This year, I enjoyed exploring my new home waters in coastal New England after growing up fishing the Lake Erie and Ontario tributaries for steelhead, salmon, and brown trout. I spent this season fishing backwaters for stripers with the fly rod, catching pickerel in the ponds, chasing bonito from the rocks, and jigging tuna offshore. This was some of my favorite gear for those pursuits.
– Liam O’Neill, Content Specialist
Check out the rest of the OTW Staff’s Field Test Favorites from the 2025 Fishing Season
Simm’s Confluence Waders
Breathable, comfortable, and versatile. Everything I would want in a wader. I am able to walk miles on the beach, looking for stripers or wade in the river for Steelhead. I have always been a neoprene guy since I mainly fish in the winter. Spending $70 felt like the most economical choice. However, these waders only lasted me through one season if that. This year I invested in the Simms Confluence Waders. I know that if I take care of them properly, I will get my money’s worth out of them. The “creek drip” is also a nice touch.
Boomerang Tool
Very nice to have the line cutter on you at all times. I can easily clip this Boomerang Tool on my waders or belt and have it cut any type of line I need it to from light tippet to heavy braid. Saves me time and a chipped tooth!
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Textured Anadro Indicator Fly Line
I purchased the Amplitude Textured Anadro Indicator Fly Line at the beginning of the year and have loved it since. The most versatile line that I have used for steelhead. I can get short, accurate roll casts if I am in the streams of Erie, Pa or get a long cast into the right seam on the Salmon river. I prefer to only walk with one fly rod and this line allows me to do anything I need when presenting a fly to a steelhead or salmon.
Xtratuf Deck Boot Sport
Whether I am fishing or filming, these Xtratuf Sport Deck Boots keep me comfortable on my feet for hours on end. I was skeptical of them initially, but for me, they have lasted an entire season with no issue. The extra foam really makes a difference. I have only had these for the 2025 season, but I am very interested to see many more seasons they have in them.
AFTCO All Day Fishing Pants
From the boat, the office, to the bar, the Aftco All Day Fishing Pants are super comfortable, and durable. I get stains on every article of clothing I own, and these are the only pants I have been able to get Albie blood out of. I do not usually wear pants out fishing but when I am at the office and get the call that a bite is on, I know that I can wear these and not worry about ruining them even if I decide to wet wade.
$89
Quantum Merit Combo
It’s nice having friends with boats, but the majority of the time I got boots on the ground. I have stuck to the back waters for stripes in ponds and flats, but I am slowly getting into the surf fishing scene. I got the chance to use the Quantum Merit Combo (MT8000102H2040.P2 ) out on Nauset beach and I was pleasantly surprised the performance of this combo. For someone who is just beginning his plunge into surfcasting, like me, the value and performance of this combo is perfect.
Garmin Vivoactive
It’s not “fishing” gear per se, but Garmin Vivoactive Smartwatch has applications I use mainly for fishing. Tracks my sleep so I can see how many energy drinks I need to consume. Tracks my steps to see how far I have walked without catching a fish. I get text and call notifications when phone is stored away so I know when my buddies are on fish or missed calls from my girlfriend asking why I am out fishing again.