Review: Roundup: High-Tech Fishing Gear

Every experienced fly-fisherman dreads the question: "Catch anything today?" It's not scary because we struck out, but because we know that you wouldn't believe us if we told you how many giant fish we caught. The best way to avoid this question: Dazzle your interrogators with fancy gear. And while no gadget can improve your cast, technology can definitely enhance life on the water.

Roundup: High-Tech Fishing Gear

Learn How We Rate ##### Wired

Extremely lightweight. Included rubber gaskets let you transform the Swap-its into goggles should you need to whitewater raft to the next fishing hole. Performed well under a variety of light conditions. Giant accessory case includes lanyard, soft bag/polishing cloth, anti-fog spray.

Roundup:

• 1/10A complete failure in every way
• 2/10Sad, really
• 3/10Serious flaws; proceed with caution
• 4/10Downsides outweigh upsides
• 5/10Recommended with reservations
• 6/10Solid with some issues
• 7/10Very good, but not quite great
• 8/10Excellent, with room to kvetch
• 9/10Nearly flawless
• 10/10Metaphysical perfection

Orvis Helios 4-wt, 8.5-foot

Fly-fishing rods are lightweight to begin with, but the Helios (which is handbuilt from of a unidirectional carbon-fiber weave akin to what is used on predator drones) feels like it's made from of butterfly wings. Fly rods come in various sizes (weights), and Helios typically make the lightest instruments in their class. We used a 4-weight, perfect for the small Sierra mountain streams within driving distance of the Wired offices. While the Helios waslithe enough to cast all day, it still had plenty of backbone, snapping back to attention quickly for crazy far casts and mid-air line management.

Zeal Optics Swap It Deuce

When it comes to flyfishing, sunglasses are not fashion accessories. They're mandatory for safety – after all, you're swinging a metal hook through the air at upwards of 400 mph. If one of those swooshes makes contact with an unprotected eye, you will understand how ironic the term "vitreous humor" really is. Shades also cut glare, and polarized ones can help you see through the water. Zeal Optics swap-it deuces have a special polarization that claims to work well regardless of light conditions, blocking strong sun and enhancing low-light visibility. Kind of sounds like an Ambervision commercial? Imagine our surprisewhen it actually worked.

Panasonic Lumix TS1

Ruggedized cameras are usually either bulky contraptions that seem better suited for service on the Calypso or they're crap. Not the TS1. Sleek and compact, this Leica-lensed beauty has the looks of a CCD goddess, as well as brains. We dropped it, dunked it and shot pics in rain, snow (Beartooth pass, elevation 10,974 feet) and eye-burning dust – it never faltered. It captured stunning 12-megapixel images with a 28mm wide-angle lens that was perfect for fish-enlarging close-ups and scenic shots alike. The shutter lag was minimal, the LCD bright enough to see in blistering sunlight. And the controls were easy enough for even a grizzled technophobic fishing guide to figure out. All in all, it was a better fishing companion than some of the guys who chipped in on beer.

WIRED Gorgeous, noise-free images, even indoors at the lodge. Rated leak-free down to 10 feet, but we dropped it 30 by mistake and took 15 minutes to retrieve it, and it was fine. Captures surprisingly fluid 720p movies. Multipoint facial recognition flaunted what seemed to be a limitless depth of field. Rock-solid optical image stabilization.

TIRED Whoever put the lens in the upper-left corner should be credited with seriously screwing up what would otherwise be a near-perfect camera: About half our pictures have the shooter's finger in them. Takes a little too long to turn on.

$300, panasonic.com

Fishpond Windwalker Chest Pack

Gear is both blessing and curse. While you fear not having the right fly or gauge of line for the moment, being prepared means lugging your entire collection of lures, flies, tackle and reels everywhere you go. The traditional means of hauling all that crap is a vest. But traditional means old, and that's exactly the kind of person who wears a vest on theriver. Modern fishermen rock chest packs, which are far less sweaty than vests and generally make it easier to get at your stuff. That's where the Windwalker excels. It's like a wearable accordion file that makes it simple to grab whatever you need. Unfortunately, it's not great for keeping out water, so make sure you have zip-lock bags to protect your H2O-sensitive stuff.

WIRED More pockets than a pool hall. Integrated fly compartment easily has enough room for a day's worth of imitation insects. Neck strap has quick-cinch buckles that let you hike up the pack when you venture into deeper water.

TIRED Could really use a rubberized underside – we love the river, but we don't need to take it home with us. Also lacks a rod loop or a place to jam your fish-slayer while you re-rig your line. Sweat-wicking fabric on neck strap is a little rough on the skin, especially if you're sunburned.

$90, fishpondusa.com

Garmin Oregon 400t

In the event that you actually catch a fish, you might want to take note of the spot. But landmark

s like "tree" and "rock" could have you angling a puddle behind Wal-Mart. Mark the scene of your victory dance with technology! Garmin's Oregon 400T is not only a supremely rugged outdoor GPS (repeated fumbles didn't phase it) but it comes pre-loaded with detailed topographical maps of most major inland rivers, streams and lakes. So, if you're wondering what's around the bend, you can use the touchscreen to activate a 3-D fly-over and check it out before you lug the cooler.

WIRED Took all the punishment we served up, and we brought the Oregon back for seconds and thirds, dropping it down rockslides and keeping it submerged pretty much all day. Built-in support for geocaching, in the unlikely event you're not fishing. Handy carabiner clipped right to our kit.

TIRED Screen could be brighter. Didn't come with rechargeable batteries. One inexcusable flaw: It needs a dedicated waypoint button. To mark your spot, you have to exit your map (two steps in 3-D mode), then scroll over a page, tap the waypoint button, hit Save ... you get the idea. Too many steps.

$600, garmin.com