Fly Fishing BS thread

I also like to carry as little as possible. I don't always wear the pack. If I'm fishing a specific body of water, I'll pull what I need and use pockets. If I'm out exploring and don't know what I'll need or will be fishing a variety of water - the pack comes along. I'll often set it on a rock, hang from a tree, etc. just so I don't need to wear it. When I move along I'll grab it.

 

I started with a nice Simms G3 vest, which was nice but warm in the southern summers. And I had a problem of overstuffing it and it getting heavy.

I then started bluelining and switched to a Fishpond pack/vest. I can't remember the model, but it had a small backpack and two zippered compartments on the shoulder straps, and each had a smaller compartment on the front. The shoulder compartments each fit a medium fly box and then the smaller pouch would hold tippet/leaders/shot/indicators/etc. I'd throw water, lunch, and a rain jacket in the back and I was good to go.

Then I started tying and my fly collection grew to 4 boxes... I'd keep 2 in the back pack, but I'd always need to grab a pattern from the bag and have to take it off to get to them. I switched to an Umpqua Ledges 650 sling/waist pack and I've been pretty happy with it. It carries all 4 boxes and all my tippet/leaders/shot/indicators/etc well, plus I can strap a rain jacket underneath and it will hold water bottles on the sides. The shoulder strap is comfortable and the bag itself has a mesh suspension type deal that keeps the bag off your body.

I've been thinking of going minimalist for trout though... Especially around the SE, I think I could get away with probably 5 patterns for 90% of my trout fishing (minus specific hatches on tailwaters).

 

This is probably a longshot, but does anyone fish for landlocks in the Saranac River in Plattsburgh? I'm trying to coincide a visit to my parents with the spring salmon run. I've read late April to early May, but am a bit flummoxed on flies to use. Feel free to IM me if you don't want to broadcast.

 

Thoughts on these for a beginner? I picked the 5wt just as an all around..... bass and panfish mostly.... maybe trout when I can get to where trout live.

Wild Water Standard Fly Fishing Combo Starter Kit, 5 or 6 Weight 9 Foot Fly Rod, 4-Piece Graphite Rod with Cork Handle, Accessories, Die Cast Aluminum Reel, Carrying Case, Fly Box Case & Fishing Flies

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IAHX6...olid=1ZRQK7TZWAFWO&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

Graphite rod. Check
Aluminum reel. Check
Great price point. Check
Do it lol

 

I just picked a up a new reel. I had to order a new reel foot to match. I love classic tackle. 1929-1934 Now I need a new bamboo rod to match.

 

Awesome find on that early Pflueger.

I have a '40s vintage Pflueger Gem 2094

 

I need to find something that works, too.

I checked out some gloves that have finger tips that fold back. I didn't buy them yet, though.

 

last weekend for the license before renewal here in Colorado, good thing Friday is pay day.

I like my umpqua vest and did not like the sling pack I had. The bulk of a sling pack did not sit right on my beer belly.

I really need some gloves for the sun exposure in the summer. the winter leaves my hands dry and cracking then the summer burns them. gloves are good.

 

Is your bank going to be open to get some cash or cash your check?

 

Holy cow mt in April is awesome. Skwallas ftmfw

These are the gloves I have now. Best I’ve ever had https://www.cabelas.com/product/CAB...VSwOGCh2M4QbUEAQYASABEgKnVfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I'll have to try those. I've had good luck with the wooly fingerless gloves...until they get wet.

 

I just love my Filson Bison Wool fingerless gloves for cold weather conditions.

Expensive...but quality gear is worth it.

https://www.filson.com/bison-knit-gloves.html

They can be found on eBay for less $$.

 

For my Alaska trip this August. The outfitter that I'm renting the raft from recommend these as well. I bought 2 pair.

$6 Atlas 370M Nitrile Tough Assembly Grip 370 Work Gloves, Medium

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0048WR7BG?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

 

It can't get that cold down in WV?

 

Climate zone 5a where I’m at
Kinda like the warmer parts of Maine lol

 

Where are you going in MT?