Comp. Gear Checklist

[Dejon Hamann]

Pretty simple premise.  What do you find to be necessary gear to be competitive in Fips-Mouch Comps?

1) 1 or 2 decent Euro Rods
2) Cometition Hooks and a good amount of flies tied on them.
3) Decent, not expensive, Net
4) Minimum:  Type 1,3,5or6 sinking lines for Lakes on separate spool/reel
5) 1 Lake Rod that can throw some line (6 or 7 wt)

just getting it started...

[Chris Smith]

Great idea Dejon!  

Here's my list of items that are often overlooked.  (Note:  Most of these lessons were learned the hard way)

1.  Decent, but not expensive, backup net!  You're going to lose one eventually...trust me.

2.  Pain medication.  It's also a matter of time before you fall, get stung by bees, or pull something.  

3.  Fluids.  I like Gatorade.

4. Sunscreen and bug repellent.    I try not the touch the stuff if it's at all possible.  Bottom line...you don't want residue on your flies or line.  

5.  If you wear contacts or glasses, bring an extra pair.  You don't necessarily have to have them on you.


 

[Bret Bishop]

Here are two items I wouldn't want to be without (depnding on the venue):
1. Hellstorm knee/shin gaurds
2. Surf jacket

[Dejon Hamann]

Here are two items I wouldn't want to be without (depnding on the venue):
1. Hellstorm knee/shin gaurds
2. Surf jacket

Great addition.  I've noticed those 2 exact items (especially the jacket) have set GREAT anglers apart from WINNING anglers in many recent competitions.

[Kalvin Kaloz]

Lets see... I wont profess any actual comp knowledge but when I controlled, lets just say...I took notice to what seamed to work.

2nd net for sure - most of the guys had the Frabill net and for 20-30 bucks no reason not to have an extra!

2nd the knee/shin guards

1. Gear/Boat Bag - on/off load for the busses may be quite a distance from your beat. A convenient and comfortable way to carry gear is a must; I would also add water proof a nice quality to have. Keep dry gear dry as rain, mud snow...no issue

2. 2 sets of waders - nice if you take a dunk or have a tear!

3. A back up rain jacket would be nice, even the good ones seam to soak through after some time!

4. Tying equipment - Seams obvious but I had 2 guys that only brought sm nymph and midge materials but as things blew out they were wishing they had some things from home!!! Space is a concern when traveling i guess you have to keep that in mind. My thoughts would be; how many thousands have I spent to get here 50 buck for an extra bag is a given! 

5. Rod tube carrier - No brainer right... well TIME is EVERYTHING (probably my biggest observation was just how important time is) the best I observed was either a big tube that holds multiple rods in rod bags or the best time saver the rod tube holder that allows the reels to stay attached. May not seam like a big deal but add up the wasted time taking rods out of individual tubes and reels out of reel cases for 3 rods and reels at the Beginning and End of each of the 5 sessions!

[Dejon Hamann]

Here are two items I wouldn't want to be without (depnding on the venue):
1. Hellstorm knee/shin gaurds
2. Surf jacket

Brett, did you get a Simms before they discontinued them? Or do you know of any other brand/models?

[Bret Bishop]

I have an old surf jacket I picked up from a kayaking buddy of mine. I do wish they still made the Simms, but in a different color.

[Kalvin Kaloz]

Funny you say that Bret...I have the chance to pick up a simms but man that blue is just not my thing. Then I got to thinking about it... Not like stealth is an issue in the blown out conditions when this is needed!

I am still on the fence!

[Bret Bishop]

Funny you say that Bret...I have the chance to pick up a simms but man that blue is just not my thing. Then I got to thinking about it... Not like stealth is an issue in the blown out conditions when this is needed!

I am still on the fence!

You are right. The color certainly wouldn't have matter in Penn, but not all big water is blown out. The one I have is purple...no better than blue. Maybe it is all in my head.

[Dejon Hamann]

Usually something decent here depending on your size:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/d/4293_Canoes-and-Kayaks-and-Accessories.html

[Kalvin Kaloz]

Sorry Bret... I was not thinking about this as a big water application under normal conditions. I was a bit narrow in my focus and was just thinking about the use during blown out conditions!!

Learn somthing every day!

[Dejon Hamann]

Brett's absolutely right. A waterproof jacket can help in many water types.  Even lakes! Just being able to wade comfortably that much further out if you are bank fishing.  Also, in crystal clear rivers - imagine how stealthy you can be wading neck deep through a picky pool.

[Kalvin Kaloz]

D not a bad find 111.00 for grey and dk grey! I found a Simms blue but double that price.

[Dejon Hamann]

Yeah, sift through there. They have at least a dozen models that might be appropriate. Be careful about the waste locking system.  Some just seem to be "splash" resistant and probably not what we are looking for.  Some are short sleeve - might be nice to have one of both for warm and cold conditions!

Now if my confluence wasn't a fracking sponge I'd be set!

[Todd Oishi]

....imagine how stealthy you can be wading neck deep through a picky pool.

Depends on your definition of "deep wading". Just try netting a fish while you are treading water in wading boots...


A shot of me wading in the Diable (Devil's) River at the 2008 Canadian NFFC,  Quebec

[Robert Jordan]

ROFL  freaking AWESOME!  that is bad ass

[Paul Colcord]

Solquist or Bomber gear sell drytops for paddling that are half the price and work just as well. Ive got the Solquist and it works well. A little hot in the summer, but all you need to do is swim a little to cool off.

[Todd Oishi]

I'd also add a 'wading staff' to your list, as they enable you to safely return with your fish (reduces chances of dropping them due to a fall), and are very helpful for reaching waters that might otherwise be inaccessable or untouched by other competitors...

[Mark Hanes]

All I can think of know is having a PFD/life Jacket! 

[Todd Oishi]

All I can think of know is having a PFD/life Jacket! 

Good point Mark. Just stay clear of those self-inflating models, as I have seen several competitors try to wade with them - very unsuccessfully I might add... 

[Chris Michels]

Sorry if this is a dumb question.  

These jackets are tight enough around the waist so the water doesn't go in between the wader and the jacket?  

[Todd Oishi]

Mine has neoprene cuffs and a velcro strap at the neck, wrists and waist. They aren't 100% waterproof, but they do tend to keep the water from filling your waders and weighing you down.

I normally wade without it, and use it at times when anticipate the need to deep-wade or swim in order to cover my beat...

[Dejon Hamann]

Todd, those are freaking awesome pics!  Truly shows how far you need to go to compete at the highest level.  Love it.

Man that Diable was a DEVIL to wade!  Hardest river I've ever tried to wade bar none.  I broke Randy's wading staff on my first river beat... then one of Donald's ski poles on the next... not to mention a bruised thigh, knee, 2 elbows, and a groin pull. I was limping there for awhile afterwards.  One of your teammates had to help me do a hand stand after my upper Diable beat to let 3 gallons of water rush out my waders

[Dejon Hamann]

Just stay clear of those self-inflating models, as I have seen several competitors try to wade with them - very unsuccessfully I might add... 

What was the downfall with the inflatables?  I always thought they'd be perfect.

[Rashed Abdullah]

Just stay clear of those self-inflating models, as I have seen several competitors try to wade with them - very unsuccessfully I might add... 

What was the downfall with the inflatables?  I always thought they'd be perfect.

The self inflating ones have a sensor that automaticaly fills up the tubes. This is for those that tend to fall out of the boat or for younger people..get the ones where you have a pull tab to inflate.