If you’re an angler, you don’t need to venture out to Montana or even remote regions of northern New England to experience world-class fly fishing.

Believe it or not, one of the best fly fishing experiences in the entire country can be found in Connecticut just outside of Hartford.

Connecticut’s Farmington River winds through the scenic hills of northwestern Connecticut and features some of the best trout fishing in the United States, attracting anglers not just from New England, but from around the country and even around the world.

The West Branch of the Farmington between Riverton and New Hartford is particularly legendary among fly anglers. It has the largest trout population density in the state, rivaling numbers you’d find out west. These waters are nurtured by a consistent year-round flow of cold water from the 200-foot-high Goodwin Dam, creating an ideal habitat for trout to thrive.

The Farmington features a hardy population of wild, stream-born trout, but it’s also one of Connecticut’s most heavily-stocked trout streams. Average fish run 12 to 14 inches, and much larger trout, including many over 20 inches, are hooked every year.

A world-class fly fishing river deserves world-class fly fishing guides, and the Farmington has the best.

The very best, in fact: Antoine Bissieux.

Known as The French Fly Fisherman, this native of France was named the Orvis 2025 Guide of the Year.

Spend a day with Antoine, and you’ll know that honor was well-deserved.

He’s taught at the Orvis fly fishing flagship school in Vermont, educated thousands of beginner anglers, and works with the French National Fly Fishing Team. Now, guiding along the Farmington, he teaches anglers his cutting-edge fly fishing styles, techniques, and philosophies.

With Antoine, fly fishing is an art form. He has a reputation for having an exceptional ability to read a river, adapt to conditions, and go where the fish are. Almost like he can read their minds.

And he can read his clients as well as he reads fish. That’s why he’s the best. His past clients rave about his ability to teach — about his patience, his communication, and his positive attitude, shaping each highly-personalized experience to each client, whether they’re a novice or an expert.

Antoine Bisseaux is one of several expert fly fishing guides anglers can find at Legends on the Farmington River.

Legends is in the town of Barkhamsted, Connecticut. A gorgeous sportsman’s lodge on the banks of the Farmington, Legends is located right at the legendary Greenwoods Pool, allowing visitors to enjoy flyfishing right in the lodge’s backyard if they choose.

The lodge has beautiful private decks overlooking the river, and luxurious community areas that are ideal for relaxing with family and friends.

Legends offers unparalleled access to the best areas on the Farmington for both fishing and scenery.

And if you don’t fish, there’s plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as kayaking and tubing on the scenic Farmington River, hiking and mountain biking nearby wooded trails, hunting, cross-country skiing in the winter, and much more.

Garmin has released a new man overboard (MOB) and engine cutoff system for boaters that uses wireless technology instead of traditional tethered cords.

The new Garmin OnBoard system allows boaters to wear tags on a wrist band, carabiner, or key ring float, and be designated as either captain or passenger.

If a MOB is detected, the system will save a waypoint on the chartplotter, and audible alarms will sound. Should the captain fall overboard, the system will also automatically trigger engine cutoff.

Captains can also disable the engine via a button-press on the tag if needed. With up to eight MOB tags, boaters can tag what matters most—adults, children, pets and objects—all at the same time.

Boaters can set up, pair, and manage MOB tags from compatible Garmin ECHOMAP and GPSMAP chartplotters. They can also easily disable tags temporarily to allow for hassle-free swimming and excursions.

A release from Garmin states the MOB tag battery life can exceed a single season of typical operation.

The Garmin OnBoard is compatible with any boat that has an engine cutoff switch and a compatible Garmin chartplotter.

The Garmin OnBoard system has a suggested retail price of $499.99. Additional MOB tags are available for $149.99.

Installation of the Garmin OnBoard system by a qualified marine installer is recommended.

Learn more about the Garmin OnBoard system.

Read New England Boating articles about other Garmin Marine products.

The new mechanically-controlled Stealth DF 140B is the latest addition to Suzuki’s popular Stealth line of outboards, which are built to be both powerful and quiet.

As with Suzuki’s other Stealth models, this 140-horsepower motor features an all matte-black finish with matching chrome black graphics for a powerful and distinctive look that compliments a wide range of vessels. It also features the advanced technology, powerful performance, exceptional fuel efficiency, and reliability that have been a hallmark of the Stealth line of motors.

Launched in February 2024, Suzuki’s Stealth motors made a splash at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show and were honored with a 2024 Top Products Award from Boating Industry Magazine.

The DF 140B isn’t the last addition to the Stealth line of motors. Suzuki plans to also release Stealth versions of its flagship V6 350HP integrated steering model and 300A (single prop) V-6 outboards.

Learn more about the new Stealth DF 140B outboard from Suzuki Marine.

From entertaining to tubing, the SDX 250 Outboard and SDX 270 Outboard feature premium amenities, optimized seating, and abundant storage to suit any aquatic activity. Both cockpits deliver comfort for all-day enjoyment with plush L-shaped bench seating, adjustable helm and port companion seats, an integrated cooler compartment, and optional table (available with the Comfort Bundle).

Multiple storage areas are incorporated throughout the vessels, such as a transom in-floor compartment with drainage for stowing wet gear and a starboard compartment that holds large, bulky items. The starboard compartment can also be upgraded to a head for uninterrupted boating.

The oversized bows provide generous U-shaped lounge-style seating and an integrated bow cooler compartment to store drinks and snacks. Additionally, the SDX 270 Outboard is equipped with a standard bow ladder, and with the optional Anchor Bundle, the bow can be enhanced with a stainless-steel anchor and windlass.

At the transom, the SDX 250 Outboard and SDX 270 Outboard feature a convertible sunpad with a fold-down backrest, swim platform with a deck-mounted ladder, and optional ski tow pylon for easy watersports setup.

Both vessels offer impressive outboard performance and power along with the latest technologies for effortless captaining. The SDX 250 Outboard is propelled by a Mercury 250 Verado V8 engine with SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls. The SDX 270 Outboard is powered by a Mercury 300 Verado V8 engine with SmartCraft DTS. Technology highlights include a Digital Dash with a standard 9″ Simrad NSX touchscreen display, SmartCraft Connect, Active Trim control and monitoring, optional inductive charging stations (available with the Entertainment Bundle) and a Fusion audio system.

Boaters can also customize their SDX 250 Outboard or SDX 270 Outboard to match their preferences with an assortment of bundles and options.

This ruggedly refined center console has a 34′ 6″ LOA powered by twin Yamaha 300 or 350 engines. From the one-handed settee-to-berth conversion in the class-leading cabin to the improved helm ergonomics, each enhancement was crafted to feel like second-nature.

The top deck of the revolutionized S 328 Sport features more storage to include an insulated transom cooler, in-floor gear storage, and more drink and rod holders. Even the entertainment center has more storage with two new drawers.

The improved wide-open layout and seating configuration make it easy to transition from heart-pounding reeling to comfortable cruising. Upgrade options at the helm include additional teak accents, solid teak Edson steering wheel, and leather dash pad.

Below deck, the redesigned cabin has optimized space to include a hidden head and comfy settee that converts to a roomy berth and offers additional rod storage.

Learn more about the Pursuit S 328 Sport.

That boat is the new Boston Whaler 330 Vantage. Whaler’s largest and most technically-advanced dual console is designed for boaters who enjoy a variety of activities on the water, from fishing and watersports to cruising and entertaining.

The 330 Vantage features unparalleled comfort and versatility. The dual-console layout provides ample enhanced seating and storage, a customizable cockpit area with fishing and entertaining amenities, and the flexibility to transition from a full day on the water to a dinner outing.

The 330 offers weather protection with optional full height glass or standard half glass windshield. Additionally, it has a range of luxurious features, including plush seating, a spacious cockpit, and a well-appointed portside cabin with head. Optional amenities such as a grill, refrigerator, and sunshades enhance the onboard experience.

Equipped with powerful standard V8 Mercury 300 HP engines or optional V10 Mercury 400 HP engines with or without a joystick, the 330 Vantage delivers excellent performance and predictable handling.

Seamlessly integrated Simrad technology provides precise navigation and enhanced onboard control, and other optional electronics upgrades are available for further customization. The 330 Vantage is available in multiple color options with additional optional upgrades.

Learn more about the Boston Whaler 330 Vantage.

There are a few things everyone should know about smartwatches. First, the Apple Watch has sold 38 million units since its launch in 2015, outstripping the volume of the entire Swiss watch industry. Second, other companies make smartwatches too, and those who enjoy boating should have a look at the Garmin Quatix 7.

Make no mistake, you’re getting more electronics into your life. Be warned, your Omega Seamaster may languish in the drawer if you start wearing this device. Once you get it dialed in, you may even wear it to bed, just to see how your sleep stats look! But seriously, this is not a relationship to be entered into lightly. There are a few things to know specifically about this Garmin device:

First, keep in mind that Garmin produces smartwatches not just for boating but for hikers and other people who enjoy the outdoors. The brains of this device including a GPS receiver, accelerometer (to measure speed over ground), and barometer, are nestled in a robust composite case, and depending on the model, is available with a silicone strap, or a stainless band, both with quick-change clasps at either end.

Second, the Quatix is very similar to the Fenix line of outdoor watches favored by the hatchet-and-waterproof-match set, but that’s good. More units means more motivation for Garmin to get it right.

Third, and perhaps most important: What Garmin doesn’t really talk about is the fact that all the boating functionality is through apps. It comes preloaded with apps for navigation for boats, sail race, and fishing (admittedly fishing is a little lame, it just counts the number of fish caught in the amount of time spent). It can even show charts, but we don’t recommend using that for navigation. The Quatix also has a tide app, an anchor monitor, an autopilot setup (it can link with certain Garmin helm units via Bluetooth and WiFi—though we recommend using this only while the user is at the helm of the boat), boat data, and Fusion Link to control the Fusion stereo system settings remotely.

Last, it’s almost as if Garmin knows that boaters are active people who often do more than just boating, and the watch, out of the box, also tracks and logs activities including standup paddleboarding, open-water swimming (we SAID it’s robust), and rowing, as well as running, hiking, and biking. There’s also a heart rate monitor, step counter, and much more available on apps from Garmin and third-party developers. It’s a whole world worth exploring.

Pricing ranges from around $400 (at this writing) to $900, and models vary with touchscreen, solar charging, available stainless bracelet, and sapphire crystal.

The new APK 10 Autopilot Keypad provides boaters more precise control of Garmin’s Reactor 40 Autopilot. The keypad features an LED-encircled rotary knob that allows for specific heading control, along with two autopilot buttons — engage and standby — and two multipurpose buttons that can be customized to the vessel.

The compact design allows it to be mounted either horizontally or vertically with a low-profile design in new or existing helms.

Installation is seamless as boaters can easily connect to a boat’s NMEA 2000 network with a single port and cable for integration and power.

The APK 10 Autopilot Keypad has a suggested retail price of $399.99. It is compatible with all Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilots, including the award-winning Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot with SmartPump v2.

Learn more about the Garmin APK 10 Autopilot Keypad.

Also: Read our article about Garmin’s GC 245 and GC 255 marine cameras.

Location:
Garmin
1200 E 151st St .
Olathe, KS 66062

Phone: (913) 397-8200

Find a Dealer

Price: $399.99

The Force Pro trolling motor features multi-band GPS for superior anchor lock performance and a built-in GT56UHD, Garmin’s latest and most powerful ultra high-definition scanning transducer.

Force Pro has reverse thrust capability, which adds another dimension of control and is useful for anglers slowing the boat or backing up through tight quarters like creeks or dock slips.

It also features a brushless motor that uses a high-efficiency propeller to produce 100 pounds of thrust. It can move anglers quickly from one dock or brush pile to the next, standing up to high winds and strong currents along the way.

The new trolling motor is exceptionally quiet, so fish are less likely to notice an angler’s approach. And its efficient design allows it to last all day while maintaining its power with minimal sonar interference.

Wireless integration with Garmin chartplotters lets anglers create routes, patterns, and tracks for the trolling motor to follow while they fish.

Anglers can fish in low light and know at-a-glance what direction they’re headed thanks to the lighted indicator on the trolling motor shaft cap.

With the included foot pedal or wireless remote, anglers can control the Force Pro with Garmin’s simple point-and-go gesture steering.

Learn more about the Force Pro trolling motor from Garmin.

Location:

Garmin Marine

1200 E 151st St .

Olathe, KS 66062

Phone: (913) 397-8200

Find a Dealer

Price: $3,999.99