Once in a while you find something special, something different; alternative to the mainstream. And it is refreshing. Rod design, coupled with modern materials is simply breathtaking, and it is difficult to come to terms with and to see how any significant advances can be made in terms of performance and even aesthetics. When I recently discovered the Alternative Tackle Company, therefore, my attention was grabbed, specifically by a neat little rod in green that simply begged to be picked up, fondled and cast.

If you like to travel light or wade fish this vest from Loop Tackle is ideal. Based around a lightweight nylon shell it is very comfortable to wear. Don’t be alarmed at the bright rust orange colour because it is also available in a light olive green.

The Orvis Company's new ZG Helios fly rod series was named "Best of the Best" for 2008 by Field & Stream Magazine in this month's annual gear review issue. Coming on the heels of last year's win for the Zero Gravity fly rod series, the award reinforces Orvis' position as the world leader in fly rod design, performance, and manufacture.

Following on from our review of the 10' Hardy Marksman 4 weight rod a little while ago, reviewer Simon Young now turns his attention to the Marksman reel and shares his thoughts on this pretty little reel.

The guys at American Angler magazine took their video camera around this autumns Fly Fishing Retailer show in Denver back in September. We just received their permission to link through to their website so you can see the new waders and Helios rods from Orvis in particular. Join editor Phil Monahan as he finds out what's new.

Now you may associate light line rods with lengths of 8’ or under, but at 10’ long this medium fast mid tip action rod is absolutely perfect for light stillwater, most river situations and even light line fishing from a boat with small nymphs and dries.

Simon Young takes a close look at the Hardy Marksman.

We had the chance to visit the recent Tackle & Guns trade-only show up at Stoneleigh Park near Warwick. Plenty of new ranges being shown and some particularly interesting items that I picked out to share.

So what does a fly fisher do when they aren't on the water? Well in this day and age they load up a fly fishing computer game and catch a fish or two there instead.

Do you get that damp feeling every time you put on your waders? Terry Lawton looks at a neat little product from Snowbee that might just be the answer!

South Coast bass guide and Fish & Fly team member Justin Anwyl takes an extended look at a 7 weight rod from Loop designed with the travelling saltwater angler in mind.

Terry Lawton takes a close look at this line from Snowbee dedicated to delicate presentations.

I think that stillwater and competition anglers will be aware of the real casting- and fishing-ability of Snowbee fly lines, but I do wonder how well they are known to the river angler. How many fly fishermen would include Snowbee along with Scientific Anglers, Cortland and Rio as being one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of world-class fly lines? Well, those in the know - and that includes many casting instructors and rod-makers including Sage - rate Snowbee lines very highly indeed.

How often have you heard the phrase "what can I get for the man/woman who has everything?". Well with a little thought of course there is always something out there, or someone who is pushing the envelope just a little bit further than everyone else and making something truly special in their particular niche market.

One such person is J. Marcus, owner of FlyrodJewelry.com who handcrafts the Rolls Royce of reel seats for that special 'once-in-a-lifetime' rod.

It never ceases to amaze me that many of the flyfishermen I meet have not changed their flyline for several years and are content to use a line that is showing its age with fine cracks in the coating and floating poorly. If you fall into this category maybe its time to treat yourself to a new good quality line, it could add yards to your cast.

Simon Young takes a look at the new GRXi line from Greys. Could this be one for the shopping basket?