Shoulder bag on the flats?

[Eddy Merckx]

I'm here at work at 8:30 on a Sunday night (note to self: get a new job!) and my mind is wandering to thoughts of fishing the flats in a couple of months. Here's a quick question for y'all: does anyone here use a shoulder pack or sling bag to carry gear while wading? You know, the triangular shaped pack that goes over one shoulder.

I use a chest pack now. It keeps everything in easy reach, and it has a backpack that carries a jacket and lunch. The problem is that the chest pack gets in the way of a my normal stripping motion when using a basket, a real pain in the butt.

The shoulder pack idea seems good, but maybe some of you have tried it and found it wanting. If you've run into problems using this kind of pack, let me know.

Thanks.

[Ray]

A friend of mine uses a shoulder bag, and I watch him battle with it all day.

You may not like the idea, but a fanny pack is the way to go. I've been using one for years and it great. Any one that will carry your stuff will do. It will sit comfortably and not get in the way while casting, striping, landing a fish.

Ray

[Eddy Merckx]

Thanks Ray.

I've used a fanny pack and like it, but I always end up submerging the pack at some point during the day.

I guess the search continues...

[Ray]

At a towering 5' - 6" on a good day, I had the same problem.

I started using watertight fly boxes. I put used/wet flies on my hat so the dry compartment stays that way. Most everything else can get wet. I have an inexpense pair of Dr. Slick pliers on the belt that I don't mind replacing when they rust up after a couple years. I keep my phone and keys in a small ziplock bag in the chest pocket of my waders. Thought the pack may get a bit from time to time, I try not to wade deep enough to really get soaked.

Good luck.

[Eddy Merckx]

You know, I picked up a half dozen watertight fly boxes at the Walden Kayak sale. I'm gonna give the fanny pack another shot this spring.

Thanks again Ray.

[EAN]

Simms now makes a fanny pack that they claim is waterproof. I have not used it but I would be interested in seeing if it is actually watertight.

[Ray]

I wonder if they are referring to the material the pack is made from? I haven't seen this one yet. Could be a material that is not penetrated by water, and close with a watertight zipper!!!! Good Idea!!

[Count]

Hi Cannibal,

Although I've not tried one, I've heard the JW Outfitters Bonefish shoulder pack is great. I think they may have bit the dust however, the company that is. But it's a nice size and will hold a larger fly box, tippet, pliers, etc.

I like to wear a shirt with large pockets and into these I stuff two larger fly boxes. I then clip a pair of hemostats to a shirt flap and I'm on my way.

I have a Lowe Alpine, or some such, brand of moutaineering fanny pack. It's huge and I plan on trying that next time in the Bahamas, as I'll be self-guiding for several days and so won't have a boat and refreshments handy. This thing can accommodate several large bottles of water. Only problem I foresee are the metal zippers and the fact that it's black.

Cheers,

Laurent Fignon
The Professor

[EAN]

Ray, check out the simms website. It looks as if the material is some kind of rubberized cloth like the roll-down dry bags are made out of.

[RogerStg]

I use a shoulder bag in a small size and prefer it. Mine has an extra strap that goes around my torso, it keeps the bag toward my back uless I pull it forward. A fanny pack is great too. You can always sling it over your shoulder when wading deeper areas.

[Eddy Merckx]

Just took a look at the Simms site, that roll-top pack looks sweet! If I didn't already have a decent fanny pack I'd snap one up. Pretty reasonable price too.

Hey Laurent, glad to see you've recovered from that beating my friend Greg gave you back in '89!

[Count]

Well, being French, I decided to forego the aerodynamic helmet and handlebars. After all, appearance is much more important than function. And besides, after the hunting accident, I figured the guy needed a break.

Please note that I'm the only Euro pro to have sent Greg a card after his accident.

And while your friend won the big one that year -- I maintained my top form for the entire year -- stringing up many victories. I was the FICP's #1 rider in '89.

LF

[Ray]

aaahhhhh

the days of pedaling in circles....

I don't miss it for a second

was it 8 seconds or 11 on that fateful afternoon in Paris???

[Eddy Merckx]

It was eight amazing seconds.

I sure miss the days I spent racing, was a lot of fun. I rode with the Minuteman Road Club back in the day. It's a lot easier to be a competent fly fisherman than a competitive cyclist when you've got three young boys though. Can't wait till the kids can join me on the flats!

[Count]

It's a great sport that I miss dearly. But I'm also happy I left it. It's too dangerous!

[silkfish]

Looking for a nice shoulder pack? Try Eastport at Wal Mart 6.99 suits me and holds everything i need for a day trip.

bob

[Eddy Merckx]

Silkfish, for that price I'll give it a try. If I end up struggling with it like Ray's friend does, I can just give it to the wife. Thanks.

[silkfish]

eastport navy #321041 other #31 A D 6.67. I think you will like it. Just hunt around the school bag dept. mind is small but thats all i need. Run the boat to the flat and hop out. If simms knew this they would cry. i would add a bottle holder. hope this helps,and let me know.


bob

[Eddy Merckx]

Well, the reviews of the shoulder bag were mixed so I bought one to try out. It's a Clear Creek bag from Sierra Trading Post (I'm pretty sure they're a sponsor but the Affiliates link is broken right now so I can't check.) At $23 the price was right.

The shoulder bag works for me. The one I got has a waist belt to help keep it from shifting around and the shoulder strap is adjustable for a good fit. Lots of storage and easy to get to everything by just rotating the bag around your body, no need to take the bag off. Also plenty of litle zippered compartments for tippett spools, etc. It rides kind of low on my back, so stuff can get wet in the bag but all my flies are in waterproof boxes, no problem. Bag doesn't interfere with casting at all.

Best part is it opens up the front of your body so you can use any retrieve or stripping motion. No more chest pack for me.

[catchit]

I just ordered a waterproof lumbar/hip/fanny bag from North Face at Cabelas. And it's on sale for $30. Should get it today!

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0032201516835a

[mdrew9]

I am selling a William joseph coastal if you guys are interested.