In Orlando we gathered at a pre-show press conference held by Rich Hohne, Brand Communications Manager, at Simms. At the event multiple well known Simms Pros including Ish Monroe, Shaw Grigsby, and Aaron Martens talked about their firsthand experience with the brand new Simms ProDry Gear. They highlighted how comfortable the new gear was, and how even though it felt lighter it still offered excellent protection from the harshest conditions.

While the original ProDry jacket and bib have become very popular among both weekend warriors and pro anglers the company felt that they could further improve the gear with the latest technology and new design innovations they came up with over the last year.

“The new Fall line of gear headlined with the exciting launch of the new ProDry™ GORE-TEX® Jacket & Bib are designed for anglers of all types who need to fish without worry for impending weather,” says Brandan Hill, Sr. Director of Product. “We believe these products will cement Simms at the forefront of foul-weather fishing gear.”

The new ProDry™ Jacket and Bib are both constructed out of GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric for protection in extreme weather, the ProDry™ suit features angler-inspired storage along with features including 3-point adjustable Storm Hood and Dry Cuff™ design to lock out water. The new GORE-TEX® Pro Shell has a 100% nylon face and 40d rip-stop body and reinforcement zones. It is extremely durable and yet lighter than ever, and the jacket weighs in at only 20oz./550g. and is available in Fury orange, Boulder, and Black, which should be a popular color among bass anglers looking for the ultimate stealthy look.

The new ProDry Jacket and Bib are available now and retail for $549.95 and $449.95 respectively, which are a serious investment for any angler, but are designed to be the very ultimate in foul weather protection. 

A lighter option: While the ProDry gear will shield anglers from a deluge there are times when a lighter option is just fine. For these situations when a lighter set of garments is the ticket the company offers the new Simms Vapor Elite™ Jacket and Simms Vapor Elite™ Pant.  Constructed of 3-layer GORE-TEX® C-KNIT™ fabric technology, the Simms Vapor Elite Jacket is 10% lighter and 15% more breathable than other GORE-TEX® Shell laminates. Combined with the Simms Vapor Elite Pant—constructed of 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell—the rain jacket and pant stow easily, provide maximum waterproof protection and are perfect to keep anglers fishing in bad weather. The Vapor Elite Jacket and Pant retail for $449.95 and $349.95 respectively, and will be available Spring 2016.

Go Solar: At the press conference Pro Angler Ish Monroe talked about how he basically lives in his Solarflex shirts. These technical garments are ideal for a day on the water or simply getting around town. This coming Spring Simms is expanding the line yet again with new Artist Series shirts that feature recognizable DeYoung patterns including various trout and tarpon styles. These garments are quick drying, anti-odor and offer UPF50 protection and will retail for $59.95 each.

The new Women's Hylite Rain Shell is extremely lightweight

Gear for Women: Simms also made a big push this year into more women's apparel including a new Hylite Rain Shell which is extremely packable, weighs only 9.6oz., and is a 2.5 layer shell that is 100% seam sealed. This rain shell is available in Blossom (reddish-orange) and Iron Lagoon (grey) colors and will retail from only $149.95 when they become available this coming Spring. Simms is also rolling out a very attractive set of new shirts called the Big Sky for women. These shirts are water resistant and quick drying and are darted, pleated and patterned for ease of movement. They are 100% nylon and come with bonus features like a sunglass chamois inside the bottom hem. These technical plaid shirts are UPF 30 and will retail for $79.95 when they become available in Spring as well.

Footwear: When it comes to footwear For Spring 2016, Simms has branched well beyond the wading shoes for which they are known for. this season they introduced a new line of boat-ready footwear.  Based on their Right Angle™ Footbed technology, three models of shoes developed for fishing will be unveiled.  Right Angle™ technology properly aligns the angler’s foot, making all-day deck fishing comfortable.  The Currents Shoe combines a seamless TPU welded upper with quick-dry mesh that resists water retention.  Easily adjustable via a bungie lacing closure, the Currents Shoe is the company’s lightest offering in the category. The Westshore Shoe and Westshore Slip On Shoe have a washed canvas upper and, combined with Right Angle™ Footbed technology, allow for all-day comfort and support.

Simms has you covered from hood to toe this year

In wading footwear, Simms unleashes the first-ever made-for-wet-wading Intruder Boot. Available with Vibram® Megagrip rubber outsole and felt, the Intruder features an integrated neoprene sock to block debris. The boot is designed to be worn barefoot or with Simms neoprene wading or guard socks. The completely redesigned Headwaters™ Boot (available with Vibram® Idrogrip outsole or felt) is engineered for reliable wading performance with its high denier nylon upper and dual-density midsole.  For the saltwater angler, Simms leverages the success of its Vapor Boot with the introduction of the new VaporTread® Boot – Salt.  Constructed of waterproof synthetic leather, TPU textile and rubber upper, the VaporTread® Boot – Salt is the perfect boot when wading gets tough in salt environments. So there you have it, Simms has you literally covered from hood to toe with their new 2016 introductions, and have really become a one stop shop for the angler looking for the ultimate gear to help you enjoy fishing and the outdoors to the fullest.