Noob gear questios?

[GaryO]

I need a waist pack, gel floatant, forceps, and line clippers. I see that there is a buttload of manufacturers and models for each. Do you folks have a favorite based on experience? Thanks...

[anglerdave]

Gary

The only waist type pack that I use (warm water and saltwater) is Recycled Waders Big Fanny Pack. For trout fishing I've tried Fishponds Blue River and the Orvis Sling pack and went back to using a vest. The reason being is that is what I started using some 40 years ago and it is what I prefer.

I use Orvis Hy Floate Gel and also their Ergonomic Snips. My forceps I bought at Sportsman's Warehouse and don't know whose they are. With that said I think you can use just about anybody's floatant, nippers and forceps. Some guys I fish with use finger nail clippers that you buy at the drug store.

Dave

[bobbyg]

I agree totally with everything anglerdave has stated, especially his last two sentences.

I would only add I use Gehrke's Gink floatant.

The best angler I know uses fingernail clippers and a $40.00 Young's Beaudex reel.

Good luck with your accessories acquisitions and don't get caught up too much in the hoopla for all this stuff.

[ScottP]

Dry Magic floatant (works with cdc and I fish a lot of CDC & Elks), drug store nail clippers and whatever forceps I bought at one of the local big box stores about 10 years ago (think I paid $5).

Regards,
Scott

[TyroneFly]

I suggest you stay with nippers over nail clippers as they come with a little needle to clear the eyes of flies that either have been clogged with head cement or over wrapped with thread.

[jimsnarocks]

Gary. I've got an eclectic bunch of stuff for different situations. I bought a fanny pack with 2 water bottles on it and 3 zippered compartments, a snap ring and a mesh pocket at a Walmart end of season sale for 10 bucks. I use it on days I just need 1 or 2 small fly boxes and a sandwich. I wear a vest sometimes and others I tote a backpack large enough for a long day out.
My nippers came from Creek Co. with a zinger for $1. last fall. I also have backup nail clippers just in case. I also carry a small multitool with nippers, file, scissors, a knife blade and small straight and phillips screwdrivers. Forceps I have had for years and years. I've found some at yard sales, swap meets and flea markets. Some are as much as $1.50 and others a nickle. Never pass one up. Gehrkes Gink and Xink are about all I use. I've got several other tubes, tins and jars but like the Gehrkes for convenience. Jim