I am seeing a lot of old school folk and workhorses using leather fighting belts and real rugged looking harnesses. And then newer guys and guys with money bringing those PVC fighting belt and harness combo packs you see at walmart and stuff.
Which do you prefer and why?
I am thinking of ordering an old school leather fighting belt and harness off of ebay.
My only thought would be to get one that goes around your waist and butt, which is usually the newer type. I went this route, because it looked kinder to my back than a shoulder type harness. Other than that, I know nothing.
If you're talking about something like this:
Then that's pretty cool. Compared to todays full fighting harnesses, this doesn't help fight a big fish as well. But it's much better than nothing. If you're targeting fish under 6 or 7 feet, this is adequate. If you're looking to reel in a fish the size of a school bus, go for the full harness.
This youtube video will explain everything about fighting with a full harness:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1C7BaEa-iM