Great list, David. Thanks. I can't argue with anything you have on here. Fishing gear is highly personalized, as you know. I like the feel of Winston rods, for instance. And the only tarpon fly rod I like to have on my skiff in SW Florida is a one-piece G. Loomis NRX in 11-weight. One addition I'd recommend to your list is a Spyderco Assist Salt folding knife. Put one in your pocket, just in case. If you or your boat mate have ever double wrapped a heavy saltwater leader only to have a fish decide she's not quite done, well, then, you know why I'm suggesting this. And it doubles as a cigar cutter in a pinch. Also, AFTCO makes some OG fishing shorts that ain't winning any fashion contests, but are tough as nails, stay cool, and perform. Hell, they were good enough for Lefty and the gang back in the day. I'm sure there's some vintage ones on eBay somewhere. Tight lines, mate. Go get 'em!
Just did some flats fishing in a pair of West Marine Aqua Socks, which are actually shoes. The uppers are made of mesh and neoprene. So water that gets in runs out, they're breathable and they dry really fast. Neoprene so they fit snuggly and they're comfortable without actual socks. Soles are light but thick enough to avoid scraps or punctures. Also non-marking on boat decks.
They have an elastic drawstring lacing system is like a bungee cord that locks down to keep them from slipping off when they get wet. Very comfortable, sturdy and value priced at $26.99
On the instant coffee front check out the new offerings from Blue Bottle. I know they sold out to corporate management, but there are pretty limited instant options out there. I’ve been pretty pleased with this when in need: https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/product/craft-instant-coffee-bold
Thanks for the great list and thoughtful commentary. Angling related, the Flylords Fly Shop Tour series on YouTube has been fun to follow. Some of the mentioned gear features and the tour visited several great shops in the west. They also managed to raise plenty of money for various riverkeeper projects along the way. Crack a cold one and enjoy.
Speaking of fishing clothes I was shopping for denim shirts on eBay (bad habit of mine) and bought a denim “popover” shirt from Orvis. When it arrived I was concerned I had bought a dress by mistake - really long shirttail with two large chest pockets. Based on the fading I’m thinking it was worn under chest waders. I don’t fish - maybe I should accessorize it with a wide leather belt and some turquoise earrings.
This is a great list. I keep mine in an apple note and then duplicate it and adapt it w/ trip specific details (Alberta is different from Montana, Seychelles are different from Bahamas).
I don't bother with nippers because I've got the cutters on my pliers (i think the Hatch Nomad, which are incredibly difficult to find right now, are the best i've used by a mile). I'll pack a package of Nuum tablets (which are essentially gatorade in alka-seltzer form) in addition to Pepto/Immodium -- being able to heal and rehydrate if you get sick is key to salvaging a trip.
Do you have a trip planned? I'm tying flies for a trip to Ascension Bay in May and can ship you a care package.
Great list, David. Thanks. I can't argue with anything you have on here. Fishing gear is highly personalized, as you know. I like the feel of Winston rods, for instance. And the only tarpon fly rod I like to have on my skiff in SW Florida is a one-piece G. Loomis NRX in 11-weight. One addition I'd recommend to your list is a Spyderco Assist Salt folding knife. Put one in your pocket, just in case. If you or your boat mate have ever double wrapped a heavy saltwater leader only to have a fish decide she's not quite done, well, then, you know why I'm suggesting this. And it doubles as a cigar cutter in a pinch. Also, AFTCO makes some OG fishing shorts that ain't winning any fashion contests, but are tough as nails, stay cool, and perform. Hell, they were good enough for Lefty and the gang back in the day. I'm sure there's some vintage ones on eBay somewhere. Tight lines, mate. Go get 'em!
Just did some flats fishing in a pair of West Marine Aqua Socks, which are actually shoes. The uppers are made of mesh and neoprene. So water that gets in runs out, they're breathable and they dry really fast. Neoprene so they fit snuggly and they're comfortable without actual socks. Soles are light but thick enough to avoid scraps or punctures. Also non-marking on boat decks.
They have an elastic drawstring lacing system is like a bungee cord that locks down to keep them from slipping off when they get wet. Very comfortable, sturdy and value priced at $26.99
On the instant coffee front check out the new offerings from Blue Bottle. I know they sold out to corporate management, but there are pretty limited instant options out there. I’ve been pretty pleased with this when in need: https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/product/craft-instant-coffee-bold
Outstanding list
Great list - thank you David - love TFO rods for the same reason. Blue Ribbon and latest pro line are really great med. action IMO.
Thanks for the great list and thoughtful commentary. Angling related, the Flylords Fly Shop Tour series on YouTube has been fun to follow. Some of the mentioned gear features and the tour visited several great shops in the west. They also managed to raise plenty of money for various riverkeeper projects along the way. Crack a cold one and enjoy.
Speaking of fishing clothes I was shopping for denim shirts on eBay (bad habit of mine) and bought a denim “popover” shirt from Orvis. When it arrived I was concerned I had bought a dress by mistake - really long shirttail with two large chest pockets. Based on the fading I’m thinking it was worn under chest waders. I don’t fish - maybe I should accessorize it with a wide leather belt and some turquoise earrings.
Excellent!!
Hmm... Water Bottle? Isn't there a rule about water bottles? I guess it's a tropical survival loophole!
This is a great list. I keep mine in an apple note and then duplicate it and adapt it w/ trip specific details (Alberta is different from Montana, Seychelles are different from Bahamas).
I don't bother with nippers because I've got the cutters on my pliers (i think the Hatch Nomad, which are incredibly difficult to find right now, are the best i've used by a mile). I'll pack a package of Nuum tablets (which are essentially gatorade in alka-seltzer form) in addition to Pepto/Immodium -- being able to heal and rehydrate if you get sick is key to salvaging a trip.
Do you have a trip planned? I'm tying flies for a trip to Ascension Bay in May and can ship you a care package.