Have you ever wondered what gear I use out on the river? What books does Jason have on his shelf that inspire him? Well, here it is.
This is a list of the different gear and resources I use to enjoy my time on the water.
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Everything here is gear that I use and believe in. That’s the way it will always be at WadeOutThere.
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Recommended Nets
Netting the fish is the final step in the process of catching fish. When I have gotten that far, I want something I am confident with. It has to be the right net for the fish your catching and the waters your fishing.
Fishpond Nomad Hand Net
This net fits perfect on your back and the wide hoop means I’m not blaming that lost fish on my net. (I can just blame myself). Fishpond makes good stuff, but their nets are top shelf. This hand net has handled every size fish I’ve found in a trout stream, from big western rivers, to small mountain creeks, and it doesn’t slow me down. The carbon fiber material is lightweight and floats quite well (yes I’ve chased it downstream before). And the rubber net is smooth and deep which keeps the fish healthy.
Fishpond Fly Fishing Net Holder
I like having my net out of the way and easy to get to. This net holster does the trick. A simple piece of kit that has become one of my favorite parts of the system I fish with.
Blackhawk Web / Wading Belt
The belts that come with your waders don’t really fit my needs. I want a belt that is more heavy duty. I use the belt to carry my net (with my Fishpond net holder), and I carry my waterbottle off it with a carabener. So sturdy matters to me. This one is sturdy and adjustable, with plastic loops that I can hang things off. By the way… your wading belt doesn’t have to fit through the loops in your waders to do it’s job.
Fishpond Nomad El Jefe Grand Net
When I got the drift boat, I needed a good boat net. This one is it. I like the long handle and deep net. Same carbon fiber material as the hand net, just bigger. I’ve even gifted it to my friend who was looking for a new boat net.
Recommended Packs and Vests
Choosing a system for carrying your fly fishing gear is a journey every fly fisher will endure. At times it can seem overwhelming. Everyone is different, so everyone lands on different ways of doing it. The more time you spend on the water, the more you’ll appreciate finding efficiencies in the system you use to carry and access all you need to fish with. Here’s where I’ve landed…
Simms Guide Vest
I started with a vest, tried nearly everything in between, and ended up back with a vest. This vest has just the right amount of pockets and zippers. It’s comfortable and spacious, with plenty of pockets and zippers (you won’t fill them all), but also organized naturally. I like having some storage in the back for layering or a sandwich. The vest keeps things up front and easily accessible, which saves time on the water. Lastly, the vest just feels right. Everything in its place and plenty of room for what I need, exactly where I need it. If you’ve been searching for the perfect way to carry your gear… try heading back to a vest. This one is the best for me.
Fishpond Elkhorn Lumbar Pack
I fished with the Fishpond Lumbar Pack for years when I was experimenting with different methods of carrying my gear. I enjoyed the simplicity of it. If you just don’t like having your gear on your chest, a lumbar pack is a great choice. The new Fishpond Elkhorn is improved from the versin I fished with more compartments and a waterbottle holder. Paired with a good Lanyard, it’s a great system, for a good price.
Mountain River Guide Lanyard
I believe in the fishing lanyard. When simple is all you care about, the lanyard (paired with some pockets and small fly boxes) can be the answer. I still use my lanyard in the warm months, and I always have it handy when I’m rowing my driftboat (15 foot Stealthcraft Aftermath.). It’s nice to jump out of the boat, fish upstream a bit, and still have everything you need. There are tons of lanyards out there. This one is just light enough and carries all I need. I’ve had it for years and still love it.