What to wear now?

[davethetrout]

I have spent quite a few dollars on vests and hip packs and have yet to find one that doesnt get in the way somhow. I have gone as far as seriously reducing the load and goin to a very small Orvis vest. Now the left side small pocket is chafing my left forarm from stripping. I was thinking about ordering somthing like a backpack type but then my net is gonna be weird. Is there aproduct available that doesnt hurt a little or get in the way at all? I am probly asking for too much but I am trying here...hip packs are out of the question..water is too deep where I fish and I need to wade as deep as my chest waders allow. I need to be able to access my gear while in the water too. Lets see where this goes..Thanks
Dave

 

[fcch]

Dave,

You have afew choices, ... all depending on how much stuff you NEED with you on the river.

Long story Short.
I lug around LOTS of gear. Most stays in the kit bag on the beach or in the canoe.

The vest has only a few boxes, tippet and leader material, nippers, whistle, smokes etc.

I still have 6 fly boxes, but the big ones go into the BACK pocket so they don't get in the way (I can reach them without taking the vest off.)

If you only need about 2-3 medium sized fly boxes, try a chest pack and slide one box inside your waders (the box you use the most).

There are "new" vests out built like battle harnesses which load fairly well and can be balanced front and back.

Other ideas ??

 

[acirig]

Fishpond pack

This summer I also have tried to reduce my pack and I just bought a small Fishpond pack that you can wear a couple different ways. I think it is the San Juan Vertical Chest pack. It is awesome for me but it definitely limits what you can bring. It has plenty of loops to attach zingers and front pouch with foam style fly holder. It also has a large main pocket which I easily fit a big fly box, leader, tippets, cell phone. If you can limit what you are bringing out I would highly rec'd this pack.

Fishpond USA - San Juan Vertical Chest Pack

 

[The_Sib]

That Fishpond looks nice ( small though )

I got one of these William Joseph - Packs Mini II

Not bad except when real rocky, steep gradient with lots of up and downs.
They keep you from looking down at your feet ( and the rocks and pitfalls )
Especially with a gut like mine.
Can carry about 1/2 to 2/3 as much as a vest.
Cooler in Summer
Has a Metal Loop on the padded neck strap for a net
Oh Yeah, the tippet sytem is PAR EXCELLANCE

 

[McAwful]

Dave,

For Smallies on the D this summer I have been wearing my Camelbak and keeping two smaller boxes (how many flies do you use for smallemouth? I use about the same 5) in the big front pockets of my Pac Fly shirt. All kinds of water and gear that are back up, or less used in the pack. It works great.

For trout I use a Richardson Chest Pack. They are not cheap, but worth it.

For the salt, I have a cheap shoulder creel. Could I have one solution for all of the different types of Fly Fishing I do? Doubtful. I like having it all seperate. When I decide to go fish, I just grab the right pack.

McA

 

[ziofons]

I have one of those" William Joseph" Chest packs that The Sib mentioned, It's great for summer fishing!

 

[sandfly]

check out the orvis vest/packs, there are 2 one without and one with a hydration bag. i've been using the one without on the big "D" for the last year.if you are fishing the "D" why use a net..if need be, orvis also has a magnetic lanyard that works great too.. check out the downstream box like a richardson but way less in price..

 

[NJFred]

I know exactly what you are talking about. I sometimes use a $40 Eagle travel bag. It's about 16 inches long by 6 inches tall and can be packed to a depth of about 6 inches. It's attached to a shoulder strap and a sling it over my shoulder and pull it up high onto the the upper part of my back. It's completely out of the way. When I need to access it, I just pull on the strap and rotate it around to the front. By far the best system I have for out of the way and easy access.

I can fit about 4 fly boxes in it, all the tippit I need and the outer pockets hold stuff like floatant, sink puddy ect. I don't carry a net so that is not an issue.

It's small so you need to be selective on what flies you carry. I use it for smaller streams and for the salt.

Maybe you can find something similar a little larger or combine it with a daypack that you can leave on the bank if you walk distances to fishing spots.

 

[RickW]

After years of trying to find the perfect set-up, I've come to the conclusion that all involve compromise.

What I find myself doing is choosing the right rig for the situation at hand, depending on the type of fishing, the weather, the distance and time I will be away from the truck, etc.

Some days will see me using a traditional vest, other days a fishpond chest pack / back pack combo, or a camelback with a small compartment for extras, or even a full day pack.

If you ever find the one rig that's perfect for all conditions, let me know.

r

 

[davethetrout]

check out the orvis vest/packs, there are 2 one without and one with a hydration bag. i've been using the one without on the big "D" for the last year.if you are fishing the "D" why use a net..if need be, orvis also has a magnetic lanyard that works great too.. check out the downstream box like a richardson but way less in price..

Are you serious about not needing a net? .........Guess you dont fish in the D by me...I get and have to use my net regularly! Maybye you could elaborate a little more please..Thanks
Dave

 

[babyblue]

Dave, I only use a net when I will be using 4x or smaller tippet. Now, I remember you saying that you are using a 3wt. when fishing smallies, so maybe you are using 4x or smaller. I usually use 0x tippet when fishing the Del. for smallies or what ever is eating a streamer or popper. I carry 1 flybox, tippet and hemos that also cut. I don't find a need for a vest or a net when fishing streamers or poppers.

Rich

 

[davethetrout]

So you have to handle everyfish with your hands? Isnt that even more stressful to the fish? What about the big ones? I just feel better using a net...If I dont then the fish splashes around way more and then my line breaks and I send another fish home with a peircing to show ma and pa...net resolves all that and gets em released way faster...
dave

 

[McAwful]

Dave,

I'm with Blue 100%. I am using a medium/medium fast 9ft 7 or 8wt rod and throwing flies sized from #6 to 2/0. Most of the time I throw poppers in the #2 range. Just lip the bass and let em go, no need for a net.

McA

 

[AKSkim]

No Need For A Net

I never use a net, never felt the need to either, other than when I am in a boat.

Each situation is different so what I might do, you may do differently.

If the fish is of some size, I was taught to use its strength against it, and have the fish work itself to the shore/bank area. Like watching a seasoned salmon fly fisherman work a king salmon to the bank and come to hand. The same technique could also be employed while bringing an 8 inch brook trout to hand. You don't have to over play them to accomplish this either.

Case in point, if you have a steelhead on the line and it is running, how do you gain the upper hand? Along with some very quick feet, rod control, use of your palm of the reel hand and side pressure???

Do you let out all the line and backing you have? Or do you use the steelhead power and the RIVER currents to assist you?

Just something to ponder.....

As always, AK just helping out...

AK Skim