Fly Fishing - Winston Fly Rod

jeremy

So, what kind of vests and packs are people rolling with this year? It seems that every year there is a new fad, a new style and many just stick to the tried and true fly fishing vest. I remember 2 years ago when packs first seemed to really hit the Market .. many of them seemed to be better suited for astronauts than for fly fisherman. I mean seriously, for me, there is such as thing as too many pockets and all that stuff. I tried, whaat I think to be every possible style (within reason) always searching for the simple solution. But, more often than not .. what seemed good in the fly shop .. was a total waste of my time on the water. Velcroe and too many pockets and holes for this and rubber gadgets for that and elastic stretchable things hanging off me .. etc.. To be honest, it was too much and irritated me more than anything else ... So, these days, I like a minimalist approach ... LESS is MORE. Now, I take that to 'nth degree and use my teeth instead of nippers; I am not suggesting that ... but a good balance seems reasonable. How much do I really need to BRING WITH ME on the water. Now, we all know that different situations call for different needs .. so, yes, there is need for pliers, nippers, tons of tippet spools, various fly boxes and different jackets for different environs and all that stuff .. but that doesn't mean i need to or want to take ALL of it with me every time I get on the water .. So, when I go fly fishing .. I like to have only what I need for that application ... and, for me, less is more .. With that said, I am going to roll with the SLING PACK again this year .. to date, it is the best for me .. here is why.

1. out of my way when fishing
2. 1 big pocket ..that's it .. simple. throw everything in there. done.
3. 1 smaller pocket for my camera(s)
4. easy to access. swing it around to my front, get what i need FAST and done.

I guess that's it .. and that's why I like it .. not much more to it than that.

Curious how others roll .. I know everyone is different and everyone has different preferences ... are people still rolling with the fishpond stuff . and is that still creating the buzz it once was? what are you looking for in a pack/vest? are vests a thing of the past? any new stuff out there that is drawing peoples attention or interest?

One thing I love about the fly fishing industry .. is people are always looking for a better, faster, newer, more creative way to do the same old thing... it keeps it fun and interesting .. some things make sense others don't .. some things are a fad and others last ..

so where is everyone at with packs/vests?

Austin · Newbie Joined: Jan 10, 2005 Posts: 80

so true jeremy! it seems as though that when packs first entered the market they were big and bulky, and as you said "best suited for astranauts rather than fly fisherman." I pride myself for carrying very minimul supplies, and try to stick to the basic supplies that i have stuck with since i started. Therefore, i have no need for lots of big pockets, stuff to hang stuff off of, waterproff inside compartments, etc..... I'm sure if i was going on a huge hike in trip for a week in some unknown land....that would change and an "astranaut pack" might suit me better off, but untill then....the sling pack is perfect.

chromefinder · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 10:57 am Post subject:

In the past, I too found myself always on a quest for the latest way to carry too much fishing stuff. I have tried almost every vest and pack system known to man. I too now roll with with a sling pack most of the time. I like its simplistic design and the fact that its behind me and out of the way until I need to get in it. What I like most about it that it forces me to take less stuff on the water, stuff that I really don't need. There are a couple improvements I'd like to see on the sling packI use, such as the use a 100% waterproof fabric (for now I just keep Ziplock in business). Some super heavy duty bomber style zippers would be nice as well.

joey · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:37 am Post subject:

I roll with the fishpond shooting star. Chest pack/ back pack combo. I generally do not use the 2 together. usually the chest pack for trout and the back pack for steelhead. The chest pack has 2 compartments for fly boxes and a fly bench in the front that zips down. I love the bench out front its a great place to stick your flies while on the water. Most of the time there are some many flies in there I dont even need to get out my boxes because what I need is right there. It also came with 2 different straps, one longer than the other. I use the longer one so I have the option to wear it low or off to the side, much like a sling pack. The backpack is good for steelhead because it has an internal bladder for water and can hold extra gear (food, clothes, flies, reels, etc) for long days on the water.

KodiakCommando · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:14 am Post subject:

I have used a william joseph access chest pack for quite awhile and for anything but spey fishing I love it. I just ordered a WJ equinox becauase it's similar to the access but more forgiving when casting the two hander.

A foot note to that is I have had nothing but good experiences with William Joseph products which are relatively new to fly fishing and made their name with packs.

Pzulick · Newbie Joined: Aug 29, 2006 Posts: 11

I totally ditched the vest before the season opener last year. Went with the Fishpond Shooting star chest/back pack combo. The wife picked me up a William Joseph "Satchel" sling bag around christmas time, and I've got a sneaking suspicion that's gonna become my everyday pack. For extended/all day/inclement weather trips I'll probably still use the Shoorting Star, as I can pack a jacket and lunch/coffee/etc.

skarcher · Newbie Joined: Jun 13, 2007 Posts: 1

I've never been into vests. I have one that's heavy and full of junk but I usually just use my patagonia hip-pack. I can fit my flies, tippet, and bug spray inside it and have pliers and clippers hanging off the outside. It's all I need, really.