Master Sportsman Convertible Mesh Back Fishing Vest

I wanted a fishing vest that would fit properly (from the top to the bottom/completely close in the front) for added control during fishing activities. I could not get my previous vest (XL-size) of a different brand name to close in the front. I purchased the XX-large size (just as shown in the photo) and it fits true-to-size. I was worried of it being too long and not being able to keep the front closed. However, this vest fits properly at the bottom (not too long) and closes securely in the front with a zipper and/or two clasps. The numerous pockets and several D-rings provide outstanding storage space and during activities the user experiences superior comfort with the mesh features and heavy-duty cloth material (also, black-fabric tabs on front pockets can be used to pin accessories). The neck/shoulder area is reinforced comfortably. The pockets close/open with Velcro or have a zipper. There are a few pockets on the inside of the vest as well. The back of the vest has two pockets for extra spools (& other smaller-sized gear), D-ring near the neck for net retractor, and a long pocket at the bottom for extra storage. The mesh lining is conveniently either closed/opened with a zipper. Additionally, the vest can be converted to shorter length for deeper wading. I've recently purchased (can't say I've had it that long) and used it successfully to determine that it's very good quality. I would definitely recommend to a friend.

AMAZING!! So many pockets the fish will just jump out of the water because they will want to be caught by someone wearing this jacket!!!

I found this exact model in a store and checked it out. It's not for me. The quality seems reasonable - not top of the line but not junk. My biggest issue is that the pocket covers are not simply flaps. It's hard for me to describe, but imagine the pocket with no top first. Great. Now take a rectangular piece of cloth and sew one edge to the vest above the pocket. This flap will cover the top of the pocket in the down position. That's how most vests are.For this vest imagine the sides of the flap being sewn to the top of the pocket. When you pull up on the flap, it also pulls on the pocket. You can't actually lift the flap all the way up because it's attached to the pocket itself. In effect if you turned the whole thing upside down, the flap would be a mini pocket itself.That's a no-go for me. I want to be able to pull the flap completely away from the pocket for full access. I don't see the advantage of this design since it's really only useful if the vest turned over - it would keep things from falling out.I'm not a big fan of the removable bottom. The vest isn't that big. It's a normal vest, which if you're wearing chest waders shouldn't be an issue. Even if it did go down inside the waders a bit, so what? It's a solution looking for a problem, IMHO. That's a potential failure point over time, but I would have ignored it had the pocket flaps been serviceable.

I hope it hold up in back country!