Anglers are gear junkies! We tend to bring everything but the kitchen sink when we hit the water. You can never have enough stuff.
My buddy, “Meatstick” is one of those guys. When we ice fish, his sled weighs an easy 100 pounds. He says that he needs everything that he brings. Extra rods, a portable toilet, chair, extra tackle, parkas, etc. He could open a Tackle Shop when on the ice. Dragging gear on ice is easier than on your back. Meatstick is surely happy, comfortable, and prepared.
Younger guys, and those new to the sport, have full vests, fanny packs, chest packs, and backpacks when they hit the water. If the world ended, these well-equipped angling survivors could still be fishing for a few more weeks.
When I first started in fly fishing, I carried my flies in a Sucrets lozenge can. I was not yet an experienced fly tyer and recovered or found every fly that I could. I wore an old-style LL Bean fishing vest that had just a couple pockets. Now my vest looks like a Special Forces Navy Seal tactical outfit. There is a special pocket for everything.
For you to enjoy a full load of gear, it must be organized, and accessible. You don’t have to fish in the rain or carry three flavors of meat sticks. One pack will do. The truth Is that if you dial in the fishing, you only need a few flies, and minimal gear. There are times when being prepared can save the day.
Challenge yourself to take less gear when fishing. Maybe one fly box that has 6 replacements for your favorite six patterns. A simple chest pack would suffice. Tippet, flotant, desiccant, net, forceps, and clippers. A safety pin can address any tangles or knots. Wear a knife, bear spray, or side arm on your belt. I also carry a pair of hand pruners everywhere. If you can wet wade, just wear your wading boots over neoprene socks. Your polaroid glasses can be on a string around your net.
You can use a filter straw for drinking out of the creek. Snacking on wild plants is cheap and healthy. The comfort of less gear means that you can cover more water. If it rains or snows, find cover, or stay near the truck.
When I worked as young Fisheries Biologist, my boss and I often wet waded and went Spartan. An ultra-light spinning rod with 2 lb. Stren line, and a couple Mepps sized 0 spinners would tell us if a watershed had any trout in them. Once we located the trout, we could return with more scientific gear. Using this strategy, we fished every watershed in the state of Maryland.
As older, veteran anglers, we are comfortable with just what we need. Our memories may not recall all the gear we could carry anyway. Tired bodies are more comfortable with less. If we get hurt or have any needs when fishing, we can just flag down a young guy with a huge gear backpack for support and a couple of selfies.
Fish more with less!
Montana Grant
