This time of year is among the most exciting for us at AvidMax. The fishing is still great, the holidays are around the corner, and the latest and greatest equipment and apparel from top-notch brands is arriving daily. With so many innovative, new products available to meet the needs of fly fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, there is no shortage of selection, features, and styles to match your personality. Now is the perfect time to stock up for your outdoor adventures or get a head start on holiday gift buying, so we figured we’d offer up some our top picks for your consideration.
New Arrivals from Howler Brothers:
Howler Brothers Harker’s Flannel Long Sleeve Shirt
No shirt can match the versatility, ruggedness, and protection from the elements like a trusted flannel. Howler Brothers Harker’s Flannel is best-seller—for good reason. This shirt is packed with features that allow you to go toe-to-toe with Mother Nature: reinforced elbow patches, a right shoulder hunters’ yoke, and custom metal buttons. Brushed for softness, the Howler Bothers Harker’s Flannel combines style with comfort, which is something we really love about this brand.
Howler Brothers Stockman Flannel Long Sleeve Shirt
Take the bull by the horns with this western-style flannel, complete with snap buttons. If there is one flannel that pays homage to Howler Brothers’ Texas roots, it’s the Stockman Flannel. Buttery soft and perfect for layering, the Stockman Flannel will keep you cozy year-round—on and off the water.
Howler Brothers Howler Classic Snapback Hat
Complete the look with our Howler Brothers Snapback Hat. The mesh-back hat features a navy front, horizontal stripes around the back, and a tag featuring the brand’s iconic howler monkey. Is it possible for a fly fisher to have too many hats? Ha! We all know the answer to that. Pick one up today.
Perfect for staying warm without the restrictiveness of a coat, the Howler Brothers Crowley Vest has got you covered. Insulate your core with vintage flair. Bonus: the lightweight design easily compresses into a built-in pocket stuff sack.
Howler Brothers Sign Painter Snapback Hat
Keep the low winter sun from cramping your style with the Howler Brothers Sign Painter Snapback Hat. Brown/rust on top and blue on bottom, the brim was designed with a glare-cutting navy underside for your viewing pleasure.
New Arrivals from Redington:
Remember the days when your reel customization options were limited to your backing and fly line colors? Those days are gone, thanks to Redington’s new i.D. Fly Reel. Designed for ultimate personal expression, your new reel can be adorned with the decal of your choice. Mix it up as your mood changes by stacking or swapping out designs. The sturdy, cast aluminum construction with a large arbor design allows for speedy line retrieval and tippet protection, while the Rulon disk drag stops even the biggest adversary in its place.
Redington Topo II Combo Fly Rod Outfit
Get hooked on fly fishing with the Redington TOPO II Combo Fly Rod Outfit. This starter kit includes everything an angler could want: rod, line, leader, tippet, flies, fly box, and even a nipper. All you have to do is add water. Oh, and did we mention the updated CROSSWATER reel?
Redington Wayward Flannel Long Sleeve Shirt
Gear up with a long-sleeve shirt built for hooking trout. Redington equipped the Wayward Flannel with two chest pockets roomy enough for small fly boxes. The adjustable cuffs and durable, yet soft, fabric allow anglers to get down and dirty in style.
Redington Path II Combo Fly Rod Outfit
Our best selling combo has been upgraded and looks better than ever! This combo set—suitable for salt or fresh water conditions—includes a smooth-casting, medium-fast action graphite fly rod; the CROSSWATER reel, pre-spooled with RIO Mainstream WF fly line; and a cordura rod tube.
Redington Youth Minnow Combo Fly Rod Outfit
Get your favorite minnow on a trout! A perfect holiday gift for the young angler in your life, the Minnow medium action rod is shorter in length for easier casting. Don’t let size deceive you! This outfit can hold its own, complete with a Crosswater reel, line, and rod tube.
Redington Women’s Sonic-Pro Wader
Even in the heart of ski season, plenty of tailwater fisheries offer dedicated fishers a shot at making a catch. The Redington Women’s Sonic-Pro Waders are ideal for fishing in frosty temperatures, featuring a fleece-lined hand warmer pocket and a removable water-resistant pocket. Comfortable, durable, and made for women, these full-bib waders adjust to fit most body types, without the unnecessary bulk.
Redington Lightning Trout Zip Up Hoodie
We love comfy hoodies! This zip-up from Redington fills that need, with one of our favorite trout-meets-lightning graphics prominently displayed on the back. And yes, we did say “trout-meets-lightning.” You have to see it to believe it.
Redington Palix River Bootfoot Wader
Can’t decide between waist-high or chest waders? The Redington Palix River Bootfoots easily convert between the two, with DWR (durable water repellent) coated fabric, a fleece-lined hand warmer pocket, and built-in Thinsulate insulated boots to save you the extra expense.
The Latest Innovation In Fly Lines:
Whether you’re a coastal native or a rocky mountain angler traveling to Cancun, RIO’s award-winning DirectCore Flats Pro line is the best on the market for flats fishing in warm, tropical water. Bonefish, permit and tarpon beware, the RIO DirectCore Flats Pro is out to get you with 30% less stretch than regular tropical lines, low memory, and a design that provides accuracy and responsiveness close-in and long-range.
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Tarpon Fly Line
While others are braving colder temperatures, wouldn’t you love to spend time chasing down monster tarpon in tropical water? If so, Scientific Anglers Amplitude Tarpon Fly Line is a great choice. It features AST PLUS slickness additive for quick shooting ability and increased durability. This line delivers so well on its design, all you’ll have to do is tie on a fly and prepare to bow to the king. Anyone else itching for a trip to Boca Grande?
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Anadro Fly Line
Another innovative line, featuring Scientific Angler’s AST PLUS slickness additive, Amplitude Anadro Fly Line boasts super slickness, durability, and dry tip technology. The Amplitude Anadaro Fly line is built for big rivers and perfectly suite for long-line nymphing and large dry dropper combos. If you’re chasing big trout, Steelhead, or Salmon in moderate to cold temperatures, you’ll surely want to give this line a try.
New Arrivals from Patagonia:
Patagonia Women’s Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover
Stay snug as a bug this winter with the quintessential pullover for chilly conditions. Simply put, this will be a staple that you turn to time and time again. The Patagonia Women’s Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover fits the bill for everything from skiing and snowshoeing to maxing and relaxing. Not only versatile, it is also responsibly constructed from 51% recycled polyester fleece.
Pack your gear and keep it dry with Patagonia’s Black Hole Pack. As the name suggests, you’ll be able to cram a treasure chest of daily essentials into this lightweight, top-loading bag that features ripstop polyester paired with a waterproof TPU laminate and DWR finish. The reason we love the 25L in particular is because it’s as capable around town as it is on the trail. The Black Hole Pack features a molded back panel, enough room for most 15″ laptops, and padded shoulder harnesses with extra compartments for bottles and small items.
Patagonia Men’s Tough Puff Hoody Full Zip
During winter months, even the most skillful fly fishing expert can be neutralized by stiff, unforgiving outerwear. Enter Patagonia’s Men’s Tough Puff Hoody. Step up your game with this ultralight jacket built for cold-weather fishing. Durable and flexible, the Tough Puff Hoody keeps you warm without restricting your cast, thanks to FullRange® stretch insulation. It has two large vertical fly box pockets and a DWR finish to keep you dry when the flakes start to fall.
Trade in your old, hot fabric vest for the breathable Mesh Master II. In warm weather, the mesh body is light and breathable, but in cold weather it is flexible enough to layer without taking on added moisture. With plenty of pockets, you’ll be able to haul several fly boxes with easy access when it’s time to change patterns. If you’re looking for a vest that works year-round, the Mesh Master II is the ticket.
What’s not to love about this 100% waterproof pack? Whatever your outdoor adventure, here’s the solution for transporting food, clothing, and gear in comfort with peace of mind. If you enjoy photographing nature or a 24″ brown, you’ll appreciate the fact that your DSLR will be kept dry even in monsoon conditions, thanks to a TPU coating and waterproof TIZIP® zipper. Combine that with the fact you can secure a rod case using the two side web loops, and this pack may just climb to the top of your wishlist.
Keep an eye on the AvidMax blog this season for product updates and new gear top picks. And make sure to check in often at AvidMax.com where we’re constantly introducing new products that will take your upcoming adventure to the next level.
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