in three photochromic lens tints (Clearwater Copper, Freshwater Amber, and All-Hour Brown) that automatically adjust to changing light conditions. Also available are a pair of high-performance constant-density lens tints, Silver Creek Brown and Key Largo Grey. The Fishbone retails for $134.95-$159.95.

The Fishbone provides the traditional full-coverage fisherman’s frame with a well-deserved update. By giving this performance-driven style a thorough makeover, we’ve created a frame style that can appeal to both the core outdoor user as well as the city dweller looking for a truly authentic design. —Peter Crow, Action Optics general manager.