Sling pack rec for boat use ...

[SilverFly]

... specifically for tuna.

You'd think by now I'd have this dialed, but I still find myself scrambling to dig out my gear bag in the cabin to access leaders, "plan B" fly boxes, etc...

Anyone who has fished tuna knows how hectic it can be. I prefer sling packs but will consider anything that is comfortable, doesn't unreasonably restrict movement, casting, or otherwise get in the way.

Cost is also a consideration. I don't need or want fancy, just functional.

 

[Brian Miller]

... specifically for tuna.

You'd think by now I'd have this dialed, but I still find myself scrambling to dig out my gear bag in the cabin to access leaders, "plan B" fly boxes, etc...

Anyone who has fished tuna knows how hectic it can be. I prefer sling packs but will consider anything that is comfortable, doesn't unreasonably restrict movement, casting, or otherwise get in the way.

Cost is also a consideration. I don't need or want fancy, just functional.

I have 7 liter and 15 liter Patagona Stealth sling packs, and most recently a 17 liter tactical sling but haven't fished for tuna, so I don't know what the environment on-board the boat is like. I am curious...
Would you want to carry everything in the sling pack that you do in the gear bag?

Does the pack need to be waterPROOF?

This would concern me...
Would the normal use of the sling pack; slinging it to the front to access it and back, be interfered with or possibly interfere with the function of your PFD?

Have you considered a fishing vest PFD, i.e. an NRS Chinook?

BTW, this year I went back to using a chest pack with a backpack for wading, because I want my most needed items at my fingertips without having to sling my pack around.

 

[SilverFly]

Thanks, I'll check those out. It doesn't need to hold that much. A few leader spools, sunblock, pliers, and tuna fly boxes - which are a bit on the large size. Waterproof would be nice but the only thing I need to keep dry is my cell and I keep that in my waders pocket.

 

[Matt B]

When the fishing is how we want it to be, tuna blood tends to spurt everywhere. If you want to wear something out on the dance floor, I think it needs to be small and as impervious as possible. I have an older Patagonia version of something like this and I think this might work for you. Plus this thing is on sale. I don’t know this item but the brand seems decent from what I’ve handled. I don’t own any of their stuff. https://www.cotopaxi.com/products/a...9PmOqwIt5XVWeypTqGg0Z8NTllZ2ROZ0aAlJmEALw_wcB

 

[PhilR]

When the fishing is how we want it to be, tuna blood tends to spurt everywhere. If you want to wear something out on the dance floor, I think it needs to be small and as impervious as possible.

Or something cheap that you don’t care about. I’m thinking goodwill fanny pack.

 

[Jacob Watrous]

I’d go for a waterproof sling because you could wash the outside of it and none of the tuna stank will penetrate. Most of my tuna clothing is disposable, and that which isn’t goes into a kiddie pool with detergent overnight when I get home.

I don’t like the idea of disposable backpacks/packs as it seems wasteful, plus I have a waterproof one (fishpond).

 

[clarkman]

I like my older Patagonia waterproof sling, but I wouldn't want to wear it while tuna fishing as it could interfere with the pfd.

I don't care what Jake says, Fishpond stuff kicks ass!

 

[Buzzy]

Huh! "Anyone who has fished tuna knows how hectic it can be." The more I read about this tuna fly fishing business, the more I don't know. A waterproof fanny pack or sling pack seems useful (neither of which I own). I planned to bring all my STUFF out in a waterproof backpack but am having second thoughts, that "hectic" comment is getting to me. ;-) Waders? Nope: PVC coated raingear, hose me down. "Disposable tuna clothing"? Huh. I could do that.

I am so excited about the trip, it is less than two weeks away. I better get busy learning a few knots in case (just in case) I need to swap leaders. Loop knots for attaching the fly, or not.

 

[Jacob Watrous]

I like my older Patagonia waterproof sling, but I wouldn't want to wear it while tuna fishing as it could interfere with the pfd.

I don't care what Jake says, Fishpond stuff kicks ass!

I see how you got there, but I wasn’t bagging on fishpond. One of the few brands I’m loyal to.

 

[SilverFly]

Huh! "Anyone who has fished tuna knows how hectic it can be." The more I read about this tuna fly fishing business, the more I don't know. A waterproof fanny pack or sling pack seems useful (neither of which I own). I planned to bring all my STUFF out in a waterproof backpack but am having second thoughts, that "hectic" comment is getting to me. ;-) Waders? Nope: PVC coated raingear, hose me down. "Disposable tuna clothing"? Huh. I could do that.

I am so excited about the trip, it is less than two weeks away. I better get busy learning a few knots in case (just in case) I need to swap leaders. Loop knots for attaching the fly, or not.

The Uni knot will cover 90% of tuna rigging. I use it to attach leaders to fly line. Uni to uni to connect different leader weights, and even as a loop knot for flies (although it will cinch down if you hook up). There are better knots I'm sure, but simple and quick rules in a hot bite.

 

[Buzzy]

The Uni knot will cover 90% of tuna rigging. I use it to attach leaders to fly line. Uni to uni to connect different leader weights, and even as a loop knot for flies (although it will cinch down if you hook up). There are better knots I'm sure, but simple and quick rules in a hot bite.

Thanks, Guy!

 

[Kfish]

I would think a sling pack would be cumbersome with the PFD on, straps snagging and such.
I keep a fly box in my jacket chest pocket along with a nipper for quick for changes. Some members bring out a fly box and leave it on one of the outside seat next to the side of the boat.