Casting Call: Backcountry Fly-Fishing Gear

Good idea Rebecca. I use a plastic tube designed for flourecent light bulbs from the hardware store to protect my fly rod. It's almost weightless and is easy to slide into the side pocket of my pake. However, I like your idea. A similar spin would be pipe insulators that are smaller in width than the noodle.

A box of flies, a spool of leader, a pocket for the reel and a rod attached to my backpack in a swim noodle with a slit up the side, cut to rod size and held together with duct tape has taken me on many backcountry fly fishing adventures. The only thing purchased to make my fly fishing backpackable - 99 cent swim noodle that weighs almost nothing. It's the best, light weight rod protection I've found so far.

Way too high end for most back country BP fishing trips. A four piece rod, a graphite reel, one fly box, floatant, hemostats. Alles!

This gear would be used to teach my 9 year old son about the great outdoors. It would give us the chance to have that father and son bonding moments. NOt just the first, but yearly ones. We both love being outside, but we aren't always able to do the things we want to while living in Eastern Nebraska. With new gear comes new adventures and a renewed energy in a boys eyes.

This gear would be used to teach my 9 year old son about the great outdoors. It would give us the chance to have that father and son bonding moments. NOt just the first, but yearly ones. We both love being outside, but we aren't always able to do the things we want to while living in Eastern Nebraska. With new gear comes new adventures and a renewed energy in a boys eyes.

So would used thoughly be my son and myself. As a five year raft guide, this piece would be used thoughly and abused to the fullest. Definitely will put to the test. It would be a nice attrition to the gear family.. thanks for your consideration.....

I admit it. There have been times I wished I had a small raft to fish a woodland lake. If the trip is just 'backpacking', the raft will get left at home. But if this is a backcountry fishing trip, then, the destination would determine if I lug the raft. However, there are times I might trade the weight and space of a tent for a tarp and raft.

I'll second the Tenkara suggestion as I have found that is is an ideal fly fishing solution for the high Sierra streams. Being avid, I pack both a Western rod and reel and the Tenkara. I just don't see anyone making room for a raft unless there are some livestock involved.

Bob

...I'm thinking lanyard all the way. The excess weight for me is the aluminum tube protecting the rod...no half measure for the pole. The only way a raft is coming is the obvious...pack trips, which is a totally different experience.

I find hand fishing the outlet creeks produce a meal most of the time. It sure puts a smile on the boy. I have pics of his first hand catch, priceless.

Pitching hi-end goodies is fun & I appreciate the info, but...this is euro camping stuff, all the amenities you can throw in. The men out west are pioneers in our approach to rewarding minimal experiences...our women are more so. Maybe you need to have an East Coast edition for the fanny-pack set.

Seriously? What backpacker in his right mind would pack a separate pack for fishing gear and a multi-tool that weighs that much? And the raft thing is just redick. First, wear a button up shirt with pockets for your fly boxes, etc. and we all know how many pockets hiking shorts have. Use them! Second, all the tools attached to my vest right now weight less than 1/3 of that multitool p.o.s.. The only tool that I carry into the backcountry though is my teeth (to trim line). 99% of the time you can remove the hook with your fingers if you are a good fly fisherman. All I carry is my Redington Wayfarer, Plueger Trion, flies, and floatant. The only thing I liked about this article is the rod recommended. Nice pick.

Backpacking anglers should also consider the Japanese-style fly fishing method called Tenkara. It involves a lightweight, telescoping rod (so it packs down small) without a reel (thus cutting some weight). Like most Japanese traditions, fishing is reduced to its most simple forms--including the fly patterns used. Perfect for sneaking up on cutts in high-mountain pocket water or chasing rainbows in small western streams. Learn more at http://tenkarausa.com/

–Aaron J Scott
fishitch.com