You’ve gone out and bought all the things you need for a great fly-fishing trip on that river that all your friends have been talking about. You’ve got your fly rod and reel, a box full of flies. You’ve got clippers, leaders, tippets, line cleaners, and various other tools. You’ve got weights and floatants, and the river is just right down there. But how are you going to carry this stuff all the way down there? Don’t worry! You’re not alone. Like most beginner fly fishermen, you’ve forgotten one of the most important pieces of equipment, the fly-fishing vest.
A fly-fishing vest will be one of your most important purchases, so be sure to spend the extra money to buy a good quality vest. Most beginning anglers buy a cheap vest thinking that it is the same thing as a more expensive version. This is not true, in fact, a good quality vest with proper care will last for years and years. Cheap vests will break down easily, and the thread will start unraveling much sooner than a quality vest. Cheap vests are usually not as comfortable, and the pockets are not in good places or the right size for all your equipment.
Fly-fishing vests come in a variety of sizes, from toddler, sizes 3-18 months, on up to adult sizes, small to extra large. Make sure you try the vest on in the store before purchasing, to guarantee the best fit. Look for a vest that will be comfortable and will allow for movement when casting.
Some vests are made completely of stretch mesh, with fabric only in the places where the pockets lie. Many fishermen find that this mesh stretches quite a bit and allows the most movement when fishing. Stretch mesh is also great for keeping cool in hotter weather. Some vests are made with only the pockets made of this mesh. In other styles, the mesh is used inside as a liner and allows ventilation and is quick drying. Standard fabric vests are also available and are usually made of a cotton/polyester blend that is very comfortable and warm. Two other types of vests are now available, the chest vest and the waist vest. The chest vest is made to hang on the chest, over your everyday clothing. The waist vest is worn more like a fanny pack. Look for a vest that is super light, durable, water, stain, mildew, and resistant to sun damage. Newer fly-fishing vests are made to distribute the weight of the vest evenly around the body to provide the most comfort and prevent stress points from developing. Included with some fly-fishing vests is a handy item called the D-ring. The D-ring provides a place to secure tools, nets, and other accessories.
One of the most important features of a quality fly-fishing vest is the pocket. There should be enough pockets to hold all of your equipment, from line to clippers. The pockets should be located in areas that are easily accessible. You can have pockets that keep your hands warm in cold weather, pockets that hold water bottles, and very large pockets to hold a lunch or extra line. There must be pockets small enough for your personal items such as a wallet or keys and pockets big enough to hold your fly boxes and other gear. Most fishermen suggest having at least 15 to 20 pockets, with about 6-8 being small in size and about 4-8 being larger. If you have too many pockets, you will be very disorganized, and you will tend to carry more items than are really necessary. This will cause your vest to be too heavy and could create fatigue and discomfort. All you need to carry are the bare necessities; the rest can be left in the vehicle for later if needed.
Now that you’ve got a good quality vest, pack it up, and head for the river.
