Some companies bring a few new products, but Simms Fishing has been busy developing innovative technical and lifestyle clothing with unrivaled performance. To prove the point, Simms won two prizes in the New Product Showcase Best of Category awards. But trophies for Best Fly Fishing Packs, Bags and Luggage for the Fly Weight Vest Pack and the Best Waders and Wading Boots with the G4 Stockingfoot Wader were just a couple of the cool clothes and gear we saw at the Simms booth.
First Look: Simms Fishing
Simms is a favorite of full-time guides and pro anglers, so the company’s premium gear and tackle is held to a higher standard. Simms designs a product to use every day in the harshest conditions. That motivation was evident in the new Pursuit wet-wading shoe.
Adding to a long line of performance footwear, the warm water shoes look like cross trainers and protect your feet like wading boots. The shoe is built around a sturdy TPU frame and neoprene collar. To drain water and dry quickly, the synthetic mesh sides increase airflow and offer another layer of protection.
The micro-sipped sole keeps you planted on slippery surfaces while ports through the sole drain water. The Pursuit shoe is low profile to fit in a kayak cockpit while the TPU frame and sturdy sole protect against oyster shells, sharp rocks, mud and sand. The quick-drying qualities are welcome after I wade into the water to launch my kayak and don’t want to spend the day with wet feet.
In addition to the Pursuit shoe, Simms has new clothes for men and women for every season. Since we are in the middle of summer, I was drawn to the new SolarFlex sun hoodies and superlight pants. The sun shirt is sun resistant, quick-drying and anti-odor. It has a large hood to fit over a hat and still stay put in heavy wind. I like the thumb loops sewn inside the sleeves to cover my hands. Another great feature is Simms’ dedication to using recycled materials and still maintaining the highest quality pro-level performance.
My eye was drawn to a new full-size version of my favorite Guide Pliers. Made of 6061 Aluminum with a replaceable cutter and jaws, the Guide Pliers are tough enough to live in my saltwater kayak. I keep the original Guide Plier clipped to my PFD and now I can stash the full-size model in my kayak crate. The pliers most often come out when I tie a knot. I use the tiny peg on the plier handle to pull the knot tight, before I clipping the tag end with the cutters.
The pliers and the shoes look awesome!