Morgue File
What To Look For
Buying a fishing vest offers a lot of options to the discerning angler. While the basic setup of a vest remains the same across the board, the functionality and accessories vary. As you shop around for just the right fishing vest, there are some fundamental features to consider. You might prefer a camouflage vest over a solid color. This is especially true if you plan to use the vest during hunting season to hold basic supplies. A number of fishing vests also double as personal flotation devices. This provides extra safety. It is also a good idea for youngsters. Fishing vests might follow a basic design pattern, but the details set them apart. Consider carefully if you prefer a basic setup with four big pockets or favor a number of compartmentalized pouches.
Common Pitfalls
One thing anglers fail to take into consideration is the weight of the vest after it is fully stocked. There is little value in being able to carry most of your tackle into the stream or lake when it makes the vest so heavy that it impacts your ability to cast your line. This makes a fishing vest that is overly endowed with deep pockets, pouches and zippered compartments more of a nuisance.
Where To Buy
Purchasing a fishing vest can be done over the Internet if you already know the size and model you are looking for. If this is your first purchase, it is a good idea to visit the fishing supply section of a sporting goods store to try on some fishing vests. Familiarize yourself with the brand names, the manufacturers, and the feel of the vests with and without flotation devices.
Cost
The costs vary depending on the accessories you choose. A basic vest with two pockets that primarily functions as a personal flotation device starts at about $100 as of September 2009. In contrast, a vest that places equal emphasis on offering storage option while also incorporating the flotation angle start at $120. Expect highly specialized fishing vests to start at about $170.
Insider Tips
Seasoned anglers own two or more vests that meet specific needs. A fly fisherman will use a fishing vest with copious compartments for fly fishing outings when it is a good idea to have flies and tools on him instead of in a tackle box on shore. When he is trout fishing in a lake, an angler will opt for a simpler outfit with a flotation device. Should he also enjoy saltwater fishing, he most likely will have another vest for this undertaking because the tools required are different.
