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Tackle Storage for Protection and Organization.Choosing what option is best for you will depend on where you fish, how often you fish, and how much equipment you own. VestsThe most common type of tackle storage for avid fly fishermen is the fishing vest. Fishing vests have been around nearly as long as fly fishing has. They are as popular today as they were when they were first used.When fly fishing, a lot of times you will find need to wade in the water to cast to your target. This is where a vest comes in handy. Most fishing vests ride just above your waist line. Fill your vest pockets, that commonly range from 15 to 20 pockets on most vests, and they should stay safely out of the water and dry. You may think you will have no need for all the pockets available on a fishing vest but as you add more tools and fly boxes you’ll be glad you do. I prefer a vest with a large pocket on the back that I can carry a snack, a bottled drink, and long sleeved shirt. Make sure you plan ahead when buying a vest. There will be times when you will be fishing when it is chilly out. Make sure your vest is large enough to fit over the most you ever think you’ll wear without constricting movement. Chest PacksGo fishing with me and you’d better pack a lunch because I lose total track of time even if the fish aren’t biting. My brother however is just the opposite. No matter how well the fish are biting, he often gets bored and is ready to leave after only a few hours.If you’re like me then a fishing vest is probably your best option. If you tend to be more like my brother or can only fish for short periods then a chest pack may be a more reasonable option for tackle storage. Chest packs do not have as much storage space as a vest, but are designed to carry a few fly boxes and basic tools. Hip/Fanny PackFor those of you who only go on extremely short fishing sessions the hip or fanny pack may be all you need. These will carry a fly box and a few basic tools.These may also be a good option for kids you’re teaching to fish. My son loves to have his own equipment and tackle but has a nasty habit of losing stuff. This gives him room to carry some of his own stuff until he’s responsible enough to carry all his own equipment in a vest of his own. Tackle Bags or BoxesPlanning on fishing from a boat? If so, then there’s no reason you can’t pack most or all your tackle in a tackle box or bag.If you have a lot of different tackle you can also use a tackle bag to keep your stuff organized when you’re not on the water. When you’re ready to go fishing grab the fly boxes and tools you’ll need and throw them in your vest pockets. Leave the rest behind. Rod CasesYour fly fishing rod is probably the most expensive piece of fly fishing equipment. Even if it has a great warranty you should protect it from damage with a rod case. You may have to send a broken rod off to be repaired. It could take few weeks before it is returned. If that’s your lone rod then that’s a few weeks of no fishing.Most rod cases are made with either aluminum or PVC. Look for a case with a nylon divider to keep your rod from rattling around. If you have one without dividers, wrap your rod in some type of cloth or cloth bag before putting it in the case to further protect it. My SuggestionMy suggestion for those of you who plan on doing quite a bit of fly fishing:First get a rod case to protect your rod from damage and a fishing vest with more pockets than you think you’ll need. Later, when you’ve acquired more tackle for different conditions and fish, get a tackle bag that will organize your fly boxes. Label your boxes as you see fit and you can easily load up your vest before you head to the stream. To leave the tackle storage page and find out about more fly fishing gear click here. Or here if you want to return to the home page and get more information on fly fishing for bass and panfish. Sign
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