scott fly rods best of show iftd 2019
Scott Fly Rod's Jim Bartschi and Theresa Van Nooten accepting the overall "Best of Show" award for Scott's new Sector series of fly rods (photo: Chad Shmukler).

Every annual International Fly Tackle Dealers (IFTD) show is a momentous event, but this year's gathering was particularly notable given that it is the first time in many year's that the fly fishing industry has gathered on its own. After 6 years of partnership with the American Sportfishing Association's ICAST show, which brought the fly fishing industry and the conventional fishing industry together under one enormous roof, this year IFTD was back on its own back in its previous home of Denver, Colorado.

The fly-fishing only focus and venue change led to a renewed sense of optimism and energy on the show floor, as shop owners, retail buyers, media and more pored over all of this year's offerings from fly fishing manufacturers both big and small.

As usual, all eyes were turned to the show's "Party at the Pond," where the winners of each year's awards for best new products are announced. This year was the most gear-packed new product showcase ever, with entries in 30 different categories, plus the annual overall "Best of Show" award.

Scott Fly Rods stole the spotlight with its wins for both Best Saltwater Fly Rod and overall Best of Show, both awarded to Scott's new Sector series fly rods. No stranger to best of show awards itself, Sage cleaned up the remaining rod categories, snagging wins for Best Freshwater Fly Rod and Best Two-Handed Fly Rod.

sage trout ll best freshwater fly rod iftd 2019
The Sage TROUT LL, winner of Best Freshwater fly rod at IFTD 2019 (photo: Chad Shmukler).

Simms, as it seems to do perennially, walked away with more awards than any other manufacturer, racking up wins in 9 different categories, including wins for both Best Men's Wader and Best Women's Waders. Also among the top winners this year was Scientific Anglers, who swept the fly line and leader categories, tallying wins for Best Freshwater Fly Line, Best Saltwater Fly Line and Best Leader/Tippet.

Other award-winning regulars, such as Patagonia, Fishpond and Umpqua also racked up awards. And The Mayfly Group, which now owns both Ross and Abel Reels, walked away with wins in both fly reel categories.

Here's the full list of IFTD 2019's 'Best of Show' award winners.

Award Brand Product
Best of Show Scott Fly Rods Sector Series
Fly Rod – Freshwater Sage Fly Fishing TROUT LL
Fly Rod – Saltwater Scott Fly Rods Sector Series
Fly Rod – 2 Handed/Spey Sage Fly Fishing TROUT SPEY HD
Fly Reel – Freshwater Ross Reels San Miguel
Fly Reel – Saltwater Abel Reels VAYA
Fly Line – Freshwater Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity
Fly Line – Saltwater Scientific Anglers Amp Smooth Infinity Salt
Leader/Tippet – Gear Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet
Waders – Men's Simms Fishing Products G4Z® Stockingfoot Wader
Waders – Women's Simms Fishing Products Women's G3 Guide™ Z Wader
Wading Boots – Men's Simms Fishing Products G4 Pro® Boot
Boat/Personal WaterCraft Outcast Sporting Gear IK Angler 11'
Chest Pack/Vest Fishpond Flathead Sling
Luggage (Bags, Backpacks) – Gear Simms Fishing Products GTS Roller Duffel - 110L
Outerwear – Men's Simms Fishing Products G4 Pro® Jacket
Outerwear – Women's Simms Fishing Products Women's G3 Guide™ Jacket
General Apparel – Men's Simms Fishing Products SolarFlex UltraCool Armor
General Apparel – Women's Simms Fishing Products Women's Bugstopper Leggings
Fly Box/Storage System Fishpond Fly Dock
Fly Hooks – Gear Umpqua Feather Merchants XT050 Stubby T (#10-18)
Fly Pattern – Freshwater Flymen Fishing Company Micro Changer
Fly Pattern – Saltwater Umpqua Feather Merchants Skok Strong-Arm Crab
Fly Tying Materials Hareline Dubbin Bling Rabbit Strips™
Fly Tying Vices and Tying Tools Renzetti Streamer Pedestal Base
Accessories – Over $100 RISING Travel Net
Accessories – Under $100 Simms Fishing Products Pro Nipper
Gift Items – Under $100 Danforth Art Danforth Art
Eco Friendly Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote
Youth Product – Gear/Apparel Fishpond Tenderfoot Youth Vest
Entertainment/Education Anglers Book Supply Steelhead Fly Tying

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