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When choosing a fly fishing jacket a fly fisher should consider both his/her style of fishing and the locations generally fished. Fishing style dictates the number and type of pockets a fly fishing vest will have. Fishing locations will mandate the fabrics used in a fly fishing vest.
A lot of people gravitate toward fly fishing vests with lots and lots of pockets. While at first a large number of pockets may seem logical they may actually make on stream organization more difficult, not less difficult. Quite simply, the more places a person has to put things the more opportunities there are to lose things. It can be irritating to be out on a peaceful stream and have to fumble through myriad pockets inside and outside of a fly fishing vest to find a favorite fly.
Not only that but all the motion of searching an overly pocketed fly fishing vest can disturb the water and maybe even frighten the fish. A fly fishing vest needs to have adequate storage for essential tools and spare flies without having so much storage that excessive packing is encouraged.
A lot of experienced fly fishers find that the number of pockets on a fly fishing vest is less important that the size and type of the pockets. Pocket sizes should be varied with several large, lined zipper pockets and a few smaller pockets. Pockets inside pockets may seem like a good idea when trying on a fly fishing vest but many times cute items like these turn out to be more trouble than they are worth. A couple of open pockets are good for easy one handed access but when onsite zipper pockets give more protection against losing the contents of the pockets.
The fabric from which fly fishing clothing are made is also extremely important. Fishers should think about the climates of the locations they most like to fish. It may be that fishers who travel to several different locations will need to have a wardrobe of jackets. Mesh fly fishing jackets are light weight and cooler than bulkier fabrics. Look for vests that allow maximum freedom of movement and are easily cleaned.
Fleece collars add protection against early morning and late day chill. Fly fishing vests which add to a fisher’s buoyancy can be useful but be aware that a buoyant vest is not the same thing as a lifejacket. Some manufacturers are making fly fishing vests which include lifejackets. Buyers looking for this type of vest should read all accompanying information completely to ascertain exactly the amount of protection the fly fishing vest provides.
Finding the perfect fly fishing vest is different for every fisher. What feels perfect in the fitting room may not fit the bill at all on the water. Put on a prospective vest and wear it around the store while looking for other equipment. Once a person discovers a vest that moves well on land and water while also offering just the right amount of storage he/she should hang on to it like the old friend that it will soon become. |
