Tackle Week 2017: The year’s best new fly rod, reel, line, pack and fly box

The year’s best new gear for Canadian fly anglers features new materials and cutting-edge concepts from such leading brands as Sage, Simms, Ross, Rio Products and Tacky Fly Fishing.

Best rod

THE X

Lovers of Sage’s classic RPL rods from the early 1990s had better make room for the company’s new X line. The fast-action X590 (nine-foot, 5-weight), for example, is one of the smoothest-casting rods I’ve tried in years, with a restrained power capable of casting tight loops with incredible accuracy. The X rods are black-spruce-coloured, with dark green wraps and a black anodized aluminum reel seat. They come in sizes 3 to 10, along with switch and spey versions.

Sage, 1-877-263-6141; www.sageflyfish.com