Using a Fishing Vest for the First Time-and a SURPRISE Catch! (Tenkara Fly Fishing)

I bought a cheap fishing vest off of Amazon. I've never used a fishing vest before, so I was interested in seeing how it went! Oh, and I fish an amazing stream along the way 😁
DATE FILMED: August 2022
LOCATION: Idaho
GEAR USED
** SEE MORE INFO ABOUT MY FLIES AND GEAR HERE: tenkaraaddict.com/gear
** ROD: Dragontail Mizuchi
** LINES: 9-foot level line (#3.5) with a few feet of tippet
** FLY: Size 12 grizzly kebari as shown in the video
** NET: Medium Measure Net with rubberized net bag
OTHER LINKS
** Instagram (@TenkaraAddict): / tenkaraaddict​​​​​​
** My main KZbin channel (SUVRVing): / suvrving​​​​​​
#tenkara​​​​​​ #fishing​​​​​​ #flyfishing

[@PoliteChihuahua]

Got my first Tenkara rod in 2018 and also use a vest. Holds my gear, snacks, food, etc, and a lightweight ran jacket in the back. I use the vest to keep my hands free to scale down steep slopes to get to the hard to reach creeks. Started flyfishing as a kid in the late 80s and always used a vest. Switched to a similar one by the same brand a few years back. love it.

[@fishfoolishness4222]

Well let's see. I carry 3 fly boxes, drys, nymphs and streamers, like to change things up a lot. Leaders, tippets, indicators, knippers, forceps, net, dry shake, floatant, water filter, snacks. Yeah, I use a big vest.😁

[@robertperman8967]

Your traditional line ke me. I think this tenkara fishing is a whole new ball game!!

[@larrybeavens7580]

Great timing on the vest - I ordered a sling pack on Amazon this morning, but after watching your video I canceled it and ordered this vest instead. I’m 78, and back in my day everyone wore a vest to fly fish. I have several, but I just don’t like them for tenkara. I wanted something that could carry a water bottle and an extra tenkara rod, and this fills the bill perfectly for less money than anything I’ve seen. And, you caught some bull trout! Very cool. I caught a 6-pounder years ago on the Metolius River in Oregon on a fly that I tied myself, and that fish holds the top spot in my fishing memory bank. The bull trout is a special fish; you should feel blessed to have caught a couple! 👍

[@koleab]

My whole life of fishing(walking, wading, moving) and casting I always had a cloth bag with a cloth strap so that ithe bag hung across my chest to one side. Inside was spool of leader, line, small tackle box etc. so I had everything with me a sI went. It was always better than a back pack or just a fanny pack(to small). So I think the idea is the best!

[@robertnoel2363]

A 23 minute video.. what a treat! Thanks, can't wait till your shop is open again so I can order some yarn.

[@Honeybadger_525]

I can definitely see where idea that a vest is an older fisherman cliche came from, lol. My grandfather used a vest all his life and my father and I use sling packs. The main reasons we prefer sling packs 1) They're not as hot to wear as a vest 2) They don't get caught as often while casting or moving through brush 3) The sling is often adjustable so you can change how high, low, backward or forward you want to wear it. Plus a sling pack can more easily fit a variety of body sizes.

[@mella314]

Love the way you walk in the stream! That's the way I like to explore new waters too! Fun and beautiful videos. Thank you.

[@davidrosset8930]

Nice little stream. I've tried hip, chest, and sling packs and keep coming back to a vest. This is what I started with 52 years ago! And I've seen videos where both Dr. Ishigaki and Tenkara No Oni are wearing them. So, they are not just for western fly fishing.

[@calvinvesco9883]

Gorgeous little creek! Now I’m really wishing it was summertime and I was on a creek!

[@rphilip2768]

Well done. Great looking creek. I appreciate your videos!

[@ericintampa9352]

the vest seemed to blend in well. great stream and fish. thanks Tristan.

[@michaelsmith7193]

What a lovely stream - and such a variety of species! That looks like a kind of vest I could like. Right now I’m using a very old, repurposed camera bag. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!

[@jamesgaul3544]

Great video!!!

[@rayhoskins4478]

Nice variety of trout!

[@robertperman8967]

Beautiful creek! Nice fish!

[@jasonallen9072]

Holy bull trout!!!! That’s awesome, congratulations. Super cool to see.

[@aremancing]

Amazing spot

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

Great spot, been wanting to try Tenkara but haven't decided on a rod yet. I have that exact vest it's pretty minimalist which is great in the hot months of summer. It holds everything I need for fly fishing.

[@claytonplummer9509]

I have a fancy Patagoochi (Patagonia) one I bought years ago that I love. Definitely a fan of the vest. Also a fan of the fannypack style fishing pack.😉

[@skiddyfishing]

I was hoping to see more of the Sharpshooter but overall I’m a sucker for the Mizuchi! Great video.

[@teslah2997]

Like the vest….thanks for showing it to us. You are such a good fishermen.

[@YaknTackle]

Nice vest!! I've never used a vest myself but I do have a sling pack with attached Yona pack for Tenkara fishing!!!Cheers!!!

[@RETCAP10]

10:54 Many thanks for showing a profile comparison of the two char. Semi-anticipated Tom Davis appearing around the bend :)

[@jasonwooden]

Congrats on the Trout Slam! (FWIW, I wear a Salomon ADV skin running vest for tenkara fishing...but then again I'm trail running as I fish. Super lightweight, breathable, expandable, hugs your torso just right)

[@broay73]

I would like to see a short video on how you pick\find the creek you fish. Not looking for your "spots" but how you go about finding locations. And as always, really enjoy your videos.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

Google Maps

[@broay73]

@@markvanderstelt8999 Mark, I think there is a little bit more to my ? then that, But thank you for that intelligent reply.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

@@broay73 when i want to fish a new Area i check Google maps for lakes and streams if it is not posted as private property i wing it and see what kind of fish are there it makes it fun i have found great fishing spots this way.

[@broay73]

@@markvanderstelt8999 thank you for your insight.

[@tenkaraintheiowadriftless]

Quite the nice variety of fish in that creek! Glad you salvaged the majority of your footage. I know my GP8 will occasionally overheat and shut down unexpectedly. As for the vest, I’m surprised you didn’t have a problem with your biceps chafing on the outside of the large pockets, they seemed to be way too widely spaced apart. I’d need to snug them together (almost like a chest pack) in order to use that thing. I found the brookie-bull image comparison to be very educational. Maybe someday you could do that with all of the various varieties of cutthroat that we never see here in the Midwest. Thanks for another great video!

[@robbiefadez1028]

I use a spinning setup but have been using a vest for years now. I don’t like to carry too much gear when I go out plus I like to stay mobile. When ever I go out I am the only person using a vest. And I do this walking along the bank or even off a dock!

[@lew_rath6039]

Love catching big bulls on the fly, but in the summer chasing small brookies on my tenkara rod is so fun! Hit those tributaries that are less pressured. Would love to fish for smaller bulls but they’re hard to come by up here! Smaller trout I feel like are more unique in coloration I’ve noticed. Love watching your videos and thanks for the quality content!

[@leemowers9395]

Definitely a sweet creek, Rainbow, Cuttbow, West slope, Brook, Bull. Quadfecta, or Quinfecta if you like. A great time fishing, in spite of the GoPro issues. Thanks for sharing Tristen. Did you overnight here as well.

[@scouser2230]

I wear a fishing vest and I can carry everything I need for the day in it. It is a shorter version so that I can wade in reasonably deep water. For saltwater flats fishing I wear a waterproof pouch around my waist because on the flats I don’t wade in deeper water.

[@markault8390]

Another great video... I use nothing else but the traditional full vest mordhau out of habit than anyting and has worked for me for over 50 years... Forgive me but when I see you with that thing on it reminds me of that Jim Carey character "steroid girl"...lol. good stuff young man

[@brian1204]

I’m one of your oldies; when I did more fly fishing I did indeed use a vest. I like the design of that one.

[@brocmiller7635]

Have had the bassdash vest for 2 years and love it. Ideal for my fly fishing needs and keeps me packed light. Bought it mostly bc of being able to carry water. Needless to say I’d recommend it to anyone.

[@skippylippy547]

If I'm going to be out all day fishing and hiking in the back country I use a 2-part system: I have a small daypack to carry first aide kit, lunch, jacket, extra pair of socks, etc. Then I have a small fishing bag with a sling. This bag has everything I need for the fishing part. This sling is easy to adjust, doesn't get in the way, and I can switch it around on either shoulder if needed. It rests just above my hips at the waistline. Flexible, lightweight, and affordable.

[@leemowers9395]

The vest I wear is also a PFD, I have stepped into a spring before on the edge of a lake, I can swim fine, but with waders on was glad I had the extra floatation.

[@motleyassortment5512]

I just ordered a fishing vest with fishing rod holder with fishing rod straps and ample pockets for: phone, tackle box, fishing supies, keys. and mesh back (with removable outer layer). It's moisture wicking and dry fairly quick when wet. Keeps you cool when hot. I am excited to test it out on my next fishing trip. Beats having to lug around all your fishing supply in backpack, carrying catch in bucket, and with other hand holding your fishing rod.

[@TwoStageTrigger]

I use a vest for fly fishing. I keep my stuff organiz3d and it's really nice. When I started fishing I only used a little fanny pack with 2 pockets to keep my flies and leader in, (age 4-8).

[@trung5532]

I personally like to use a vest and a waist belt bait holder. Easy to reach bait, hooks, swivels, sinkers, scissors and leader line witthout going back and forth bending over a tackle box or bag. Also vests can hold telescopic rods so when you pack up and leave you have more hands free to carry your bucket and other stuff.

[@skookumjack]

I purchased a specialised tenkara sling vest from maxcatch. It has some neat pockets etc...... waiting to try it out soon !

[@craigstockton3103]

I have been using a William & Joseph for Tenkara for years, works great. Carry 4 rodsm lines, leaders, tool, boxes. only way to go.

[@stephencarroll3377]

I've tried best several times but can't do them... I'll stay with my slings and backpack when stay all day fishing but all an all good looking vest.. awesome videos like always 🎣

[@briancooper2737]

I personally have been using a small sling pack for a long time whenever I go fishing. It has plenty of room for most of my junk. I like your chest pack because you can carry a water bottle which is hard for me to do in mine. The rain jacket idea is a good idea as well. Especially in your situation. I'm not usually far from cover of some sort but I am guessing you are from time to time. I might look into a new chest pack for the ability to carry water alone. Nice video!

[@dtrout]

Beautiful little stream….. good source for stocking a pond. I liked the integrated water bottle pocket…. this is something that needs a company to create a better solution to move the weight off the shoulders and onto the hips…..ideally insulated stainless steel bottles that could be strapped around the waist and a tall straw or tube that could be pulled upwards at least 6 inches for drinking without removing the bottle. Hydration is so important but the available products are ripe for innovation. The best solution for me has been a double layer bottle with a straw type lid clipped with caribeaners so it’s attached to my wader strap but the weight rests on my wader belt. Usually takes some tugging on the clips to finagle the bottle high enough to get a drink. A much longer straw with a clip on the end would solve that problem but so far I have not found a product.

[@robertkemp622]

I was in Idaho in September 2022 for the 100-degree heat-wave, and I had my full fly-fishing vest on over my short-sleeved shirt. Too hot for a vest then! Too hot for a shirt even! It had been many years since I experienced that kind of central Florida summer heat-wave. On the hotel TV in Idaho Falls, the meterologists were talking about how unusual the 104-107 temps were in September. I was sad. But in this video you were on a beautiful creek, and the fish were biting. Yep, a lucky guy...

[@peters7025]

Have you thought of taking a spool of main line with you then if you haven't a made up line of the right length you can soon make one up. Great video as usual

[@michaelshuman3319]

What a great creek you have found , fantastic ! I like the looks of that vest , looks so comfortable . Are you able to camp close to where you do your fishing or do you have to drive aways to get to them ? Thanks

[@stevebergeron8763]

As they say in Montana about catching bull trout, no black stops on the dorsal, release immediately.

[@logannewman4532]

I haven't worn a vest but I am looking at buying a kayak and with that I've been looking at floating fishing vests. I like the idea that myself and my tools will stay afloat.

[@wvbrookchub]

I don’t have to watch this to tell you vests suck, but I’ll watch anyway.

[@Dogfish63]

I wear a full sized fishing vest. I like to bring spinning gear along at the same time I tenkara fish if I’m going out for the day. I can carry everything I need to fish both methods on the same trip. If I’m just tenkara fishing I use a fishing creel that hangs on my shoulder. That’s all I need.

[@terryasselstine6879]

I do appreciate your attention towards inexpensive items for tenkara fishing. Especially for a viewer that happens upon your vireos that is not already fishing tenkara. It doesn’t have to be elitist requiring expensive gear. The vest overall has more in-common with a chest pack than a vest. It’s a chest pack cut in half vertically. A vest has a scattering of pockets rather than all being stacked. It’s a hybrid that someone has thought to address the positives and negatives of both designs.

[@pattyrucker4100]

Watched video about vest beautiful creek,do have a question,how do you attach measure net to your vest ,different styles would like learn what you use/

[@gokofly]

Seems I’m always in need of a good net storage/hanging solution. Something that keeps the net out of the way but easy to get at, and doesn’t get caught in bushes and trees.

[@tftoutdoors6582]

I like the bass dash fishing vest it’s a little bigger than that one but mine cost 40-50$

[@petersmith6974]

I have backpack vest I use for fly fishing steams. And I have a very light simple cheap vest more like a harness straps than vest with pockets on front nothing at all but a strap down the back with a loop at top 3 places for net. Works great for tenkara as I try to go light and simple. Even using just hip waders not chest ones. As usually fishing areas not deep Very much like your vest to be honest

[@calebprice304]

What is your go to rod for smaller streams with heavy cover

[@user-ri2ee4qg7k]

Regarding the Bull Trout. I fished a bunch near Salmon/Stanley Idaho last (late) summer. In a lot of the small/remote creeks there were more Bull Trout than anything else. ...they were in fact pretty common. And in one (semi secret) creek the big ones came up it to spawn. It was way cool fishing in a creek that was no more than 10-12' across and only 6' or so deep, and seeing 30 plus inch Bulls in there. For the record I did NOT target or try to catch the big Bulls....I let them be while they were spawning and focused on the Cutts in the same water. But also, for the record, I DID catch some sizable (20 plus inch) trout, and even a Steelhead!, with tenkara gear on the main Salmon River during my time there.

[@user-ri2ee4qg7k]

I use a vest a fair amount of my time on the water. Most of the time (when I have minimal gear) I use a small "fanny pack" that I turn around so it is in front. But when I'm in a situation where I want/need a bit more gear I have a vest that I just love. It's pricey (normally) but I bought mine used off Ebay so it wasn't that bad. It's the Patagonia Hybrid. It's nice in that it's very lightweight and "minimal" in terms of construction. Usually I don't load it all up ,so it ends up not being bulky or constricting, etc,....it's nice and light and comfortable to wear. But there is always a convenient place for each important piece of gear I have on me. I wouldn't recommend filling the back with a water bladder as the minimal construction then makes it hang awkward and a bit uncomfortable. But when you keep your "stuff" reasonably light it's just great. I HIGHLY recommend this vest for tenkara style fishing. A tip Tristan on fitting adjustment.......I notice that you have the front panels spaced wide apart. If you adjust those panels so they are closer together (and more "in front" of you), you will find that you have more room to move your biceps and upper arms. One of the things that folks don't like about vests is that they get in the way of your upper arms. And that is an inherent problem with more traditional (and usually way overloaded) vests, which often have lots of larger pockets. But your vest is more compact (as is the Pata Hybrid), and you can adjust it so that isn't an issue. This may not be possible with a BassDash product though. One thing I've found on a lot of Chinese brand clothing/gear is that they are tailored to fit smaller bodies, and often the straps/belts/adjustments don't have enough room to accommodate more typical "western" bodies. That said, I do have a pair of BassDash waders that are just great, fit me perfect, and were a fraction of the price I'd pay for Simms, Patagonia, Orvis, etc. cheers.

[@richardsager1723]

Do you use a polarizing filter on your GoPro or whatever camera you’re using to shoot video?👀

[@MrSofthackle]

I’m a traditional fly angler and I much prefer a vest to a pack. With the vest all my my gear is readily accessible as compared to a back pack.

[@TenkaraAddict]

Awesome, sounds like you've got a system that works well for you. Thanks for watching 👍

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

Do you carry a water filter or any emergency supplies? I have a great front pack, which fits a mini kit- an emergency blanket, a Sawyer Squeeze and dirty water bag, a small fire kit, a hank of bankline, a pocket knife, lip balm, sunscreen, a micro medical kit, tippet and line, a micro fishing kit, a small fly box and my phone. "Football friend" LOL. Pretty fish!

[@robertmajor4904]

How awesome to catch so many Bulltrout on the tenkara rod.

[@flyguy2021]

Haven’t used a vest for years. Roll top waterproof hip pack for me.

[@johngapko6612]

Did you ever try the rods from Red Brook Tenkara?

[@RyanGr33n]

I wear a chest pack, it’s holds my flies and crap and my 9mm Hellcat OSP and a couple extra mags… just in case.

[@MariaGarcia-nc4ng]

IV been using same vest for 35 years stilling going does job it's all mesh I fish with my nefhews and son and they fit all this new stuff......I still out fish them and even use and have flys that old ..

[@deanfirnatine7814]

One of those from someone like Umpqua brand would cost $150-$200

[@richardsager1723]

Where is the slash in the cutthroat trout? Can you reply with a picture and highlight where it is? Thanks 🙏🏼 video rocks…

[@iancarpenter5488]

Great catch on the bull trout. A bucket list fish for me, without a doubt. I feel I should mention that brook trout and bull trout can and do hybridize with each other. Because of this, brook trout in bull trout streams are a major threat to the survival of bull trout populations. The same applies to rainbow trout in cutthroat streams. To combat brook trout hybridization, the daily limit on brook trout in Idaho is 25 fish. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this liberal bag limit when fishing in areas that still hold native fish. As a bonus, Brook trout are incredibly good eating. Releasing invasive fish is something that has begun to have a severe negative impact on fisheries here in my home state of Maine. Smallmouth bass are in our best trophy native brook trout waters, and in recent years, many new anglers to the area have not been keeping them. I've seen videos of some even acknowledging just how invasive they are while throwing them back. It's an uphill battle, but intensive targeted harvesting of invasive fish has been proven effective in protecting native fisheries. The Yellowstone cutthroat is a prime example of this. Tight Lines! Love the videos, and keep them coming!

[@falconkisam]

👍👍👍

[@208BASSIN]

Where you at In idaho? Because I’m in nampa and I fish at Star a lot and I catch about 3 per day

[@MrRourk]

I have an Altoids tin with 6 flies in it.

[@cleekmaker00]

I wore a vest for years, but I got into the nasty habit of trying to fill all of the pockets with crap! So, I moved to a small belt pack just large enough to hold tipper and my fly box.

[@scottbaker2495]

How deep is the back compartment of the vest

[@jasonsfishingagain312]

I live in my vest. I have a real, I guess full sized (?) vest that holds everything including lunch. I wear that no matter what kind of equipment I'm using, if I'm in a river, I'm in that vest. I did pick up a sling bag for the rainy days where I need to haul a net, but I'm wearing a rain jacket. I don't really like it, and there is no risk of replacing a vest with it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@caguas97]

Have you ever tried euronymphing with a Tenkara rod? I have a 12' rod I was thinking of trying some weighted nymphing with on the Provo River. Didn't know if that was something you had done before...

[@rickhelmer9535]

My experience has taught me most tenkara rods are too flexible for fishing heavy nymphs in large/ deeper rivers. My go to for that situation is a keiryu rod. The one I got (ironically) is the TN Provo keiryu rod, it was designed exactly for that situation, and serves me very well. Just my opinion.

[@kellyshilka9860]

Vest drop down as far as possible waist to ribs way more comfortable and out of arm movement.

[@DC-et4li]

Did you color grade this video? Or perhaps use a different camera? The colors seem to pop more than your other videos. I've watched all of them and this one just looks better. Is it just my imagination?

[@drdeankos2356]

rock fishing for 20 + yrs fishing vests are the best travel way to fish hands free everything you need at hand reach that comes in handy when off the rock wall 20ft above the sea also if you buy a japaneese vest like myself may set you back 1000 usd but also is a float devise if need be that will safe your life every angler should invest in if you love life and fishing

[@billschlafer]

Advantage of the vest is keeping the net up and handy on my back, and providing pockets up nice and high to keep things I don't want wet dry - like my camera.

[@steveferrell1609]

I carry the whole store in my vest. More pockets, more shit ;) Now if I'm fishing near sight of my truck, I'll use a fanny pack turned around & leave vest in truck.

[@johnburrows3735]

completely fascinated with the Tenkara technique of fishing, I am not a fly fisherman, so I do not know a dry fly from a wet fly. I live in northern Michigan with a lot of small trout streams. I would love to try Tenkara in the spring, just need some guidance.

[@rickhelmer9535]

I got into fly fishing through tenkara, and am totally addicted, such a fun way to fish. The rod in this video is the mizuchi , made by dragontail tenkara co. It was my first rod, and a great way to get started on smaller streams. I recommend taking the time to read/watch a lot of videos (tenkara on the trail, Teton tenkara, discover tenkara) before making a purchase. There are a lot of great companies/ products out there, and lots of great info.

[@wynnswindell4232]

I fish out of a wheelchair. So carrying a tackle box along with a rod or two while dealing with a wheelchair is real hard. So for me wearing a fishing vest makes perfect sense. I can carry everything I need and still have a hand free to guide my wheelchair. Adapt and over come,

[@ianbruce6515]

You might look at chest packs. I have trouble in my kayak with my ancient fishing vest as the side pockets get in the way. Might be the same issue with the wheel chair . I just got a small chest pack (about $45) and three slim flyboxes. I got it for Tenkara--but it turned out to take pretty much what I had in my vest--buy more accessible and compact. It will be much more kayak compatible!

[@stephenkittle6586]

No vest for me,I only take what Im going to use that day in my small day pack,food and flies,leaders,water filter,empty water bottle and fly dope and that's it!

[@richardsager1723]

Oh, is this the Forrest Gump creek? Weird and wonderful things happen there. You never know what you’re gonna get.

[@saginawdan]

I'm an old-school vest guy. I'd feel naked without it. It goes wherever I go. 🌲🌲🌲

[@bbtb785]

Ditch the water bottle and get a LifeStraw Personal Water Filter.

[@wvbrookchub]

Traditional fly fisherman don’t really use vests any longer. Chest packs, back packs and sling packs have almost completely taken over.

[@Jason-iz6ob]

I can’t imagine trout fishing without a vest….

[@ulyseknight7674]

You shouldn't tell us the fish is 9 or 11 in Long when the net shows it's only like five or six

[@HisSadShadow]

Nice Bra Bro :D

[@adamw8469]

Or a bro-bra.

[@AnonymousOtters]

Can't stand vests. They get in the way of lines and casting on fly rods and aren't comfortable if you need to have a pack or life vest on. Much prefer a hip pack or sling pack to keep stuff out of the way

[@georgepretnick4460]

Get away from GOPRO. The problems you are having are typical with GOPRO. You can do better.

[@TenkaraAddict]

GoPros suck, but everything else sucks more. I have a DJI Osmo Action 3 and Insta360 X3, and the GoPro consistently puts out the best quality video.