When it comes to choosing the best fly rods, reels, and combo kits, there is no better vote than the one cast by anglers themselves. At this year’s Fly Fishing Show Consumer Choice Awards, Temple Fork Outfitters earned top honors across multiple categories, reinforcing its reputation for building high-performance fly fishing gear at an incredible value.
Award Winning Fly Fishing Gear, Voted by Anglers
Unlike editorial awards, the Consumer Choice Awards are decided by real anglers. That means every rod, reel, and kit recognized reflects time on the water, not just time in a test lab.
This year, TFO stood out across several key categories:
Best Saltwater Fly Rod: TFO Moment
Built for speed, strength, and lifting power, the TFO Moment is designed for targeting redfish, tarpon, and other saltwater species. It delivers premium performance at a price under $1000, making it one of the best saltwater fly rods for anglers seeking high-end performance without the premium price tag.
That reputation was further cemented when Flylords Magazine honored the Moment with two major industry awards. It was named Best Value in Flylords’ Best Saltwater Fly Rods of 2026 and also took home Best Saltwater Fly Rod in Flylords’ Best in Class Awards.
Read more about why it’s considered one of the best saltwater fly rods under $1000.
The TFO Moment saltwater fly rod, recognized for premium performance and award winning value.
Best Freshwater Fly Rod: TFO Dispatch
The TFO Dispatch Rod delivers a versatile, performance-driven design built for a wide range of freshwater and light saltwater applications. Whether you’re targeting trout, smallmouth, or even redfish on a trip to the coast, it offers the balance of power and feel needed to handle many types of fishing conditions.
Designed for anglers looking to step beyond entry-level setups, the Dispatch Rod brings refined tapers, improved responsiveness, and the confidence to fish everything from nymph rigs to streamers.
Explore the TFO Dispatch Rod series here.
The TFO Dispatch fly rod lineup with handle A on 4 to 6 weight models and handle B on the 8 weight, designed for performance across multiple freshwater applications.
Best Freshwater Fly Reel: TFO Dispatch Reel
The TFO Dispatch Reel was recognized as one of the best freshwater fly reels for its balance of performance, durability, and value. Designed to handle a wide range of freshwater applications with the versatility to cross into light saltwater use, it delivers smooth, reliable performance in real-world conditions.
Built from a combination of cast and fully machined anodized aluminum, the Dispatch Reel offers strength where it matters most while keeping overall weight low. A sealed drag system provides consistent pressure and protection from the elements, giving anglers confidence when fighting everything from trout to larger freshwater species.
The Dispatch Reel is available in multiple sizes to match a variety of setups:
Size I for 3 to 4 weight rods
Size II for 5 to 6 weight rods
Size III for 7 to 8 weight rods
With tool-free maintenance and easy left or right hand retrieve conversion, the Dispatch Reel is built for anglers who want dependable performance without breaking the bank.
The TFO Dispatch fly reel, recognized as one of the best freshwater fly reels for performance, durability, and value.
Best Freshwater Combo Kit: TFO Dispatch Kit
For anglers looking for a complete setup without compromise, the TFO Dispatch Combo Kit is recognized as one of the best freshwater fly fishing combos available.
Built around the same performance-driven blank as the Dispatch Rod, this kit pairs premium components into a true ready-to-fish system. The Dispatch Combo includes the Dispatch Reel, a lightweight cast and machined aluminum reel with a fully sealed drag system, matched with a premium line setup featuring backing, a looped two-tone fly line, and a tapered leader.
Everything is packaged in a rugged rod and reel carrier, making it ready to fish right out of the box. Built for anglers who want to start seriously, it delivers balanced performance, lasting reliability, and the confidence to grow on the water.
Available in multiple models to match your fishing style:
8’6” 4-weight for smaller streams and technical dry fly work
9’ 5-weight as the ultimate all-around trout setup
9’ 6-weight for larger trout, heavier rigs, and windy conditions
9’ 8-weight for bass, streamers, and light saltwater applications
Shop the TFO Dispatch Combo Kits here.
The TFO Dispatch combo kit, an award winning freshwater fly fishing setup built for anglers ready to start seriously, right out of the box.
Why Anglers Choose TFO
TFO builds gear for all anglers, from fly to conventional, freshwater to saltwater. No matter how or where you fish, the goal stays the same: deliver performance you can count on when it matters most.
These awards reinforce what anglers across every category already know. TFO rods, reels, and kits are designed to perform in real-world conditions, giving anglers the confidence to fish harder, adapt faster, and stay dialed in on the water.
Explore the award-winning lineup and see why anglers across the country continue to trust TFO.
