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Fish Pond Waterdance Fish Pack

Reviewed by Scott Richmond

Fish Pond Waterdance Fish Pack. $89 retail. Available at many fly shops and online stores.

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haven't worn a fly fishing vest for about 15 years. I prefer to keep my gear in a pack either behind me or at my side, creel-style. So I was eager to try out Fishpond's Waterdance Guide Pack.

This roomy bag has two main compartments plus something Fishpond calls a "fly bench work area." I call it another compartment that zips down the sides and lays out horizontally so you can get at things; it has a ripple foam patch for flies and a couple of pockets for leaders, etc.

The front features two mesh pockets that are good for frequently-accessed items, such as a hook file or tippet spools. The main compartment is roomy enough for two biggish fly boxes. You could put another box in the middle compartment. There are outside some loops for attaching tools. Two mesh bags are on the sides; you can put 16 oz water bottles or other items in them.

The Waterdance Pack can be worn either as a chest pack or as a fanny pack.

One feature I appreciate is the adjustable straps that let you pull the pack closer to you for a more comfortable ride, depending on the load. Another asset is the generous padding where the pack hits the back.

I used the Waterdance as a fanny pack while bonefishing on the flats of Christmas Island, but it would be equally at home on the Deschutes. I was impressed with how well it worked--which means I never had to think about it because it wasn't inconvenient or in my way. My only complaint is the lack of a built-in retriever for nippers.

I'm not sure if it will hold as much as the JW Outfitters bag I've been using for . . . jeez, I don't how long I've been using that thing, but it's a long time. But I'll have to give it a try. The Waterdance is a good bag, and worth a hard look.

Bottom Line: Roomy and comfortable fanny pack for use on flats or general fishing. Reviewer Rating: 4

Scott Richmond is Westfly's creator and Executive Director. He is the author of eight books on Oregon fly fishing, including Fishing Oregon's Deschutes River (second edition).

Uploaded 03/15/2006.

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Fishpond Waterdance Guide Pack