The Men’s Fly-Fishing Gear We Loved This Fall
Upgrade your kit with well-made essentials
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Men’s Kit
Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders ($280)
The four-layer construction is tough enough for scrambling through bushes on the approach but sufficiently breathable for midsummer heat.
Hatch Outdoors 9 Plus Gen 2 Finatic Reel ($800)
The nightmare of all saltwater anglers: equipment failure just when you’re about to land a lunker. This reel can run heavier lines and has a water-resistant drag system, so it won’t let you down.
Sage Spectrum LT Reel ($375)
The Spectrum’s aerospace-grade aluminum frame and sealed-carbon drag system are strong enough to stop anything in fresh water, while its large knob makes for easy handling.
Howler Brothers Aguacero Jacket ($199)
If the forecast looks questionable, reach for the Aguacero. This 2.5-layer shell takes up minimal space in your pack but will keep you dry in a deluge.
Gerber Magniplier Salt Pliers ($85)
This tool can help with everything from rigging rods to releasing fish, thanks to carbide cutters and an offset design.
Tacky Fly Fishing Flydrophobic SD Box ($35)
What’s more annoying than having your flies rust? Lined with an eVent membrane, the Flydrophobic keeps water out but lets vapor escape, so flies dry inside.
Smith Comeback Sunglasses ($169)
The polarized ChromaPop lenses cut glare coming off the water, and the lightweight frames go unnoticed during long days on the boat.
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Pouch ($100)
When you need only a little storage, hook this waterproof pouch to your belt or waders and you’re good to go.
Korkers Devil’s Canyon Boots ($200)
These boots have interchangeable soles that let you match your traction to the terrain: use rubber for the hike in, then switch to felt for wading.
