Let's Talk Waders

FlatsNBay · September 22, 2019, 07:46:58 AM

How many of y'all use waders when fishing from the bank? What style do you use and like?

As for me, I often wade in some lakes in Florida and would never think of it in other lakes. It all depends on the particular body of water, water clarity, amount of water lice (biting water insects) and most importantly the likelihood of gators. I've oftentimes have waded without waders but have used them more and more over the years because it just seems easier and offers a bit of protection from scratches or biting insects.

I have a pair of Cabela's boot foot waders that I've used for years and hadn't had any problems. My only complaint is when walking long distances to get to my fishing spot, they can be a little uncomfortable and slow going. My solution is to throw the waders over my shoulders and wear sneakers while walking to my spot. The other down side of the boot foot waders is if you puncture them, they leak. I've used Aqua Seal that you can buy from dive shops to repair them before.

I've also used stocking foot waders with sneakers before . The one thing about them is you need to plan on getting wet and you will need a change of clothes.

How about your waders of choice?

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fishballer06 · September 22, 2019, 11:11:13 AM

I wear waders for salmon fishing in the streams in the fall, and I will occasionally use them to do some bass fishing
I prefer breathables with a neoprene foot, and then a good pair of boots over them.

I still have a pair of rubber hip boots that I'll use occasionally, and they're nice for a quick trip because they're easy to slip on and off. But for extended wear and walking, breathables are the way to go.

Smallie_Stalker · September 22, 2019, 01:04:52 PM

I used to wade regularly. I have hip boot waders I bought when I was working at Sports Authority in 2000. Got them at a good employee discount and they are still in great shape.

I have to store mine in a storage container with a lid because if I don't spiders get in there in droves during the hard water months.

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FlatsNBay · September 23, 2019, 08:07:58 AM

I hang my neoprene waders on a hanging rack specifically made for waders. I understand that you shouldn't fold neoprene waders because it will compromise the seams over time and they will leak. I've had my waders over 10 years and thankfully they still don't leak.

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big g · February 03, 2020, 01:25:44 PM

Not for me in Florida!

Jacobguy · February 03, 2020, 01:46:20 PM

I've been looking for a good pair for floating for salmon in rivers. I only have two problems, I cant find an affordable pair and the rivers I fish are fast moving and im afraid I slip those things fill with water and they find my body in 6 months at the bottom of the river...

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fishballer06 · February 17, 2020, 02:46:42 PM

Quote from: Jacobguy on February 03, 2020, 01:46:20 PM
I've been looking for a good pair for floating for salmon in rivers. I only have two problems, I cant find an affordable pair and the rivers I fish are fast moving and im afraid I slip those things fill with water and they find my body in 6 months at the bottom of the river...

Look up the Frog Toggs Hellbender waders. These are probably the best breathable wader out there for around $100. I think I got my pair for around ~$80ish?? Looks like they're $130 now at Cabelas, but I'm sure they can be found cheaper if you dig around the internet. Once you get those, find yourself a decent pair of wading boots. Those look to be around $100 on Cabelas right now as well. My personal pair of wading boots were from Cabelas and they've been holding up well now for about 5 years.

Waders are a lot like rain gear. You get what you pay for. Sure, you might find something cheap, but how well does it work? And how long will it actually hold up?

If you're new to wading, I highly recommend find a shallow stream or something of the sorts and practicing how to walk in the water. It's not like walking on land. You need to just lift your foot off the river bottom and slowly shift your weight as you walk. That way if you hit a rock or step on a drop off, you know it and it doesn't knock you over because you're off guard.

Smallie_Stalker · February 17, 2020, 04:13:21 PM

Quote from: fishballer06 on February 17, 2020, 02:46:42 PM
If you're new to wading, I highly recommend find a shallow stream or something of the sorts and practicing how to walk in the water. It's not like walking on land. You need to just lift your foot off the river bottom and slowly shift your weight as you walk. That way if you hit a rock or step on a drop off, you know it and it doesn't knock you over because you're off guard.

This is great advice.

You can also buy a wading staff (or make one on the cheap) and use it like a blind man uses his walking stick. They sell some with metal spikes in the tip so you can secure it on bottom for a better grip or to keep it out of the way while you fish.

I found a fiberglass extendable one for less than $20 on a bargain hunter's site about 10 years ago that had a compass and a flashlight built into the handle. That built in light came in handy on more than one occasion by allowing me to stay in the water after dark.

big g · May 01, 2020, 10:07:01 AM

Never in south Florida. Most of our water bodies have gators. But they almost all have snakes and now pythons and even green anacondas. One lake in south Miami had two Nile crocs in the 8 ft size. Always on guard when bank fishing. It's a jungle down here, and too many idiots that release when they get too big. I still think when hurricane andrew blew away parts of Metro Zoo some animals returned to the wilds. I have personally seen lemurs in the wild on the Indian reservation off 41 in Miami while fishing.

Deadeye · May 01, 2020, 11:31:44 AM

I used the hip waders when trout fishing in pa.

My cousin Dan bought a pair of Chest Waders and the first trip out slipped on something and ended up Head Down in a deep pool. Bobbing like a cork.

Luckily he had a knife on a retractable chain and he was able to reach it and slice the waders to let the air out.

I stepped in a deep hole once and filled my hip waders with water. Walking in the water was fine but trying to climb out up a bank with those filled with water was another deal.

I had to work one leg up and let it drain past me. Then the other leg. In other words I was totally soaked when done.

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TNDiver · May 01, 2020, 12:08:13 PM

I have a pair of Allen waders I bought for duck hunting for about $100. They are chest waders and honestly, I wouldn't go any lower, just for the reasons guys said of the possibility of them flooding. They came with their own boots attached as well.

AS a scuba diver, getting air in the feet can be a serious issue. You can sky rocket to the surface and, if you were deep enough, it could cause the bends and be deadly. Two ways to combat this: 1) is buy what are called Fin Keepers. They are rubber y-shaped bands that keep your boots tighter so air has a harder time getting in. You can also get an ankle strap to tighten around the ankle. 2) if you are underwater in the feet up position, do a sit up where you bring your face to your knees, Kind of like stretching on the ground where you try to grab your toes, and you can roll out of it so you are in the head up position.

I would say that if you have the suspenders, and go under and they flood and start to pull you underwater, just unclip them and wiggle out, kicking your feet. You will probably loose your waders, but not your life.