We’ll have more to say regarding the Confluence show and trade shows in general; in the meantime, here are your show winners.
Salt Lake City, Utah, September 28, 2023 — The AFFTA Confluence event, held from September 26 to 28, 2023, was a resounding success, marked by industry recognition, outstanding product awards, and a clear vision for the future. The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) proudly announces the winners of the New Product Showcase, the FarBank Casting Games competition winners, the Iron Fly winner, and the recipients of the Lefty Kreh Industry Award and the Jim Range Conservation Award.
New Product Showcase Winners
- Men’s Wader: Patagonia – River Steward Wader
- Women’s Wader: Patagonia – Women’s Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders
- Men’s Wading Boot: Patagonia – Forra Wading Boots
- Women’s Wading Boot: Patagonia – Forra Wading Boots
- Men’s Outerwear: Orvis – Men’s PRO Fishing Jacket
- Women’s Outerwear: Orvis – Women’s PRO Fishing Jacket
- Men’s Apparel: Patagonia – Men’s Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Hoody
- Women’s Apparel: Patagonia – Women’s Tropic Comfort Natural UPF Shirt
- Fly Rod – Freshwater: Redington – Wrangler Rod Family
- Fly Rod – Saltwater: Sage – Salt R8
- Fly Rod – Two Hand/Spey: Scott – Swing
- Fly Reel – Freshwater: Sage – Arbr XL Tempest Blue
- Fly Reel – Saltwater: Sage – Enforcer
- Fly Line – Freshwater: Scientific Angler – Amplitude Smooth Infinity Plus
- Fly Line – Saltwater: Scientific Angler – Amplitude Smooth Bonefish Plus
- Leader/Tippet: Airflo USA – Airflo Standard Fluorocarbon 50m
- Hooks: Daiichi (Ranger Outdoors) – 1719-10- Matte Black Barbless
- Chest Pack/Vest: Simms Fishing Products – Flyweight Vest Pack
- Boxes/Storage System: C&F Design NA (Ranger Outdoors) – 16 – Grand Slam Guide Boat Box
- Fly Pattern – Freshwater: RIO Products – RIO’s Morrish Level Headed Damsel
- Fly Pattern – Saltwater: RIO Products – RIO’s Webster Crouser
- Fly Tying Vices & Tools: Dyna King – Barracuda Deluxe
- Fly Tying Materials: Semperfli – EggStatic Egg Fly Tying Collections
- Eco-Friendly Gear: Rio Products – RIO Compostable Spool
- Bags and Packs: Grundens Wayward Roll Top Backpack 38L
- Youth Product: Simms Fishing Products – Kid’s Tributary Wader
- Accessory: Dr. Slick Company – Cyclone Nipper
- Gift Items: RepYourWater – Rainbow Snacks Lowball Glass
New Product Showcase “Best of Show” winner: Patagonia – River Steward Wader
These New Product Showcase winners represent the pinnacle of innovation and quality in the fly fishing industry, showcasing exceptional products that stood out at AFFTA Confluence 2023. In addition to the Best of Show awards, AFFTA proudly acknowledges the remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to the fly fishing community:
Lefty Kreh Industry Award Winner: Tom Rosenbauer
Tom Rosenbauer’s dedication to the industry and his passion for fly fishing have left an indelible mark. As the Lefty Kreh Industry Award recipient, Tom’s tireless efforts and commitment to educating and inspiring fly anglers have enriched the sport and nurtured the next generation of enthusiasts.
Jim Range Conservation Award Winner: Steve Moyer
Steve Moyer’s outstanding conservation work and advocacy for our natural resources have earned him the Jim Range Conservation Award. His dedication to protecting our waters, fisheries and ecosystems is a testament to his unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainability.
Far Bank Casting Games Competition Winners:
Nick Treynor: Score of 498
Heidi Lewis: Score of 331
Iron Fly Winner:
Brita Fordice
AFFTA’s Executive Director, Lucas Bissett, shared their thoughts on the event: “AFFTA’s 2023 Confluence not only had a new name but also had a sense of new beginnings. As we look to the future of our industry, we aim to reimagine our gatherings. This year’s trade event was meaningful and was packed with educational seminars, DEI discussions, policy roundtable discussions, and the TrackFly State of the Industry Report.”
“We will build off the successes of this show and forge an event in 2024 that represents the needs of our membership and achieves the goal of giving our industry the competitive advantage it needs to expand to new heights. Stay tuned for an industry gathering survey coming out in the near future.” AFFTA Confluence 2023 celebrated the excellence and dedication of the fly fishing community, setting the stage for an exciting future in the industry.
