What's the "best" development in past 10 years?

[Royce]

Thought I would open this up for some discussion.

What do you think has been the best development in Fly Fishing gear over the past 10 years?

In my opinion it has been the advances in what I would call "mid-priced" reels. In my opinion, for somewhere in the $90-$130 price range, one can purchase a reel with features and quality that would have cost $250 or more just a few years ago.

What do you think?

[Clay]

As I sit here and think about less expensive reels being imported from China I wouldn't consider that the best thing to happen to Fly Fishing or the US worker or the country.

While synthectic tying materials have been around longer than 10 years many of today's synthectic tying materials are a reel boom to the sport.

But if I had to pick just one it would be the explosion of information rather than a specific fly fishing product. Internet chat rooms have taken off within the last 10 years and this access to information is powerful. Think about learning tying patterns or fishing techniques in the past. You would wait until one of your favorite fishing mags would publish and article and then we would read and try to copy.

These days many times you can post a specific question to the originator of the technique and get a detailed explaination with the ability to ask a follow up question.

Rick

[dudley]

The 'rediscovery' of fiberglass as a rod material

[Steve Molcsan]

Zippers in waders... Oh what a relief it is!

[Mike Thomas]

Floating lines that actualy float for more than an hour and do not need to be dressed every 3rd cast. Oh yes and breathable waders, though I still prefer to wet wade when it is warm enough.
All the best.
Mike

[oldfrat]

I'll second the Internet as a source of information about fly fishing and tying. I don't think there is anything on the gear side that can compare to the advances in this area.

[bobbyg]

The resurgence of bamboo fly rods.

bobbyg

[chewydog]

Although more than 10 years old, I'll go with breathable waders. I tend to fish more often when I'm comfortable.

[tigfly]

I vote for the Delorme Atlas Gazetteer. Although it might be more than ten years old, I hardly fish without it. I can fish just fine with gear from ten or more years ago.

[Clay]

I vote for the Delorme Atlas Gazetteer. Although it might be more than ten years old, I hardly fish without it. I can fish just fine with gear from ten or more years ago.

I will see your Delorme, which I own too and raise you a GPS. I have found more places to fish this past year by using this in conjunction with some wonderful kiss and tell books.