Welcome Moss, hope it worked.

Still the issue of sharp pointed hooks getting caught in the pocket material, especially if they go past the barb. Anyone solved that one? I guess you could use foam patch like the fly fish guys, but its hard to protect trebles placed INSIDE the pocket... I just use velcro foam patches OUTSIDE, but not an ideal solution.

P.

I use cut out pieces of carpet, just size them to the bottom of the pockets.

Been using Caddis Product for over 20 years, round, bladder was replaced by 20inch tire tube. The back rest bladder, I replaced with the swim float tubes, again size them to the bottom, one swim rod should worked for 3 cut pieces, this is extra safety for me. Oh yeah, bind the floats if you decide to go that route, should zip right up.

They do sell hook covers that would help. Also empty toothpaste boxes hold most swimbaits well, up to about 9 inches.

Lots of good ideas here, sure they all would work.

The U-types tube will help a lot helpful because the U-types have an opening in the front, and tend to be more expensive then the standard, although there can be some overlap in the price range. Their main advantage is that they are easy to enter. This would be the tube to get if you are not too coordinated, or have mobility problems. You have easy access to your feet, and can wait till you are in the water to put on your fins. Their disadvantage is that they are less stable in the water, most use aluminum support bars that can eventually be lost

The range of different sizes, types and styles of both aprons and pockets can be a big factor in one's final choice of a craft to buy. All other options being somewhat equal, you want to buy something that will best suit your style of fishing. These things are useful while fishing.