Papa’s Got a Brand-New Bag!
There are so many fishing bag options available commercially. Virtually every major outdoor brand has one. With only a few exceptions, most of these are made specifically with the western fly-fishing community in mind. Yes, these bags will work for tenkara angling, but for me they are over engineered, and offer too many specialized pockets and gimmicks. If you have 50 pockets to put stuff in, you will want to add things to them right? It is akin to buying a large house and because you have the rooms, you are compelled to fill them with things. This is counter to tenkara’s ethos.
For years now, I have been on a quest for what I call a “day bag.” A day bag for me provides a balance between what I want and what I need to carry. It is comfortable and not in my way when I fish. This day bag would be perfect for taking the minimal amount I need to have so I can move easily and have a few comforts along the way. Little comforts like lunch, snacks, a water bottle or filter. I also wanted room for a rain jacket for unexpected weather turns. It would also be nice to be able to bring along my notebook. Most importantly of course, the bag should give me quick and easy access to my general tackle such as extra tippet, leaders, a fly box, and my stream tools.
My journey with fishing bags has been diverse, from a Fishpond waist pack to various no name sling bags and backpacks. Exploring the possibilities lead me even to repurpose a dog trainer’s pouch for a while. This last year I used a military-grade, nylon pouch that had a nice drawstring closure. While this bag was nice, it lacked a certain aesthetic and was short on space too.
And at last! I think now I have finally found a perfect day bag that is already my favorite, and I haven’t even taken it fishing yet. I was surfing through Etsy and I stumbled upon a surplus army “haversack” style bag, known at one time as a “bread bag.” There was something interesting about the bag. I pushed the button and purchased it for $25. In classic army surplus style, it is a canvas bag with an adjustable shoulder strap.
In addition to that, there are two short leather straps that button into loops at the top of the bag. Once I had the bag in my possession, I could see immediately how I could use those loops to attach the bag to my bicycle handlebars. The bag itself measures about 10″ x 10″ x 4”. It was built well to withstand a lot of wear and I hope to extend its life even further by giving it a good canvas wax treatment so it will have some water resistance.
Despite its initial charm, the bag came to me needing some improvement. It was missing a cover flap. I could see where the original (a cloth and vinyl flap?) had been cut away. With a little work I was able to disassemble a few leather laces and replace it with a custom cut piece of leather, immediately elevating its rough and rustic look.
The bag features a large main compartment with an inner pocket and a fabric band sewn in that seems like it was made to hold and keeping a water bottle or thermos upright.
I have tried the bag on and wore the shoulder strap across my chest. It tucks behind me comfortably and out of the way while I am fishing. I want to keep my bag close but not have it sliding around and getting in my way as I move. Currently I am deciding on the best solution for keeping the main flap closed. A toggle button or maybe magnetic snaps?
I know I am a little quirky about stuff like this do believe that the things we own should speak to us, bring us happiness and over time become items that we cherish. Nostalgic, heirlooms perhaps? This kind of appreciation for practical and unique items is part of my tenkara lifestyle story. I am drawn to things that have character and hold a story. I enjoy finding practicality and I am also someone who takes more than a little pride in making or repairing things.
Maybe not all of us think we can make our own stuff and perhaps it is easier to just purchase a bag and hope for the best. I would encourage you though to push yourself a little and try. The original tenkara anglers were resourceful people. This is an opportunity to explore your own resourcefulness. If you take a moment to think about what you are really looking for in a day bag you may find just the right bag that suits you. Like me, you may have to make a few minor additions or changes and like the handlebar loops, you might find a feature you weren’t expecting. As tenkara anglers we have already taken the path of being unconventional thinkers. We are curious and willing to try new things and to explore the practicality of older things too. Remember to embrace this part of our tenkara culture every now and again.
There is nothing wrong with buying a commercial bag from a manufacturer. If a bag works for you then great you should buy it. Also consider though if there might be some special bag out there that is just waiting for you to find it and give it renewed purpose. Sometimes the search for such a bag is part of the adventure itself.
I would love to hear your comments and I want to hear more about your tenkara stories too. Sharing yours will help me put my finger on the pulse of our tenkara culture and will give me more insight for future articles. Leave a comment below or reach out to me directly. I can always make time for a chat.
Dennis Vander Houwen is an early adopter of tenkara, he lives and fishes all over Colorado. For more information on living simply or approaching a richer life with fewer things check out his blog, Tenkara Path, where you can also support his tenkara lifestyle by purchasing one of his amazing, handmade tenkara line spool, fly keepers. Learn more about Tenkara Lifestyles here.
That bag looks very similar to an old WWII gas mask bag. Had one for years. They were dirt cheap to buy, very rugged and would take dye well if the original olive drab colour did not suit you.
Cheers!
These bags aren’t too different than the NBC gas mask bags I had when I was in the army too. Of course most of those opened out from the front edge.
I had a bag like that for awhile but not for any gas masks, then the strap broke and I got a backpack. It works pretty good for a day of fishing
That’s a rather big bag! I looked at your list and I tend to carry most of what you list in much more condensed form. Size and minimising based on experience is the key. And avoiding the “just in case” syndrome of fly vests.
I wear a utility belt and it holds a few small pouches (one for a befree, one for spare lines etc plus inreach mini plus minimalistic first aid plus light and knife etc) and a tiny zimmerbuilt pouch for flies, which are stored in plastic hook boxes) plus a folding daiwa net, a walking staff in scabbard, and a scabbard for rods. That combined with shirt pockets is ample storage for the day. For food I carry a food bar in my pocket in its waterproof wrapper. I don’t have anything dangling off me to catch on scrub, and can push everything on the belt behind me for a bush bash. It’s a system based on needing to push through thick Aussie bush, and scrambling over boulder and logs ala genryu style, in classically extremely hot Aussie weather hence no pack, and for walking distances. I carry any rain jacket or jumper tied around my waist.
Thanks for taking the time to share. The other bags shown in one of the photos were what I used previously. I still own them and may still pull them into use in the right situation. This bag just checked off all the boxes for me. One main point I had in writing the article is for people to think outside the box of purchasing commercial gear that doesn’t suit them and to think creatively. I see going fishing as more than just the time I am fishing. It is about the whole experience. This bag works best for my tenkara adventures. Sounds like you have your system dialed in for you. Thanks again for taking the time to share your set up.
Oh I agree completely with your sentiments.
I’ve gone back and forth on bags and other systems over the decades, including diy and expensive brand packs, satchels, slings, chest packs. Including heavily modifying all the bought bags. And trying different combos of waist packs and belts. This is where I keep coming back to, mostly because I like to walk freely and prefer to wade in the water.
The system I described is what I prefer for trout fishing when I don’t mind getting wet. And not carrying drinking water, using a filter. If I go really remote then I will probably leapfrog over to a small backpack with serious survival gear.
If I’m in the salt then I’ll try to leave everything behind and only carry what fits in shirt pockets and pants, and a water bottle in my back pocket, for flats wading (plus maybe a spare rod in a sling over my shoulder).
Love the bag. Great article. I have a Zimmerbilt guide sling pack. A bit overkill for me but it is hydration compatible and I like that.