Equipment Tips for Fly Fishers

Boots and Waders

Checking for Holes

As boots and waders are rather central to a successful outing, equipment tips regarding the selection, care and maintenance of boots and waders tops our list.

Aside from the endless banter between anglers as to which brand or model of boots and waders are the best, eventually, all of them will end up with a hole in them. There is a quick way to locate a problem hole. Go into a dark room and insert a lighted flashlight into the boot. Move it around and look on the outside of the boot and if there are any holes, a pinpoint of light will show through.

Waterproofing Your Boots

There are many pastes that can be used to waterproof your boots. The difficulty most experience with these pastes is that they never completely absorb in the material, remaining on the outer skin to be washed away on the next outing.

The best equipment tips for this problem is to use a hair dryer to heat the paste after it has been applied so that it will melt and be absorbed into the boot material.

Drying Wet Boots

When you end the day with wet boots, and you sooner or later will, the problem is how to dry them without damaging them. A sure-fire equipment tip is to place them over or next to a furnace outlet is a sure way to cause severe deterioration of the material such that the boots are ruined.

Using an electric boot dryer is preferable. This device slips into the foot space of the boot and provides WARM heat -- not like the HOT heat they may be subjected to over a furnace outlet or by using a hair dryer.

Hanging the boots upside down limits air circulation and generally tends to lead to molding and mildew. The best approach is to set the boots upright and let them air out naturally. The problem with this approach is that the boot tops collapse and restrict airflow in the boot.

Placing a section of 3" or 4" pipe material in the boot will keep the tops open and allow for the circulation of air within the boot body.

Chest High Waders

Chest high waders are the boot of choice when fishing in colder waters. They generally come in two thicknesses -- three mm and five mm. The thicker is better if you do a great deal of cold water wading.

Most waders and wading boots are equipped with felt soles to insure traction and grip on slippery surfaces often encountered in wading. These felt soles will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. You can either do this yourself with a sole replacement kit, taking sometimes days to complete the repair. the best approach is to take the soles and the boots to your local shoe repairman and for a few dollars and usually one day service, your waders are ready for use.

When you are buying your waders, it is most important that you get them in the correct length. While wearing the boots, throw a leg up over a chair back, until you can place one foot flat on the chair seat. If you can do this comfortably, then proceed with the purchase, but if not, keep trying on waders until you can carry out this maneuver with ease.

Bags and Packing

If there is a remote chance that your luggage may get wet on your next outing, (fishing=near water; camping=weather or rain; boating=on water). Go figure....

The first criteria in keeping one's clothing and personal equipment dry is to insure the duffel bag used for packing said personal items is waterproof. And if there is the remotest chance that your duffel is not completely waterproof, pack your clothing and electronics in plastic bags - like the ones paperboys use to deliver your daily paper in.

Each bag should contain one set, or change, of clothing. Don't put all the socks in one bag and all the trousers or shirts in another. One change in each bag makes accountability much easier.

Identifying Your Duffel

If you use a duffel bag when traveling, it is most wise to write your name, using a permanent marker, on the outside of the bag. Luggage tags and personal name tags can be torn off enroute, but marking the bag itself will insure your luggage may be identified.

Protecting the Contents of a Soft Duffel

A soft duffel is preferable when traveling to an outdoor, or remote destination. To protect the contents of a soft duffel, place a layer of bubble-pak on the bottom and top of the contents, as well as both sides and ends.

In addition to protecting the contents against any rough handling the bag may be given to endure, the plastic will insure your clothing remains dry if your bag is set down on a wet surface.

Boats

When fishing from a boat, there are all sorts of possibilities for snagging your fish line. To resolve this problem, you may start by covering all the gear in the boat with a net or a tarp, and secure this covering down within the hull of the boat.

Then there are other potentials for snagging your line. Cleats, nails, rough wood, and any other protruding appendages. The easiest solution is to simply mask them...cover them with strips of one-inch wide masking tape, which can be removed later withoutdamaging the finish on the boat.

Motor Fork

If you operate your boat in shallow, rocky rivers, you will need to protect the propeller from damage. Attach a four-tine pitchfork to the leading edge of the lower unit (tines down) to dislodge rocks or lift the motor over larger rocks.

Rod Holders

There is nothing worse than loose rods in a canoe. No surer way is there to damage a rod than have them rattle around loose in a canoe with all your other equipment. A sure-fire solution is to manufacture several small U-shaped brackets from a thin metal material and attach them to the underside of the thwarts to hang your rods up and away from harm.

Medications and Lotions

Your sunscreen should be rated at nothing less than SPF-15. Use a waterproof sunscreen which will remain effective despite heavy perspiration or rain. It is also wise to apply your sunscreen before you set out for the day -- before you begin to perspire.

Small Cuts and Scrapes

Sooner or later, you will cut, scratch, scrape, or suffer an injury that breaches the skin. The standard first aid for such mishaps require cleaning the wound, disinfecting, and covering the wound. You may purchase small ampules of iodine at most sporting goods stores and carry several band aides in your wallet for such emergencies. Band aides are indispensible equipment on any outing, as they have so many alternative uses.

Insect Repellent

Use the non-aresol type of repellent in a small spray bottle, and add a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the mix to insure it won't be washed away by perspiration or rain.

Also, it is best to avoid applying insect repellent to the palms of your hands, as most brands can be harmful to your fishing line -- causing deterioration of the texture of the line.

Lip Balm

There is nothing more aggravating than chapped lips on an outing. The best lip balms will be adequate, but recommend those brands that include sunscreen and aloe for best results.

Miscellaneous

There are always special problems and requirements when engaged in international travel. It is best to create a copy of your passport and receipts for any expensive equipment you may be carrying.

Copy ALL the pages of your passport and carry them in several locations (wallet - luggage - fishing vest - etc.).

As to equipment you carry, you may take your equipment (a camera is the most common culprit) to a customs office, where it will be examined and forms provided for identification, wherein the customs agent will certify the forms. Again, carry these forms in various places to avoid losing everything in a single act of theft.

Keeping Napkins and Medications Dry

The best equipment tip for keeping small items dry, is to pack them in waterproof plastic bags and stow them where they are less likely to become wet or damp.

Sunglasses

Using the product RAINEX (sold at most auto parts stores) on your sunglasses will insure that any water splashed, sprayed or precipitated on your glasses will bead and slide off without leaving a trace.

Storing Spare Batteries

When storing spare batteries, place them such that the conductors do not touch. When ready for use, they will not have discharged due to conductivity.

Emergency Information

Always carry emergency contact info on a plastic-coated card in your wallet, fishing vest, and luggage. This may save your life in the event of injury or illness while away from home...