Richardson Chest Fly Box

[Pilar]

I am looking for feed back regarding the Richardson Chest Fly Box.

http://www.chestflybox.com/

Has anyone given one of these a try? I am considering purchase of the Joe Humphries 4 tray model. I like the concept/function of easy access and the ability for hands free fly changes.

I don't think quality is an issue at all but, I am concerned about bulk.

Any thoughts?

Regards,
Dave

[sbeausol]

I can't give you specific feedback on that product, but I can speak on the topic of chest packs. I highly recommend them as they provide a platform for fly changes or general work on the water, ride high and don't get wet when wading, and most are modular so you can carry what you need. From the looks of the website, the product looks pretty decent, and should hold what you need. The only thing that bugs me a little would be the rigid nature of the box - could be a pain when trudging through the woods......

[petegas]

i have a 4 tray humphries model. i really enjoy it, and think it looks and is more durable than a lot of those plastic knock-offs that around (just my opinion).
however, being a person that likes to carry a lot of flies, at first it was a difficult adjustment, so the comprimise i came up with is that it became my 'home stream' box for the river i fished most often, so i could easily have all the flies i would need for the place i fished the most right in one place.

[overmywaders]

I know someone who has been using the Richardson for many years. He swears by it and it seems to suit him. He has even developed a natural ledge under the box that supports it quite well.

Best regards,
Reed
www.overmywaders.com

[flytackle]

I love mine - this will be season 6 with it - it's great. Money well spent. Here it is - see... it works!
http://www.favoriteflies.com/stsalgill.jpg
Cheers, Alec

[fessiewig]

Alec,

It might be great for flies, but where do you put all your stuff?

[flytackle]

You can't see it in the picture, but the straps each have a simms zinger (curly-cord style) with forceps and a nipper. There is also a shearling fly patch attached to one of the straps (right behind the 'gill in the pic). I do not use floatant, as I treat flies with watershed after I tie them. One of the trays is equipped with leader pockets, and I carry tippet spools in my pocket - either pants, shirt, jacket or or waders. Works great. They do manufacture a tray with tippet dispensers, and you can also equip the box with a floatant holder, as well as a light holder. If you go to the Richardson web site you'll see all the options. It's a great system. Cheers, Alec

[flytire]

Has antbody tried this one? http://www.flytedeck.com/

[Pilar]

Gentlemen, thanks for all the replys.

flytackle & petegas,

What interior setup did you order for you Richardsons?

I am thinking of mixing trays between the ridged foam inserts with the standard dividers but, I can't seem to make up my mind. Any thoughts on the matter?

Regards,
Dave

[petegas]

Hey Pilar-
i went with one tray and 3 rippled foam drawers, in retrospect i should have gotten one or two more tray compartments instead of foam. you can keep bushy dries or large nymphs in the trays whereas you are somewhat limited with what types of flies you can store in the foam sections. thats just my 2 cents.

[flytackle]

Hi Pilar,
Mine is a three drawer - the first (closest to the body and the deepest) is the large divided compartments. The second has a removable tray that I requested they make with nubby-tack, which they don't offer in their catalogue. They said no problem - I purchased three different trays that I can load and insert as needed - works great! :D . The third drawer has the removable felt pads for nymphs and streamers and the leader pockets on the lid. It's a great set-up and I've been really pleased with it. Tight lines, Alec