Carrying tackle gracefully is a maddening challenge for wade fishermen.
We are limited to what we can store on our bodies without compromising casting ability or mobility. It is an exercise in minimalist simplicity.
When wade fishing streams with spinning tackle, I use a dry bag that holds a few packages of soft plastic baits and a dry box containing hooks, weights and beads. The pack also holds a bottle of water, sunscreen, a small waterproof camera and smart phone that is inside its own waterproof case.
I tie a rope to a loop on the bag and secure it to a belt loop with a carabiner. The bag floats behind me, out of the way but easily accessible.
If I plan to wade a long distance, I use a larger dry bag that has shoulder straps. It's big enough to hold an entire day's worth of tackle, cameras, food and drinks.
For jumping in and out of a canoe or kayak to fish rapids and shoals, I use a fanny pack.
Tackle storage for fly fishermen is more challenging. We must carry leaders and tippet material, hemostats, clippers, knot tying tool, fly boxes, tiny lead weights, strike indicators, knife and any other situational necessity.
A traditional fly fishing vest with a large array of pockets is time proven, but a new device called the SimpliFly is a more modern solution.
The SimpliFly is ingeniously simple, yet surprisingly versatile. It consists of three octagonal, ABS modules that fit together snugly with strong magnets to create a single, water resistant unit. Exterior dimensions are 61/4 inches wide, 71/4 inches tall, and 33/4 inches thick. It attaches to a fabric shoulder harness that snugs the storage unit to your chest.
Outside one module are three retractable, heavy-duty clasps (zingers) that hold oft-used items like forceps, clippers and multi-tool. Four flush exterior magnets hold these items against the module and prevent them from dangling and getting in the way.
Opposing finger tabs enable one-handed access to each module. One module contains a stem that holds up to three spools of tippet. Three tippet dispenser ports allow you to pull tippet without opening the module.
There's also a long compartment in which I store a Tie Fast knot tying tool. Two smaller compartments hold the zinger reels, but there is a small bit of storage space beside the reels.
The monolithic interior bay contains a removable tray with a foam floor that fits inside the recess. Interior dimensions are 51/4 inches tall and 51/2 inches wide. It's a giant fly box. Mine is packed with popping bugs of all sizes, but it will hold a lot of streamers, nymphs and dry flies, as well.
The third module contains a ring of eight storage compartments for hooks, strike indicators and other items. Within the ring are five compartments for tiny split shot. A clear, indexed, rotating lid keeps the shot confined to its individual compartments and prevents spillage. A single port allows you to access whichever split shot bay you need.
Outside of that compartment is a hexagonal, recessed drying surface where you can dry flies before returning them to storage.
Clear plastic windows cover each storage compartment and are held closed by locking tabs.
On the back of the shoulder harness is a nylon pack with two zippered compartments. The larger compartment is 91/2 inches tall and 71/2 inches wide empty. It has an interior partition and is large enough to hold a camera, phone, water bottle and small bottle of sunscreen.
The smaller exterior pouch is 7 inches tall and 71/2 inches wide. I use it to hold additional fly boxes, spare reel or spare spools. Sewn onto its exterior are 12 nylon web loops from which you can dangle additional items.
The rear of the harness also has a D-ring to hold a landing net.
The SimpliFly weighs 1 pound, 1 ounce empty. MSRP is about $70.
Sports on 03/03/2019