Wychwood Shortie Fly Fisherman's Waistcoat

UK sea fly fisherman have the same problems freshwater fly anglers do. Carrying loads of gear to cover your immediate needs, but without hampering your mobility to cover lots of ground. Multi pocketed waistcoats are the obvious answer. The new Wychwood Shortie Waistcoat is a well thought out garment that has all the design features required to make the ideal waistcoat for both salt and freshwater fly fishing.

It is a short high waist length vest for easy wading and made from Polycotton material that is quick to dry. The collar is knitted for comfort, and the inside of the vest is lined with meshing to help keep you cool. The front closure zip is top quality and easy to close when you're fingers are wet and cold having a grab tag attached to the zip itself. In addition there is a press stud fastening for quick closure and added security.

This waistcoat is literally packed with pockets. At the back is a single large flap pocket large enough to take a rolled up nylon waterproof coat, maybe food, or extra tackle. Both sides of the vest, starting at the base, have a large zip pocket measuring 11in x 6in that can swallow a couple of large fly boxes. On the front of this is a secondary 11in x 5in pocket, and on the front of this two separate 4in x 4in pockets with a flap top secured by Velcro ideal for spools of nylon etc. Above this a 5in x 5in Velcro flap packet with an elasticated topped mesh pocket on the outside. Above this is a zip closing deep enough to take another fly box, with a further small Velcro flap pocket on the shoulder. It has 15 outside pockets in total with six of them with zip closing.

Inside the vest on the left side is a zipped pocket secure enough to take car keys or a wallet.

There is a 20mm D ring to take accessories on each upper side of the vest, plus another D ring on the back for attaching your net to. The left side of the vest also sports a removable woollen dry flying patch, plus a Velcro rod security tab for when you need to change flies.

After fishing with the vest we've found it comfy to wear in all conditions, with unrestricted movement for casting. It is lightweight, and even when loaded with gear does not pull on your neck like many other vests can. An excellent product ideal for all UK shore and freshwater fly fishing. With the big pockets the waistcoat will also find favour with lure anglers who need to carry everything on them to cover as much productive ground through a tide as possible.

It comes on medium 38in-40in chest, large 40in-42in, extra large 42in-44in, and extra extra large 44in-46in. Expect to pay about £39.99. Available from all good tackle and fly fishing shops.