Useful Miscellaneous Equipment
Article Provided Barva Kopel
There are miscellaneous equipment that elevates trout bfs experience.
Quality comes first, function over appearance, and lightweight is the key element we seek.
Below are some findings that we find enjoyable.
Net:
Trout fishing in the backcountry requires a quality landing net to properly catch and release wild fish.
A soft rubber basket is the choice of ours.
Proven performance models are hanging back of the professional guides, who spends over 250 days guiding in harsh environment… self-explanatory.
One thing to note here is that the expert guide’s focus is to land the client’s fish effectively and securely, therefore they select oversized models that are too big to carry around for individual use.
In most cases, smaller models than the guide models are available in the same series.
If the target is a large fish, it’s best to choose the biggest basket you can carry with a lightweight frame.
The length of the net should be considered since fish gain more leverage with less line out and the rod has extreme bend curve when landing. Especially with a short rod.
Numerous “fish of the day” grade fish escape right in front of the net.
Gotta get 41.5″/22″ for 2024, 32″/19″ is handy but missed too many…
Having a slightly larger net is better for increasing the landing ratio.
There are different types of rubber baskets on the market.
Select a thin diameter and lightweight basket, such as the fishpond’s rubber, which is safe for fish and very durable.
There are inexpensive rubber baskets that are typically heavier and harder, and not as durable.
Nets (basket)do break due to bushwhacking and incidents.
We stick with an authentic basket replacement for stress-free angling.
The smooth surface treatment on the carbon frame prevents fish from scratching.
The high quality carbon frame can last decades of use and piles memorable moments with you.
Choosing the model that floats if the net disconnects in the current makes it much easier to find it downstream.
Aluminum frames are lightweight, cost effective, and add a nostalgic touch.
The net can be secured to the back with high-quality neodymium magnets to keep it out of the way during all types of casting forms.
It’s important to keep the neodymium surface free of magnetite sand for secure connections.
Durable code can be used to hold the net handle tightly to the body to prevent the net from swinging when hiking.
The collapsible net is an awesome space-saver for tiny creek fishing that requires miles of hiking in the forest and bushwhacking through the thorny jungle.
The stainless frame can bend in the current and tip over when large fish are inside, which is one drawback of the collapsible.
We enjoy taking collapsible to the tiny creeks with many shallow landing sections where only 16 inch and smaller fish exist.
Photogenic effect:
It’s a treat for trout bfs to take photos of the stunning beauty of wild fish.
The small net makes the fish size appear larger, while the large net makes it appear smaller.
The photo of the 20 inch fish hanging over the 14-inch basket on the river bed is impressive.
However, the 20 inch fish kept in the water in an 18-inch net at a depth of 12-inches appears to be half its actual size.
Personal preference determines the value of photos versus higher landing ratio when selecting the best model.
Bag:
Double strapped submergible backpack certainly provides best comfort and enough volume allowance needed for the long hike.
Slings and lumber types provide quick access to items that are contained.
It’s a good idea to start calculating the total volume of items for each season.
For instance, consider extra outerwear for the cold season, more liquids for the warm season etc.
Add a little extra room to the total volume for easier access, and there is the ideal volume size bag.
Waterproof feature is needed for the trout bfs.
Minnow container:
Meiho is the only brand we’ve purchased for over decades for the quality and functionality of any species angling. Meiho is finally here in US.
Anglers need to be able to securely replace the minnow in 30mph wind and fast currents in waist-high deep water.
A common condition that occurs at high elevations.
Hook tangled, bunched up minnows in a single compartment, there is a higher chance of dropping an entire bunch into the current.
Line clipper:
By trimming the excess line tags, the vegetation piece can be less likely to stick to the leader knot and the bite count can be increased because wild fish hardly ever commit to biting the minnow with tiny grass stuck on its nose.
The blade must be sharp and durable to trim the ends of hi-dense quality PE tag-ends.
The line clipper made by Snow Peak‘s blade stayed sharp for over 12 years for us. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued a while ago.
Off topic info…
Superior quality product was crafted by artisans of Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata for Snow Peak.
The region is famous as a “manufacturing town” where hardware and western tableware production is flourishing.
It’s likely that you’ve heard about “SUWADA” nail clippers and “TOJIRO” kitchen knives, which are both specialty products manufactured in Tsubame-Sanjo.
MC Line Cutter by DIAIICHISEIKO has been our choice for the last 4 years.
Save the blade’s sharpness by only cutting lines and occasional hangnails.
Forceps:
Wild fish hardly ever swallow minnows, but it does happen about once in every few hundred catches, especially with smaller 45mm minnows and large fish when they are active.
Brown with 65mm Minnow in deep 🙁
Forceps are the last hope to remove the barbless single hook that penetrated deep inside the mouth.
Fish’s survival recovery rate is low but slightly higher than leaving the hardbait in the mouth for a slow death.
Anglers must carry long enough forceps, we carry Cultiva (owner) FT-06 Multi Forceps size-M for the unfortunate incidents.
Other helpful goodies include a compact line trash case, leader case, belt rod holder, waterproof pouch, and thermometer if the hand skin gage is not accurate.
Leader spools must be protected in neoprene or a case.
A little nick on the leader may cost us fish of the day.
The tape measure is great for accurately scaling the fish, but only if the process can be done quickly.
Measuring marks on the net’s frame is the quickest and ideal for quick release.
Cool gadgets stylize the trout bfs and efficient, the key is to stay light by carrying only the items we need.
Efficiency creates more time for catching.
by Barva Kopel
