Over the past year, our inner circle of contributors have got to grips with a ton of great fly fishing-related gear, clothing, tackle, gadgets and goodies. For this guide, we asked them to name two of those things. Firstly, an item that they have actually used, believe in and would recommend to anyone else, and secondly, an item that they don’t yet possess, but that’s caught their eye. This certainly isn’t the gear gospel, or the ultimate guide to getting you suited and booted for eternity. Rather, it’s an informed curation straight from the mouths of some of our most trusted (metaphorical) fly fishing horses.
YETI – Sidekick 3L
This is a 3-litre magnetically sealed pouch that sits perfectly on just about any guide/waterproof pack on the market.
The ultimate, extremely lightweight quick-access pouch that stores essentials like a phone, sunblock, a small box of flies, measuring tape, toilet paper for sunglasses, leader etc. the list goes on. It is also very affordable.
– Liam van der Merwe
Vision – Diamond Hook Hone
I hang this tiny little hook sharpener on my necklace while fishing. It makes a moer of a difference to every now and then sharpen the hook point – it improves hook-up rates by like 1000000 %. Hooks get blunt – when they’re casted in a tree, onto a rock or after multiple hook-ups – and need to be sharpened. Penetration is where it’s at bru.
– Gordon van der Spuy
Vision – Nymphmaniac Twintip Fly Rod
A fantastic rod. It comes in a few lengths and weights, from 9’9″ to 11’3″. The 10′ I’ve used is light, responsive and comes with two separate tip sections (softer and harder-action). I’ve seen rods that are twice the price that aren’t nearly as good.
– Gordon van der Spuy
Patagonia – Stealth Switch Pack 9L
I’m a sling guy as I don’t like having too much stuff on my front as it gets in the way and I land up wasting time untangling myself from flies and snagged tippet when I should be fishing. I’ve fished an ancient Simms sling for years, but while well-designed in other areas it never had a water bottle slot, so I’ve been on the look out for a replacement for some time. That’s when I got my hands on the new 9L Patagonia Stealth Switch Pack.
They call it a switch pack because you can also wear it as a hip pack if you like, as it comes with a supporting cross strap, but thus far I have only used it as a sling and it is perfect. It’s got plenty of space for multiple fly boxes, leader wallets and other things (floatants, hip flask etc), while having more than enough accessory points for zingers, haemostats, amadou, Monomaster and an elasticised slot for a water bottle (my choice is the Lifestraw so I can drink from almost any water source without stressing about getting cholera, anthrax or the shits).
It also has dedicated net scabbards for righties or lefties and a nifty pouch on the strap for either your phone or anything else you need close to hand. All in all, for me this is the prefect sling for a full day out.
– Tudor Caradoc-Davies
Shilton – SR8
When you’ve held one of these bad boys in your hands, or any of the heavy-duty cork drag Shilton reels, you begin to understand why their slogan is “We stop fish.” There’s so much about this reel that just tickles my fancy; the crisp finish and edges on the solid aluminium frame, the clean sounding click of the reel spinning and the tactile drag knob.
The thought of owning a reel like this just makes me want to catch strong fish, knowing what kind of hardware I’d be using to stop it.
– Matt Kennedy
Naturehike – CW 400 Ultralight Down Sleeping Bag
I’ve always bought cheaper local sleeping bags. In my experience, the zips break, repairs are temporary and overall the quality is low.
Then I bought myself a Naturehike down sleeping bag and it’s a game changer. It’s really comfortable, I don’t overheat when in warmer climates, but it can withstand a couple of cold nights too. So there are three thumbs up for the Naturehike CW400 sleeping bag.
– Conrad Botes
G. Loomis – Asquith 9-weight
By far the best 9-weight I’ve ever used. I’ve been lucky enough to cast quite a few different 9-weight makes and models in my time out on St. Brandon’s and this is the rod that works the best for me. It’s an absolute weapon when paired with the Scientific Anglers Balance Tapered clear tip line. It’s an absolute laser beam and a pleasure to cast.
– Milan Germishuizen
Salomon – Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex
I rate them highly for comfort and great grip on long distance fly fishing approaches over wet terrain with light day packs.
I am steering away from ‘fly fishing’ shoes because I find that the general all-round quality of fly fishing footwear is not great for their price tags. I have been using Merrel (with Vibram soles) and Salomon (with mud Contagrip soles) hiking boots and running shoes over the past few years and they have been far more comfortable and superior in grip to any other shoes produced by fly fishing brands (except for the Patagonia River Salt wading boots), I still find these amazing, but hard to come by in RSA.
– Leonard Flemming
Anetik – Low Pro Snap Hoody
No surprise with me one of the things I’ve gotten the most use out of over the last year is a sun protection solution (Scottish genes and a history of skin cancer in the family means I am always on the lookout for high performing sun wear) and since discovering Anetik I’ve not used anything else.
I particularly love the Snap Hoody as it combines a hooded sunshirt with a snap button up style – particularly useful if you are layering (you still get sun burnt when its cold) but also means you can open up the front for further ventilation every now and then to let the beer boep air out a bit.
The Anetik Mission Underpant are also an awesome set of tights which keep the sun off and the chafing of the wedding tackle to a bare minimum.
– Andre van Wyk
Vision – Mini Bra Chest Pack
I value freedom of movement, simplicity and efficiency. The Vision Mini Bra Chest Pack is designed for anglers who embrace a minimalist approach on the water. Perfect for days on the Vaal River when nymphing is the plan, this lightweight pack offers just the right amount of functional space for fly boxes, nippers, tippet, and other terminal tackle essentials.
Its compact design keeps gear close at hand without adding bulk, while the ergonomic fit ensures comfort – no excessive pressure or weight on my shoulders or neck.
I encourage anglers to use a separate hydration pack for longer days fishing.
– Amy Bo Visser
Nautilus – X series
Sitting in my wish list for ages is a fly reel I hope to own one day. The Nautilus X series. I’ve wanted to pull the trigger on a Nautilus reel for ages – the build quality on those reels are just sensational. A saltwater fly reel that looks epic and can perform flawlessly makes this the one.
– Martin Connell
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CORAL GRUNTER T-SHIRTR450,00 incl VAT -
PIELVIS RIPSTOP SNAPBACKR500,00 incl VAT
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The Feather Mechanic: A Fly-tying Philosophy – Second Edition (2024)R380,00 incl VAT
Tom Beckbe – Tidewater shirt
As I was heading out of my front door last Friday, climbing into my car, my neighbour hollered at me. “Morning! Are you headed into town today?” he said. He assumed by the way that I was dressed, and without studying too closely the quick-dry, UV-protective nature of my outfit, that I was in my business best, trying to impress in the workplace (little does he know I work for a chillaxed fly mag.) “No, I’m going fishing.” I replied.
Tom Beckbe’s Tidewater shirt will attract that sort of confusion but it’s probably the best fly fishing shirt I have ever owned. The fabric? Lightweight and soft to the touch. The fit? Comfortable and crisp. The fishing? A pleasure.
– Matt Kennedy
Simms – Guide Lanyard
The little thing that ended my on-water faffing. Small thing. Big upgrade. Massive drop in faff.
Some gear shouts. Some gear flexes. And then there’s the Simms Guide Lanyard, a glorified strap of webbing that quietly strolled into my life this year and proceeded to embarrass every “clever” accessory I thought I needed.
I slapped my Simms nippers onto it early in the season, and suddenly I stopped doing the choreography by Usher in the New Flame music video (search it on YT, skip to 1:55).
It adjusts length in about two seconds. Layers on, layers off, summer shirt, winter puffer, a quick tug and the lanyard sits exactly where my hands expect it to be. It’s like having your tools hanging in their own little “sweet spot” all day long.
It’s not glamorous. It’s not high-tech. You won’t see influencers stroking it in slow-mo B-roll. But it’s the single piece of gear I’d replace before breakfast if I lost it.
– Yaqoob Tarmohammed
Explore XPLR – Rollout Modular Wardrobe
There’s one piece of gear I’ve been obsessing over all year: a custom-built, rollout modular wardrobe system designed by my good mate and long-time collaborator, photographer and overland guru, Craig Kolesky. Craig is one of those ‘go-go-gadget-guy’ gear heads; if a piece of outdoor kit exists, he owns it. And if it doesn’t exist, he builds it. This thing is the perfect example.
The Explore XPLR Rollout Modular Wardrobe (name unofficial, but it should be the product name when he launches under his brand early next year) is essentially a hyper-refined, overland-friendly packing system born out of thousands of kilometres on the road. Picture a tough, roll-out bag fitted with Velcro-backed modular compartments that can be pulled off, moved around, and reattached depending on the mission. You can hang it vertically, roll it tight into a duffel, or clip it onto the side of your vehicle thanks to the custom hardware he’s built in.
Each panel and pocket is designed with those tiny, traveller’s-eye details — little functional nuances Craig has dialled in from years of shooting, guiding, living out of his bakkie and knowing exactly where he wants his gear. I’ve seen the prototype and a couple of behind-the-scenes photos, and honestly, I’ve been lusting after one ever since. When he officially releases them under Explore XPLR (rumoured for January), I’ll be first in line.
– Jazz Kuschke
Sage – Enforcer 7/8
I’ve got my eye on the Enforcer range of saltwater reels from Sage. They’ve got a great drag system that goes from zero to full in one single turn.
I’ve already got the Thermo 12-weight reel, which is a machine for big tarpon in Gabon, but too big for my average saltwater fishery. I just want a lighter reel than what the Thermo provides. I’m looking at the Enforcer in a 7/8 and 9/10.
– Conrad Botes
Scientific Anglers – Regulator Spool
This thing coils your line up perfectly from your reel and is super easy to use. All you need then is to secure the line with fasteners and it’s ready to be stored away. If you want to change back to that line, you just unfasten the coil, put it back on the spool and you connect it to your backing and you wind it back onto reel.
– Milan Germishuizen
CentraLock strike indicators
I know, pretty small, but good for that sock hanging from the fireplace mantle. These central lock indicators are so easy to work with, surprisingly easy to cast, and float very well too. I recently used the smaller sizes, which worked like a charm for smaller nymphs, and even a weighted suspended dragon floated along a Tankwa river. The depth adjustment is simple and quick, and it really holds the position on the leader.
– Platon Trakoshis
Patagonia – Foot Tractor Wading Boots
Having destroyed two pairs of boots in the Tankwa last month and then another on the Berg River, it is obvious that I need new boots for Christmas. Patagonia’s Foot Tractor boots would be a perfect replacement. From their description, they are tough and durable, with excellent grip. Going by the feedback from Patagonia’s previous River Salt Wading Boots owned by fishing buddies, it looks like THE boot out there at the moment.
– Platon Trakoshis
Cling – Mag Grab
One of my favourite pieces of gear that I’ve been taking with me everywhere on the water is my Cling Mag Grab. They come in various sizes and shapes, but the mini and plus have proven very useful. It is a magnetic landing pad for your flies, nippers, hemos, or anything with metal. You can mount it to your hat, bag, waders, or anywhere you want. Really useful when switching bugs or finding a quick spot to dry a fly, etc. Highly recommended!
– Will Phelps
Abel – Vice Base
I’ve had my eye on the Abel vice base. It is a really nice machined base for your fly-tying vice, available in various colours and designs. It is a beautiful piece of gear that I don’t necessarily need, but I would be very happy to have.
– Will Phelps
Costa Del Mar Copper Silver Mirror lenses
I don’t really think the model matters too much, but Costa’s Copper Silver Mirror lens is an absolute beast all-rounder. From saltwater, to Cape Streams, I seriously rate the versatility of this lens. It’s just got it all – I have three Costa models, in lowlight, Green Mirror and the Copper Silver Mirror – and these still find themselves on my face 90% of the time.
– Nick van Rensburg
YETI – Loadout GoBox 1
A compact waterproof and dust-proof vault storage box for gear while on the move. Attach to belts, bags and vests – stores phones, keys, flies and tools.
– Anthea Linsell
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CORAL GRUNTER T-SHIRTR450,00 incl VAT
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PIELVIS RIPSTOP SNAPBACKR500,00 incl VAT
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The Feather Mechanic: A Fly-tying Philosophy – Second Edition (2024)R380,00 incl VAT
Smith – Redding (2) ChromaPops in Low Light Yellow
When a mate brought a pair of these along on a trip to New Zealand, I secretly thought he was going a tad overboard. They’ve since become a permanent fixture in my pack. Besides the obvious benefit of looking like you just stepped out of the Camel Experience circa 1999, you’ll also buy yourself a few more shots when conditions for sight-fishing invariably conspire against you.
– Jeff Tyser
The Delicate Flyfisher by Ed Herbst
Local is lekkerste.
“The title of Ed Herbst’s new book, was suggested to him by Stephen Boshoff during a 25-year collaboration to produce the ultimate ‘Whisper Rod’ for small stream fly fishing. The book’s focus is the tranquillity of small stream fly fishing, of lessons learned from mentors like Tom Sutcliffe and Tony Biggs and of fly design evolution in mimicking the insects upon which these fish subsist.”
– Jeff Tyser
Pisces Predator – Kickboat
In the saltwater estuaries of KwaZulu-Natal, access is everything. Some of the best spots are tucked deep upriver where fishing from the side isn’t an option. Without the Pisces Predator, I simply wouldn’t be able to fish half the water I do.
What makes it indispensable is its toughness and stability. The Pisces Predator is built to take knocks, scrapes and bump through structure without blinking, exactly what you need in the rugged tidal systems. And perhaps its greatest gift – it keeps my ass out of the water, which is no small thing during long sessions or cold mornings.
For fly fishing, it’s surprisingly well suited. The low, open profile gives me a clean casting platform, and with fins doing the work, my hands stay free to control the line. I can hold position, slide quietly into structure, and make accurate casts at fish that would never allow a bigger craft to get close.
– Ross Kiggen
J-Vice
As a fly angler, you quickly realise you spend just as much time behind the vice as you do on the water. That’s why a solid, reliable vice sits right at the top of my wish list – and few compare to the J-Vice.
It’s definitely an investment piece, but everyone I know who ties on one says the same thing: once you’ve used a J-Vice, you simply can’t go back.
– Hano Scholtz
Sony – FX3
The camera I’ll probably sell a kidney for in 2025.
Every season, I tell myself I don’t need more gear. Then a piece of tech comes along that whispers, “Hey… imagine how sexy your fishing missions could look if you owned me.”
Enter the Sony FX3; the camera that has no business being this tempting.
The Sony FX3 is the camera I’ve been eyeballing like a rising trout, mostly because fly fishing is 10% catching fish and 90% trying to film yourself catching fish while your tripod sinks into mud like it’s auditioning for Titanic. The FX3 is built for that chaos. It eats low light like a guilty pleasure, turning dawn in the Malutis and campfire potjie scenes into full-blown cinema. It’s tough as nails too; spray, dust and the occasional “graceful” slide down a riverbank barely register. Big buttons, killer autofocus, and controls that actually work with cold, sausage finger hands? Yes please.
– Yaqoob Tarmohammed
TFO – Mangrove Coast 7-Weight
If there’s one piece of gear that basically lived in my hands this year, it’s the TFO Mangrove Coast 7-weight. I’ve fished a pile of TFO sticks over the years – my old BVKs are still workhorses with a bit of sentimental mileage – but the Mangrove Coast takes everything I’ve always liked about TFO and layers in a noticeable step-up in feel and performance.
Designed with input from Flip Pallot, this rod was built for real-world fishing, not lawn-casting heroics. The 7-weight in particular hits that sweet spot for our local waters – estuary leeries, grunter, kob and gurnard – basically anything that swims where salt meets fresh. It also crosses over beautifully for bass missions in the Baviaanskloof or Impofu Dam. It’s become my “always-rigged” rod because it just handles everything without fuss.
What I rate most about it:
- Easy-loading blank with a forgiving mid-section. You get tons of feedback without feeling like you need perfect timing.
- Massive lifting power low down. When you’re pulling fish out of weedbeds or turning something with shoulders, that backbone shows up fast.
- Durable components, including corrosion-resistant hardware, a full wells grip that feels right in wet hands, and a salt-ready reel seat.
- Practical design philosophy – the Mangrove Coast isn’t trying to win any distance competitions; it’s built to deliver flies accurately at the ranges we actually fish.
It’s an honest, hard-working rod that feels far more expensive than its price tag suggests. For any angler who splits time between estuaries and freshwater predators, this is the most useful 7-weight I’ve cast all year.
– Jazz Kuschke
Rio – Outbound Short F/H/I
A game changer for a lot of the fishing I do – particularly saltwater. I find stripping baskets to be more of a hindrance than anything. When fishing a full intermediate or sinking line, it’s often a bit of a shlep, but I take one anyway. The Outbound Short F/H/I with a floating running line, hover belly and intermediate tip allows me to fish without the basket, as well as offer me some versatility on both surface flies, and when I’m trying to get the fly a little deeper.
– Nick van Rensburg
Atollas – Micro Box
You can’t have enough tackle boxes, but if I had to choose just one to recommend, it would be the Atollas Micro box. Stylish outlook, robust design, magnetic surface and just the right amount of fly space for all your needs for a day. The built-in clip to hook on your waders comes in handy too. It really is the perfect fly box.
– Martin Connell
Hardy – Princess Lightweight
Why do I want this fairly expensive, weird-looking, old-school, heritage-type of fly reel for smaller to medium-sized freshwater species (like trout and our local yellowfish)? Because it is a great match for bamboo rods and has that classic, stylish ‘retro’ look about it!
Hardy says it best: “The Hardy Princess Series represents the epitome of what makes fly fishing an art form: the seamless integration of tradition, craftsmanship, and performance. For the angler who values these qualities, the Princess reels offer an unparalleled fishing experience, marrying the soul of the past with the capabilities of the present. In a world where the rush toward the new often overlooks the value of the enduring, the Hardy Princess Series stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of fly fishing, inviting anglers to be part of a legacy that transcends time and trend.”
– Leonard Flemming
Columbia – PFG ProSport Boot
I think these have been released stateside, but yet to be available here in South Africa. These things just look like they make so much sense as a deck boot – combining almost a trail running shoe style sole, with a ton of cushioning, and a traditional style low cut deck boot, with a wicked grippy sole. These are definitely on my wish list for days out chasing yellowtail on mate Warwick’s boat. Or even a bit of rock scrambling. I’d probably go with the white ones too, cause I know they would annoy the hell out of Kyle (my other mate who is judgy as hell).
– Andre van Wyk
Scott – GT series
When Scott drops a new rod, any fly angler with a heartbeat tends to pay attention and their latest GT series has mine. The evolution of their iconic G series, the new GT series range comes in both 4 and 5-piece versions with some interesting rod lengths in the mix too, like an 8′ 10″ 3-weight for technical dry fly fishing and a 9’8″ 4-weight for nymphing tailwaters.
– Tudor Caradoc-Davies
HUC – Waste Line Holder
A simple way to store your waste line and tippet and to dispose of your line responsibly.
– Anthea Linsell
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