Since the dawn of the TSA and improved airport security we have received many questions on what is the best way to travel with fishing gear.  The Dakota carry on bag from Fishpond has answered many of these questions for us.  It gives you the ability to carry on all your rods and reels as well as giving storage for terminal tackle.  We feel much better having the most expensive part of our arsenal on our person at all times.

The Dakota will fit up to 6, 9′ 4 piece fly rods in rod socks, safely and securely.  This really is much easier than trying to strap bulky aluminum tubes to other pieces of gear or having an oversized PVC tube that is a pain to lug around. 

 The other side of the case features 3 velcro dividers which create 4 compartments for reel storage.  This will accommodate 6-8 reels depending on size of reels.  Fly Boxes could also be stored here.  Flies are technically approved by the TSA to carry on, however we have heard of some isolated incidents of flies being lost, so beware.  The bag also has a zippered 3 compartment storage for terminal tackle such as leaders, tippets, indicators, etc.

The only downfall we have found with this bag is, it does not have a waterproof or water resistant bottom making it a poor choice for a boat bag.  However for its intended use a carry on for your most expensive gear, rods and reels, we think this bag will solve many of the challenges of modern air travel.

My first few steps into a stream last week were met with a great deal of excitement and anticipation! I couldn’t wait to get my new Simms Rivershed boots in the water considering I’ve spent the last 25 years wading and slipping in felt sole boots. The hike into this stretch of creek completely blew me away. I’ve naturally become accustom to sliding and skiing my way into most canyons with the precarious combination of felt soles and pine needles. The new Vibram StreamTread soles, however, seem to bite the ground and offer the same stability you expect out of a great hunting boot.

The slight film of algae that appears on the rocks this time of year always causes me to exercise extreme caution. When I stepped into the water and began wading, I had an immediate feeling of security and solid stance despite the otherwise slick as ice nature of the bottom. The more I waded upstream the more I was in shock over the stability I had and my confidence began to grow. I found myself not paying as much attention to the stream bottom and was able to look for fish as I waded.

Another pleasant advantage I enjoyed was the weight difference these light weight boots offered. I can’t even begin to tell you how relieved I was not slogging the dead weight of the water soaked felt soles around the stream banks and eventually, up and out of the canyon. To say the least, these boots changed the way I wade and greatly decreased my fatigue level at the end of the day. I fished the new boots for two solid days and put several miles on my feet without feeling the usual day after aches and pains I’ve experienced in the past.

Do yourself, your feet, and your wading confidence a favor … Stop by Desert Sportsman and grab a pair of Simms Vibram StreamTread boots!