The holiday season comes early in the world of fly fishing retail. Starting mid-September just after the annual Fly Fishing Retailers show in Denver, owners of multi-brand Fly Fishing "Pro Shops" get bombarded with "New Product Announcements", revised catalogs, product samples, and visits from "Tackle Reps" (Manufacturers Representatives) showing off their new wares.

After a quick review, one of the trends this year is obvious, i.e. "Economics." With the lingering tough economy, many manufacturers are reaching out to the budget-minded angler and new recruits to the sport to ensure their survival. As a result, we are seeing many low-priced products, and, in certain cases, price reductions (some substantial) on existing products.

Most interesting is that those leading the "Economic" charge are historically high-end companies such as Abel, Winston, Sage and Simms, as well as the traditional lower-priced entries such as Redington. As for the fly fisherman who thrives on the latest technological advances, not to worry: there is the normal flurry of newly designed high-tech products.

In addition to adding approximately 20 models to their existing lines, industry leader Sage has added to both end of their price range. At the lower end, Sage has introduced the "LE" series representing their first foray into the under $175 fly rod market. At only $165 for a 9' 5-weight. These USA made medium-fast action fully warranted rods should be a big seller.

Sage has also introduced the "TCR" series (Technical Casting Rod) at the other end of the spectrum. These "Ultra-Fast" action 4-piece rods are available in limited sizes (9' 5-weight and 9' 8-weight) and weigh in at $700 and $725 respectively. While not for everyone, the TCR is a serious tool in the proper hands (i.e., the technically advanced caster).

The biggest surprise in regard to fly rods comes out of Winston. Long known for their meticulous workmanship, quality components, slow-medium actions and high price tag ($500+), Winston has upped the anti with a new under $300 rod line. Made in their Montana factory, the $295 medium-fast 4-piece "Ibis" comes in a full range of lengths and weights.

Redington has revamped their popular Red Fly and RS2 series of rods with improved reel seats and in the case of the RS2, the addition of a rod tube (with an approximately $10 and $30 price increase respectively.) In addition, Redington has dropped the lower end of the price range for "Pro Shop" rods with the introduction of the $59 "Crosswater" ("Manufacturers Defect" warranty).

Also from Redington is the new $700+ NTiQ (Nano Titanium Quartz) fast-action saltwater rod recognized for its unsurpassed strength. In addition, Redington has introduced a full line of affordable technical clothing (e.g., microfiber, fleece, etc.) and dropped the price by $75 (now a steal at $149.95!) on their popular "QNimbus" waterproof/breathable wading jacket.

Ross has introduced the under $300 "Evolution" series of lightweight large-arbor freshwater reels based on the successful Canyon big Game series. Additionally, Bauer has consolidated their popular MacKenzie and Little Mack SuperLite series into one line, i.e. "MacKenzie SuperLite" (taking the best features from each) and added a new line, the "MacKenzie Z" series.

Abel stunned the angling community by dropping the price on all of their reels. With price reductions from roughly 20% on their "Big Game" series, 10% on their "TR" and "Creek" series, and from $20 to $100 on their "Super" series (the popular "Super 5" dropped from $545 to $450), now is the time to take the plunge and purchase one of the finest fly reels made!

Having dropped from $375 to $330, Simms' "Guide Weight" wader (the wader by which all other waders are judged!) should be an easy sell to those looking for a quality breathable wader. At the other ends of the spectrum, Simms has introduced the $149 "Freestone" wader (non-Gortex breathable) and the $425 Gortex "G3" wader (how can they improve on the "Guide Weight"?).

Add to this Umpqua's "SuperFluoro" 2nd Generation fluorocarbon tippet, Rio's "LumaLux" glow-in-the-dark fly line (think summer "Hex" fishing!), and if this is any indication, the new products offered by the rest of the industry, and the 2002 Holiday Season (and 2003 Fishing Season!) is looking like it will be a good one for both the serious and not so serious fly fisherman!