What do You Need in a Fly Fishing Vest?

As anglers we spend a great deal of time mulling over the comfort and fit of waders, boots, trousers and every item in our fishing regalia. When it comes to the fly fishing vest, we often look at the
number of pockets and forget to check how the vest fits.

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Just relying on size is not
enough. Fly fishing vests come in all weights, materials, and patterns. We need to consider where
and when we will be using the vest and make our choices based on these issues.

A vest becomes tiresome very quickly if it falls around your knees
because it stretches too much, or bangs and rattles with each step you take. Try on the vest before you buy it. Does it have some padding or at least some support on the shoulder and neck area?

This is where you will feel the stress of added weight after a few
hours fishing. If you can, add a few bits and pieces to the pockets and check how it all sits. Remember that mesh is cooler but will stretch more than other fabrics and adjust the fit for that.

Types of fly fishing vests

Modern fly fishing vests come
in all shapes and sizes. Like your other fishing equipment, buying the best you can afford makes sense. Notice that the best is not always the most expensive. Yes there are the yuppie vests out there designed to convince other anglers that there is an expert in their midst. At the end of the day though, the vest isn't what catches the fish!

If you spend most of your time wading as you fish, it makes sense to buy a short wasted vest that keeps your equipment out of the water. If you fish in severe weather, a vest that allows
you to wear several layers of clothing underneath is the right choice for you.

For those who fish from floating armchairs or from boats and inflatables, there are fly fishing vests that double as PFD's. Chest vests are great when fishing small streams and rivers when access is difficult. (It's easier to disentangle yourself from the front than to find yourself hanging from a branch that has threaded through the back of your vest.)

In the end, the type of fly fishing vest that you choose will largely be based on personal preference. Comfort, durability, fit, and the ability to carry all that you need are the main
considerations for selecting a vest that will see you through several seasons of fishing.

I can't guarantee that you will catch more fish by wearing a fly fishing vest, but you are less likely to fall over a net that is hanging from a D-ring on the back of your vest. A wallowing fisherman impresses neither the fish, nor the neighboring angler!