I need a new bag as the one I currently have was left in the loft and the dreaded mice seem to have been at work, which is understandable as I haven't used the fly gear for over 30 years.

In the 1960's I owned a really nice quality, capacious waterproof game bag with a full width net pocket on the front and it was also "rubberised" on the outside/adjacent bag wall as well as inside so that it could be washed hygenically after use when game had been carried. There were several inner pockets and I could carry all the gear I needed for a full day's remote location fishing including wet/dry fly and worm/spinning gear, not to mention a flask and food and even additional lightweight waterproofs. A really nice piece of kit that worked really well.

Unfortunately most of my tackle was stolen all those years ago including the bag so, I'm left with only the very basics and a new bag is therefore an absolute must.

I'd really like one similar to the one above as my needs will be very similar so I guess I'll need to do some searches.

However, I'd find it interesting as to just which bags today's game fishing anglers use these days and better still, opinions of which are today's absolute essentials that should be in the bag, which might not have been around when I last fished

Tony

Well I'm no expert but what I use seems to me ideal - its a small (25l) rucksack that I use for virtually everything.
I do have a classic gamebag as you describe - its where all my kit lives in the house
When I'm headin off I just take out of it all reels boxes etc I might need theres plenty room in the rucksack for taking spinning and fly gear and more, the net goes through the carry handle and is out the way.
I've been mainly fishing stillwater so its just been for carrying it there but yestarday it was invaluable when I tried stalking along a small burn for the first time. All my kit was with me and secure but I could forget about it as it wasn't getting in the way (might have been tricky if I'd actually needed the net though!)

Have a look in the Snowbee range they do some brilliant roomy bags.

I'm the same a small waterproof rucksack, it most likely stems from my salmon fishing days, on the move and in and out the water constantly, (net attached to the rucksack by magnetic release), shoulder bags can be and were a pain for me in those days.

I have considered a fishpond type vest for a while, to travel even lighter, if i have to take a fish (which i try not to) a pillow slip type bag kept folded up, easily fits into any rucksack.

My fishing buddy uses one of those large shoulder type bags, everything but the kitchen sink fits in it, we almost need a trailer when he brings that bloody thing with him, and in a boat i find it's a nightmare.

Best regards
Jim

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Tanta Stultitia Mortalium Est

There are hundreds of bags on the market. I would have a look at various manufacturers and dealers catalogues ie. Sportfish, John Norris, Glasgow Angling Centre, Airflo etc. You may be able to spot one that is the same or similar to the one you had previously which would fit your requirements.

I have the Ron Thompson bag that came with the kit I bought (more man bag and anything else, but carries the essentials). Then I have my Badlands Diablo pack that has lunch, waterproofs etc in it that I need including my water bladder.

I use a small 30L berghaus rucksack. Totally waterproof has a waist strap as well so stays nice and tight on your back for clambering up those steep banks!!! Between that and my waistcoat everything is up on my torso and not trailing at all.

Really depends on the purpose of the bag I guess!

hello may depend what kind of trout fishing you do, river, still water, small, big, very big. and depends how much gear you take, do you like traditional canvas bags or synthetic, you can buy from £10 to £150 or more. i have a snowbee bag when i fished farmoor, they are not 100% waterproof. as do not fish still waters i just use an old trout canvas bought for £5 cleaned and reproofed new straps total £20. i am having a new 1 made to my design in canvas and leather by a company in lancs if ok will put details on here. let us know more and you will get an better idea,

Never use a bag now since buying a chest pack/backpack from Yorkshire Game Angling a couple of years ago. Front pockets hold more than enough for a day, backpack holds waterproofs and lunch. Nothing flapping around, catching on fences, dipping underwater when wading..........

I use a fishing vest over a waterproof and breathable hooded jacket (non fishing type so didnt cost silly money). Fishing gear, spare spool, flies, leaders, tippets, landing net, lunch all fit into or onto vest and personal gear into pockets of jacket.