Your Vest Investment

The other day while I was browsing in a fly shop I met a lady that is interested in fly-fishing but has absolutely no experience. She wandered into the shop hoping to get some information on how to get started. We got talking and although it was relatively easy to recommend a good rod, reel and even waders and boots, recommending a vest seemed a lot more complicated. There are so many to choose from and just what do you really need to get started? 

This is not the first time I’ve had a conversation about what to carry in a vest so I thought it might be interesting if we shared some ideas on what we carry around with us. I am not going to focus on the essentials such as flies, tippets, leaders, etc. All fly shops will help you with that. What I’d like to talk about is what do you carry that makes the day on the stream comfortable? What would make you feel stranded if you didn’t have it with you? What could turn a potential bad experience into no big deal?

I use one pocket as an emergency pocket. In there I have two plastic bags. One is an emergency bag. It has a few dollars, some quarters, paper, a pen, and a card with emergency contacts. If you have any medical conditions, allergies, etc. this information should be listed and kept in this bag. The other bag is for “stuff”. It has a small flashlight, a few band-aids, antibacterial ointment, tissues (for varied uses), pain reliever and a sunscreen stick I use for lip balm. You should have one or two doses of any medication you take regularly (make sure to rotate it so it does not become stale) and a little of any other product you use on a regular basis that would mean the difference between a good day and a bad day if you didn’t have it with you. I have given out many band-aids and pain relievers and it is nice to have them available when needed. I also have a good strong whistle in this pocket. It is on a cord that is tied to a ring on my vest. I carry this in case anything should happen while I am out of sight of my companions. It does not take up much room; it doesn’t cost much but could make a big difference in an emergency.

Make sure you “invest” in a vest that you try different styles and sizes. Make sure it is comfortable. That means when it is full. Put some things in the pockets that you know you will be carrying around with you. Make sure the pockets are big enough for the fly boxes you use. Think about how it will feel at the end of a long hot day. There will be times you will be carrying a rain jacket and I always carry water, a camera and a small notebook. (And I wonder why my back hurts!) Make sure there is room for the extras you may accumulate. Most vests will be fine but I have seen vests with pockets too small for an average size fly box. They may be less bulky but if you can’t carry what you need you will not be happy and will be thinking about buying another one. The good and the bad of it is that vests last a long time. Make sure you like the one you purchase.

As for tools… here again I’d like to know what tool you think are essential. If I had to recommend just a few tools they would include a good hook sharpener and a ”Ketchum release” tool. The sharpener does not have to be a fancy hook sharpener. A metal nail file will do. It seems so elementary now but beginners may not realize how important it is to keep the hooks sharp and clean.

It took me a little while to get the hang of the “Ketchum release”. It takes a little flick of the wrist that did not come naturally to me. But now that I’m used to it I use it every time I’m lucky enough to catch a fish. I still carry pliers and a hemostat but if I have all of the barbs down before I start out, have good sharp hooks and my “Ketchum release” I find I don’t use the pliers or hemostat very often.

So what is in your vest? What do you carry for emergencies and what tools would you recommend to a beginner? I’m looking forward to hearing your ideas.

--Eileen Baltz—
Spring 2005 Issue