Hatches: New & Notable Fly-Fishing Gear

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Abel Reels Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Limited-Edition Reel and Nipper Set

Abel has released two limited-edition reel-and-nipper sets with artwork by artists Derek DeYoung and Eric Estrada to help fund critical bonefish conservation efforts. The Abel ROVE 7/9 Flats Fade Bonefish Edition with artwork by Eric Estrada specifically supports mangrove restoration in the Bahamas. The Abel SDS 7/8 Bahamas Fade with artwork by Derek DeYoung pays for bonefish spawning site research in the Florida Keys. There are only 100 individually numbered reels of each type, and $200 from each sale goes to Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) to support vital research and habitat projects, with a total fundraising goal of $50,000.

“BTT does so much to protect and sustain our saltwater fisheries, and we’re excited to help support their outstanding efforts through these projects. Working with BTT and these incredible artists has been an honor, and we hope this is just the beginning,” said Jeff Patterson, brand manager of Abel Reels.

The $2,495 reel-and-nipper sets are available through select Abel dealers and at abelreels.com for a limited time. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is a science-based nonprofit focused on conserving bonefish, tarpon, and permit—the species, their habitats, and the larger fisheries of which they’re a part.

“We appreciate this extraordinary collaboration with Abel Reels, which allows anglers to make a tangible impact in conserving the fisheries they love,” said Jim McDuffie, president and CEO of BTT. “Your purchase will support research and conservation efforts critical to ensuring that future generations can experience the magic of flats fishing.”

$2,495 | abelreels.com

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Grundéns Vector Zip Stockingfoot Wader

In 2024, Grundéns released the rugged, functional Vector wader, which at $499 was loaded with features, including built-in kneepads and anatomically shaped, size-specific stockingfeet with Dual Density TiAlpha Warming Neoprene booties. For 2025 Grundéns took this mid-tier wader and added a fully submersible TIZIP MasterSeal #10 Zipper, making the wader super easy to get in and out of, and much easier to layer in cold weather.

Grundéns also added a Hauler Pocket, essentially a huge reach-through rear pocket that at least doubles the storage capacity of the wader, and in many cases negates any need for a backpack. We found this perfect for stowing cans of beer, but more practical people could use it for a rain jacket, and extras like hats, lunch, or sunscreen.

In the front of the Men’s Vector Zip Stockingfoot Wader ($649.99) are two handwarmer pockets, two chest storage pockets, and a welded tippet pocket with laser-cut holes. Thread your tippet through the holes, and it’s a built-in dispenser—no need to remove the spools from the pocket. With the front and back pockets, there’s a complete 360-degree storage array that allows you to carry everything you need.

Apart from the storage, the waders themselves are built for real-world fishing. The “proprietary wading mobility pattern” is roomy for bigger folks, and allows a wide range of motion for athletic wading over and around rocks, downed trees, and fences.

The 4-layer waterproof/breathable shell has a dense nylon exterior that is puncture- and abrasion-resistant. And like the regular Vector waders, these have molded kneepads, and the TiAlpha booties engineered to be extra warm. The Grundéns Vector Zip Stockingfoot wader includes a safe, comfortable, 2-inch-wide, high-density stretch wading belt. There are 18 different sizes of waders and booties to fit every fly fisher.

$649.99 | grundens.com

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Sage Classic R8 Fly Rod

The modern era of fly fishing is punctuated by wild species in exotic places, big flies, tungsten beads and cones, and sinking lines. Fly fishers have been pushing the envelope farther and farther every decade—so much so that the very definition of fly fishing is sometimes called into question.

But the beating heart of fly fishing still is, and always will be, trout fishing. It’s that slow-paced chess game where the trout are steadily rising to dry flies, and you’ve got the patience and experience you need to figure out what the trout are feeding on, and consider a strategic position to make the perfect presentation. It doesn’t always work, but that’s the game.

If you’re the type who walks past tiddlers looking for the trout, or you prefer to relax on the bank waiting for the hatch and for the big fish to show themselves, the new Sage Classic R8 ($975) might be a perfect match for your style of fishing.

The moderate action and very specific performance parameters of accuracy, range, and pace coincide perfectly with dry-fly fishing for rising trout. Everything you do—and everything this rod does—is very calculated, intentional, and above all unhurried.

Sage used its Revolution 8 graphite material to create a deep-loading rod with a great amount of feel and feedback both while casting and fighting fish. Revolution 8 graphite has a high carbon fiber density and a relatively low amount of resin to create a rod that is lighter—a modern aesthetic—but with a deep-bending, soulful feel that may remind you of another era.

However, with these modern designs and material there is none of the “wobble” or other downsides of actual old-fashioned rods. They track straight, help you put the fly right where you need it, and allow you to control your fly line for the best drifts. You just need to slow down a little and enjoy it.

These are close- to medium-range dry-fly rods in weights 3 through 6 with seven models in lengths 8 through 9 feet. You won’t want to throw 6-inch streamers with these or do Euro anything, but if you want to put a #16 PMD right in the lane of a nodding trout 40 feet away, the Classic R8 is magic.

The blanks are an old school Sage brown color. The thread wraps are a rich chestnut base with beige trim wraps.

The Classic R8 has all-modern Sage components with super-slick chrome snake guides and tip-top, a silicone carbide-insert stripping guide, machined aluminum uplocking real seat with a walnut wood insert, and snub-nosed half-wells cork handle. The rods come in a black rod bag with tie cord inside an aluminum tube.

$975 | tridentflyfishing.com

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YETI Daytrip 6L Lunch Bag

The YETI Daytrip 6L Lunch Bag is a rugged, compact cooler designed for those who need reliable temperature control without the bulk of a traditional cooler. Built with ColdCell™ Flex insulation—a lightweight, closed-cell foam—it keeps food and drinks fresh for hours, making it ideal for day trips, fishing outings, or impromptu grocery runs. The MagSnap™ closure uses embedded magnets to seal the bag tightly, locking in cold air while allowing quick access to your contents. It’s also compatible with YETI Ice Sheets and Food Storage containers, maximizing space and cooling efficiency.

Despite its minimalist footprint, the Daytrip offers thoughtful features like exterior stash pockets for utensils and snacks, a durable webbing handle, and side loops for attaching accessories. The interior is food-safe, leakproof, and easy to clean—even after stashing fresh fillets or messy sandwiches. Users consistently praise its ability to keep ice for up to 24 hours, and its collapsible design makes it easy to stow in a backpack or tote when not in use.

At $80, it’s a premium lunch bag—but one that delivers serious performance and durability for anglers who treats lunch like part of the adventure. If you’re curious how it stacks up against soft coolers or want help building a modular kit around it, I’d be happy to help.

$80 | scheels.com

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Benchmade Mini Adira Folding Knife

The Benchmade Mini Adira is a purpose-built folding knife tailored for anglers who demand precision, durability, and portability in wet environments. Compact yet robust, it features a 3.21-inch drop-point blade crafted from CPM MagnaCut steel—renowned for its exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It slices through tippet like a spoon through soup.

The handle is made from textured Depth Blue Grivory®, a lightweight polymer that offers a secure grip even when wet. Its ergonomic design includes jimping (grooves cut into the back of the blade) on the spine for added control, and the knife’s ambidextrous AXIS® lock ensures smooth, one-handed operation—perfect for quick deployment while juggling gear or navigating a drift boat. A reversible deep-carry clip and high-visibility lanyard hole make it easy to stow and retrieve, even if it slips into the river.

Anglers will appreciate the Mini Adira’s featherlight 3-ounce build, which disappears in a pocket but feels substantial in hand. While it excels as an everyday carry and fishing companion, users should note that prolonged saltwater immersion may warrant a fixed-blade alternative. Still, for freshwater excursions and general outdoor use, the Mini Adira offers a blend of performance, style, and Benchmade’s signature craftsmanship and warranty.

$230 | opticsplanet.com

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Bajio Sea Zone Prescription Lenses

Bajío’s Sea Zone prescription lens technology is a game-changer for anglers who rely on sharp, stable vision in dynamic environments. Designed specifically for fishing, these lenses address the long-standing challenge of motion sensitivity in wraparound frames. Traditional prescription lenses often struggle with peripheral blur and visual distortion, especially on the water, but Sea Zone lenses virtually eliminate those issues by optimizing the entire lens surface to match the eye’s natural focusing ability.

What sets Sea Zone apart is its integration of Bajío’s LAPIS™ blue light filtering technology, which blocks 95% of harmful blue light, most harsh yellow light, and 100% of UV rays. This results in dramatically improved contrast, reduced eye strain, and enhanced clarity—especially crucial when scanning for subtle movement or structure beneath the surface. Whether you're sight-fishing on flats or navigating shifting light conditions, the lenses maintain crisp, comfortable vision throughout the day.

The frames themselves, like the new Greenland model, are built from bio-based nylon for durability and sustainability, with ergonomic features like vented side shields and rubberized nose pads for a secure, fog-free fit. Bajío’s commitment to both performance and environmental responsibility makes Sea Zone lenses not just a technical upgrade, but a thoughtful one for anglers who care about the waters they fish.

Price varies | bajiosunglasses.com

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