The weather may be screaming winter, but gear and soft-goods manufacturers are busy launching their spring lineups in anticipation of warmer weather and anglers getting back on the water in the weeks ahead.

This month, we’re shining some light on two new pairs of feature-packed waders, new rods and reels, hard-working apparel, and more.

The whimsey starts at the fly shop, really. I mean, this is where the initial brain bomb leads you. One minute, after looking at the calendar, you realize that in just five short months, you’ll be in the Yukon chasing giant northern pike. The next, you’re in the truck, navigating snow-packed city streets in order to pick up all the ingredients you think you need to tie the perfect fly for a fish that’s about as discerning as Fat Albert at the Chuck-a-rama.