Sierra Stream Combo Pack - A Product Review

When thinking about this year’s upcoming caddis hatches, an overwhelming amount flies come to mind. How is one suppose to choose what flies to use; or even more challenging, how is one to suppose to figure out patterns on their own that are able to get those elusive lunkers to come out of hiding.

I watched as the dull-black wooly-booger fell from my clumsy hands into the chilly water. My fingers were numb from the cold, and their sensitivity had been reduced to something like a callused heel. It wasn't the first time to happen that day -- I'd already lost two other flies and made a mangled mess from several of my knots.

The Pack is a great set for any fly angler and includes a combo tool, pin-on retractor, scissors/pliers in reusable plastic/ripple foam fly box.

It's a standard day of fishing when things take twice as much effort to get done as they should. Add in some cold air or water and watch as my eyes squint and I bite my bottom lip as I try to manipulate the little tackle of my fly-fishing setup. Using my fingers to do almost any intricate work is about like using shovel handles for chopsticks. I just don't have the dexterity to hold little flies and such. When I'm fly fishing the problem compounds itself. If I attempt to hold my leader in one hand, a fly in the other and then join them up with a strong knot, something will invariably go wrong.

But there is an aid to these chores. Bass Pro Shops offers an extra-handy little kit that makes my time on the water a lot easier. It's the Sierra Stream Combo Pack. The Pack is a great set for any fly angler and includes a combo tool, pin-on retractor, scissors/pliers in reusable plastic/ripple foam fly box.

For such a small kit you sure get a lot of assistance from it. It makes tying on a fresh trout-getting fly half as much trouble. I attach the combo tool to the retractable string and clip the scissors/pliers on my vest. When you're ready for a new fly, all you have to do is secure it in the forceps and clean out the eye with the combo tool's hook-eye needle, then tie the knot as normal -- all that without ever laying one finger on the fly. The combo tool is the real highlight of the kit. For those of you who've never seen or used one, you're really missing out. It's more than just a set of nippers and an eyelet cleaner. It has two other wonderful tools on it. There is a nail-knot arm that makes tying these difficult knots a cinch. Also there is a small file-like stone to sharpen all of your hooks to ensure you get every fish that inhales your flies.

As an added bonus, the kit comes with a foam fly box. If you're anything like me you can never have enough places to keep the flies you can't stop buying.

The Sierra Stream Combo Pack is just what every fly-fisherman needs on their vest. It almost gives you an extra hand, and it makes light work of the normally frustrating tasks of tying knots and changing flies. Price: $29.99.

* You can purchase the Kit by clicking here.

* Price given at time of product review and is subject to change. Click on the link for the most current price.