Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: halcyonguitars on February 09, 2018, 09:38:52 AM
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As much as I like the voluminous capacity of my fishing jacket, there are some things I find really annoying.
Mostly the way it bunches tight around the waist. I always feel cold around the waist, like when your shirt's untucked. And the way the sleeve Velcro always catches on the upper pocket Velcro when doing stuff, and the way you lose built up heat anytime you need something from the inside pocket. And the way that it's way too much in warm weather so I end up just carrying it.
So I'm thinking of getting a vest with the same amount of carry space, and a high quality rain coat that goes further towards the knees.
Just wondering what people's thoughts are on the pros and cons of one vs the other set up...
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Waterproof sling. Stays out of the way when you need it. Doesn't interfere with casting (fly or gear). Doesn't pull you forward.
A long rain coat is a hazard if you are wading above your knees. I like a short jacket.
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Yup. I like my sling. I do not like my long rain coat. Its days are numbered.
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Slings and packs are nice for a short catch and release outings but for basically everything else they suck. Not big enough to hold lunch, extra clothing or fish. Its especially a pain to carry limits of fish a long ways but with a vest its very easy, the big back pocket carries anything I need, including limits of coho and springs. Ive had over 40lbs of fish in it and it has broken yet.
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Slings and packs are nice for a short catch and release outings but for basically everything else they suck. Not big enough to hold lunch, extra clothing or fish. Its especially a pain to carry limits of fish a long ways but with a vest its very easy, the big back pocket carries anything I need, including limits of coho and springs. Ive had over 40lbs of fish in it and it has broken yet.
Completely agree. I’ve always used a vest, and can’t see a good reason to change. On top of all of my terminal tackle for river fishing, mine is also usually stuffed with: a container of roe, 1 litre of water, big can of bear spray, full lunch, sometimes a jacket or sweater, and with any luck a fish or 4 on top of it all. I can access everything without taking the vest off. Do I look super trendy? No. Do I care? No...
I have a cheaper hip pack for shorter/simpler/trendier days.
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A similar thread http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=39862.msg376093#msg376093
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Having been fly fishing for 36+ years I am pretty much stuck on the use of a vest. I prefer shorty vests that don't get soaked during deep wading. I have a hip pouch/pack that can also be used as a shoulder patch. I find it cumbersome & it carries very little. It mostly gets used for gear fishing when I leave the fly tackle in the car or at home.
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Having been fly fishing for 36+ years I am pretty much stuck on the use of a vest. I prefer shorty vests that don't get soaked during deep wading. I have a hip pouch/pack that can also be used as a shoulder patch. I find it cumbersome & it carries very little. It mostly gets used for gear fishing when I leave the fly tackle in the car or at home.
How do you deal with soaking wet vest after fishing in the rain?
Sling causes shoulder pain. best is hip bag.
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Thanks,
I've already come to the conclusion that I am no longer avid enough to wade much above my knees, so not too worried about a longer jacket. I can't handle all the weight on one shoulder so a sling is out. I've got a dedicated chest pack but found it to be in the way a lot.
I do wonder though about all your stuff gettting totally rained on as well...
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I got a vest last year and have loved the pocket space. Sure everything gets wet in the rain but what are you carrying in your vest that can't get wet? You can always get a small drybag from MEC if there's anything that needs extra protection.
FWIW some Goretex shells are a little longer in the back and help keep the wind out. I splurged on an Arcteryx one a couple years back and the extra length in the back is a great feature (I'm 6'3") to keep you insulated.
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Yeah it's the small of the back and hips that always feels cold...
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How do you deal with soaking wet vest after fishing in the rain?
I wear my rain coat over my vest. Sure I look at little bulky but everything stays dry
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How do you deal with soaking wet vest after fishing in the rain?
Sling causes shoulder pain. best is hip bag.
what's to cope with - I hang it up at the end of the day. Dry by the morning. Putting the jacket over it sort of defeats the purpose by making access to stuff more difficult.
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I am assuming you are talking about a Vedder vest? I like those huge easy access pockets they can offer. Thats about it though.
3years ago I scrimped and saved and purchased a Simms g4pro jacket. Its the best piece of equipment I have ever invested in. It Fits all of my gear,huge back pocket for water,lunch,gear and its water tight in downpours as long as the pockets are fully zipped. If the pockets are not fully zipped they can collect water very fast.
I view it as a safety piece too. I've taken a couple slips and dips into the river and with the jacket slightly cinched at the waist it prevents water from seeping in and it puffs up to give me some floatation. Super comfortable.
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More thinking of the vests that are mostly mesh...I don't generally catch enough fish to need to worry about how I haul them around. Garbage bags seem to suffice so far...
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Putting the jacket over it sort of defeats the purpose by making access to stuff more difficult.
I suppose if you weren't catching fish and/or didn't have confidence in your gear then yes, it would make access to stuff more difficult :)
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Vest only for me. Put my catch in the large back pocket and hike out of my spots without drawing any attention to where I been catching them. Everything I need is easy to access including my lunch and flask to keep me warm. Wear a Simms jacket underneath to keep dry.
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my hemo's and my sharpening tool are pinned to my vest - essential stuff for touching up hooks and pulling them out of toothy fish jaws
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my hemo's and my sharpening tool are pinned to my vest - essential stuff for touching up hooks and pulling them out of toothy fish jaws
Awesome comeback! :)
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To each their own. I say go to Cabela's or BassPro or wherever and try a bunch on and buy one you like. Try it out for a year or whatever and if you don't like it sell it.
Personally I tried the vest for a year or so and hated it. Didn't like how most of the weight was in the front. Gave me a sore back. It just generally felt bulky and uncomfortable. Also since the vest is not waterproof if fishing in the rain all your little containers of this and that are wet on the outside, and when you get home the vest is soaked and needs to be dried out. On the plus side I did like all the cargo room and as others have stated if you get the kind with the big pocket in the back you can stuff several fish in there and it's easy to carry compared to in your hand(s) while trying to carry your rod as well.
The system that works for me is a good fishing jacket with lot of pockets. I have a Simms G3 Guide. In the big rear pocket are all my garbage bags and zip locks bags for transporting fish and roe from a fresh kill. In the front cargo pockets I keep bait in one pocket and water bottle in the other. I have one of those Platapus water bottles that is like a water bladder (500ml). It's nice as it folds up flat when empty. If it's a hot day and I think I'll need more than 500ml of water I'll wear a small camel back pack that holds a 2L bladder. Phone and a bit of other small gear goes in inside jacket pocket or front pocket on my waders.
All of my other crap goes in a water proof waist pack. I have the Patagonia Stormfront. Mine is an older model and does not have the extra exterior zipper pocket. Good things about the pack are it's 100% water proof and submergible. Everything stays bone dry. It's also comfortable and you don't really even notice you are wearing it. Down sides are I have mine fairly full and sometimes it's hard to find what you're looking for! It does not have much for internal organization. I have thought about buying a non waterproof one with more pockets/compartments for fair weather fishing but have never bothered to shop for one. The hip pack does force you to go through your gear and think what do I REALLY need to bring for a day on the river.
I don't carry much food on me. Usually just some small high energy food. Jerky and cheese, mixed nuts, power bar, etc. I try and have a good breakfast and get by nibbling throughout the day. Typically if the fishing is good I'll forget to eat and/or drink water lol!!!!
By all means try a vest but I would buy in store and make sure you like the fit.
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Do you enjoy wearing your G3 jacket when it's over 90 degrees out?
One of the secrets of going fishing is only carrying the stuff you need. It's a skill I am still developing. I've talked to some fly guys who just carry a box of flies, some tippet, a nipper and a sharpening tool. All fits in the wader pocket.