Some key descriptors of the perfect fishing vacation on the North Platte River would include:
Temperate weather
Manageable flows
A plethora of bug hatches
Plenty of big, hungry trout
And of course, great friends
Recently, we drove from Colorado to Wyoming with the intent of enjoying four days of intense fly fishing. What we experienced characterizes the essence of an ideal fishing trip. We enjoyed amazing conditions, accessible bodies of public water, millions of flying insects and an incredible number of large, actively feeding trout. Our mornings were defined by hot woolly bugger action, while the afternoons had rising fish vigorously taking presented emergers. Landed trout ranged in size (15” to 27”) and in species (giant rainbows and even a big few browns). Every fisherman on the journey enjoyed over seventy five hook ups a day while landing their share of pigs.
I brought with me a variety of newly purchased equipment that I acquired based on a impulse decision not a defined need. One of the new items procured was a William Joseph Confluence Chest Pack. I own a variety of packs/vests and did not need to add another to the collection. That said, I made the purchase because the product description met a variety of personal requirements. Here is my review of the William Joseph Confluence Chest Pack.
Getting it Done in Wyoming – 2012
Date Purchased
January 15, 2012
Price Paid
$129.99
Aesthetics
Attractive sage and blue; you won’t be embarrassed on the water.
Manufacturer Product Description
William Joseph Confluence Chest Pack will ensure that you get the most from your time on the water. The William Joseph Confluence Chest Pack has the new Willy J AIRTRACK™ suspension, and you will forget you are wearing anything – no matter how much gear you have managed to stuff into it. From its William Joseph tippet dispenser to its voluminous pockets, it is the most organized pack on the water.
Features as Described by the Manufacturer
Low profile, super strong grab handle and net loop
Rear pack; large enough to hold all your gear. Small enough to keep you quick and agile
Daisy chain lash straps for those weird loads
Two additional organization pockets
Hydration portion of the pack holds a 35 oz. bladder (not included)
Nearly perfect weight distribution and center of gravity
Perforated/breathable AIRTRACK Suspension for maximum airflow
Excess webbing slot. No more flapping straps.
Wide and comfortable side straps for great weight transfer
Dual Built in Spectra Retractors
Multiple accessory attachment points
Functionality
Comfort: I have donned vests and other packs in the past. The Confluence is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn. It is easy to maneuver which I value when layers have to be removed/added. The AIRTRACK Suspension allows me to totally relax during fishing.
Fit: The Confluence has many adjustments that allows the user to easily modify so they can enjoy a custom fit. The buckles are effortless to tune with the pack on or off.
Storage: The Confluence has a assortment of useful pockets. I easily store gloves, a hat, a multi-tool and all necessary terminal tackle. I can venture far from the car without the fear I forgot anything critical to execution.
Access: I love the magnets and the workstation! Getting at my flies, tippet, split shots and tools represent an easy process. I can work quickly and effortlessly when rigging and re-rigging. My nippers and forceps are maintained on the pack’s integrated retractors. My net is effortlessly acquired and reconnected via a magnet cord (not included).
Usability: The pack works for me in every way. It is light and completely stabilized across my shoulders. My neck and back are never stressed. When fighting a fish, the platform is unobtrusive, allowing me to shift my hands and rod easily. If I want to access the rear pockets, I just unbuckle one strap and turn the unit 180 degrees.
What Would Make the Product Perfect
Include the bladder as it has been tough for me to purchase at the local fishing store.
Would I Buy the Product Again
Absolutely: I own 5 packs/vests. The Willy J Confluence is now my primary pack.
