Ideal for Stream Fishing

When you think about Plano, you might think first about tackle boxes and tackle bags for your boat, but I learned yesterday that they also have stream stuff figured out. I spent the afternoon knee-deep in the Chattooga River, wading for redeye bass and trout, and toted all my stuff in a Plano Softsider Fishing Vest. The padding and straps are in the right places to make the vest really comfortable, even when it's packed with tackle, and the pockets are in the right places to keep everything handy. Probably my favorite feature, though, is that the main front pocket supports itself as a very flat work tray so you can fish around for the right lure with no concerns about dumping your stuff in the river.

The fish were cooperative, by the way. I fished with Jeb Hall, who heads the fishing program for Nantahala Outdoor Center, and we caught quite a few redeyes and brown trout, along with a few bream and a lone rainbow. Jeb fly-fished and did best with a popper. I caught my fish on Lindy jigs and assorted mini hard baits.