A badge of honor?
IFTD accolades: industry & conservation leadership awards, best-of new products and more
IFTD 2019 wrapped up this past Friday [October 19th], setting several show records and sending a lot of people home with much-deserved recognition. Festivities kicked off Tuesday night at our opening presentations and cocktail reception and didn’t quit till the final buzzer at 2:00 on Friday.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n addition to over 2,000 attendees, almost 300 retailers representing 41 countries, 15 seminars, a sold out industry breakfast with keynote speech from Steven Rinella, and a completely single-use plastic-free show, this year’s NPS had 267 entries from 156 exhibitors, the most ever for IFTD, making the best-of awards even sweeter.
Speaking of best-of awards – IFTD’s marquee event, Thursday evening’s much-anticipated Party on the Pond was packed. From Joan Wulff and Tom Sadler’s industry leadership recognition to Simms’ 10-pack, Scott’s Best-of-show and SA running the table on lines to Ross/Abel defending their reel crowns, Sage, Fishpond and RISING notching trophies, and much, much more – the passion, talent and innovation in our industry was on full display.
Congratulations to everyone who walked away with some lucite and bragging rights – and Captain Doug Kilpatrick on his RO drift boat haul! And a big thank you to SweetWater Brewing for keeping everyone hydrated with Guide Beer! Check out the full list of winners below.
IFTD 2019 AWARD WINNERS
Industry Awards
Lefty Kreh Industry Leadership Award – Joan Wulff
Jim Range Conservation Leadership Award – Tom Sadler, former AFFTA Board Member & Director, Marine Fish Conservation Network
Pond Hog/Sure Shot Casting Champions
John Harcort – 6 targets hit
Sheila Hassan – 5 targets hit
David McElwain – 5 targets hit
Iron Fly Tying Champion
Cheech Pierce
Land Tawney finds a friend.
New Product Showcase Awards
Accessories – Under $100
Simms Fishing Products, Pro Nipper
Accessories – Over $100
RISING, Travel Net
Gift Items – Under $100
Danforth Art, Danforth Art
Youth Product – Gear/Apparel
Fishpond, Tenderfoot Youth Vest
Entertainment/Education
Anglers Book Supply, STEELHEAD FLY TYING
Fly Box/Storage System – Gear
Fishpond, Fly Dock
Fly Hooks – Gear
Art in everything we do.
Umpqua Feather Merchants, XT050 Stubby T (#10-18)
Fly Tying Vices and Tying Tools – Gear
Renzetti, Streamer Pedestal Base
Fly Tying Materials
Hareline Dubbin, Bling Rabbit Strips™
Eco Friendly – Gear
Patagonia, Black Hole Gear Tote
Luggage (Bags, Backpacks) – Gear
Simms Fishing Products, GTS Roller Duffel – 110L
Chest-Pack/Vest – Gear
Fishpond, Flathead Sling
Boat/Personal WaterCraft – Gear
Outcast Sporting Gear, IK Angler 11′
Fly Line – Freshwater
Scientific Anglers, Amplitude Infinity
Fly Line – Saltwater
Scientific Anglers, Amp Smooth Infinity Salt
Leader/Tippet – Gear
Scientific Anglers, Absolute Trout Tippet
Fly Pattern – Freshwater
Flymen Fishing Company, Micro Changer
Fly Pattern – Saltwater
Umpqua Feather Merchants, Skok Strong-Arm Crab
Fly Rod – Freshwater
Sage Fly Fishing, TROUT LL
Fly Rod – Saltwater
Scott Fly Rods, Sector Series
Fly Rod – 2 Handed/Spey
Sage Fly Fishing, TROUT SPEY HD
Reel – Freshwater
Ross Reels, San Miguel
Reel – Saltwater
Abel Reels, VAYA
Men’s – Waders
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Simms Fishing Products, G4Z® Stockingfoot Wader
Men’s – Outerwear
Simms Fishing Products, G4 Pro® Jacket
Men’s –General Apparel
Simms Fishing Products, SolarFlex UltraCool Armor
Men’s – Wading Boots
Simms Fishing Products, G4 Pro® Boot
Women’s – Waders
Simms Fishing Products, Women’s G3 Guide™ Z Wader
Women’s – Outerwear
Simms Fishing Products, Women’s G3 Guide™ Jacket
Women’s – General Apparel
Simms Fishing Products, Women’s Bugstopper Leggings
Best of Show
Scott Fly Rods, Sector Series
[information]
American Fly Fishing Trade Association
321 East Main Street
Suite 300 Bozeman
Montana 59715 or Email: info@affta.org
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