plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Good morning folks. Some of you may have seen a pic or two on a recent post of a local creek / stream I have ventured on to this past week and getting quite hooked on this freshwater fishing vs saltwater.

I came across an area where the walking trail ends but the creek / stream continues on in to what looks like un fished areas. Rather shallow to a point and would like some info on waders.

Type, style, brands, vendor, whatever info you can share will be appreciated. Thank you in Advance.

Whitey Loc: Southeast ohio

Interesting plum, I've never used waders before.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

The waters a little to cool right now Whitey to go in with just shoes on. So waiting to see some recommendations.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

I do a lot of wading Plumb, and it is a great way to get into better positions for stalking along a stream. Also makes it much easier to step towards a snagged lure and get it back!

Frogg Togg makes a nice pair of waders...probably a few different models too. I would suggest getting "non insulated" ones unless you plan to be standing in really cold water often....like early Spring and late Fall. Waders are great, even if you never get into deep water.

I like the style with a neoprene boot at the bottom, instead of being a solid one piece unit. You then have to purchase a separate pair of wading boots to complete the set up. I think that all waders that are designed this way come with built in "gravel guards" above the ankle that cinch over the boot laces to keep debris out of the boot.

If I know the water is going to be cold, then I wear a pair of thermal long johns underneath. It also helps keep loose, extra material from jeans from getting bunched up around your calves and making compression marks in your legs after you have been in over your knees as far as water depth.

When the Summer temps get hot, I wear shorts instead of the thermal long johns...but always wear super thin socks that will make your foot slide in and out easily. Nothing worse than having your foot suction in so hard that it takes a helper to pull them off after fishing!

My Frogg Toggs typically last about 2 seasons...but I am very hard on them. I slide down banks on my butt and thrash thru thickets all the time so I get what I deserve! The separate boots last much longer, and what I notice is that over time...from a constant wet/dry cycle, that they shrink and start to feel too tight. I buy the boots at least a size bigger than needed so I get a longer life span from them in terms of the shrink issue.

I average about 40 wade trips a Summer, with the rest of the days being in a kayak or boat to go after fish.

Hope this helps a bit!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

A quick "PS" regarding some brands....

There is a popular wader brand named Simms which I would highly recommend as well. They have a pretty good product line each coming with varied features. The high end ones can be pricey, but like many products...you get what you pay for. They also have entry level units that are of great quality too. Many of their models are made in China (what isn't these days)...but some are made right here in the USA! You have to read the box flaps to make this discovery.

I have one pair of Simms that I only use when the intentions for fishing that day will keep me out of any situation that could compromise the waders. I really like them, and I typically get about 15 years out of a pair before something causes a leak.

One big tip I can say is that you should do your best to minimize how much walking you do on dry land while wearing them. The chaffing effect is what probably takes the biggest toll on a pair of waders. If I don't have much of a walk to reach the stream, I put them on right away. If I have quite a hike, then I flop them over my shoulder and walk to the starting point before putting them on. I carry my shoes in a small back pack so that for the long walk back to the truck I can take the waders off. This is typically if I am on the river all day long and may cover several miles of stream.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Excellent info here fishyaker and yes it does help. Taking this week to gather info because next weekend the rubber duck race will mess up the area and will give it another week to calm down. Then it will be wader time.

Also great tip on the carrying of the shoes. I will put that in my word file I am putting together with info. Thanks for your input.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Glad to help out as you gather information. One more thought...regarding the boot soles. The places I wade work best with a hiking boot style...like the old "Vibrams" type. There are places where a thick felt sole helps with grip too, but they wear out fast. Some boot models even come with interchangeable soles...which is a great idea but I'm not sure how well they really work.

If you are in any swift currents, you might also consider having a wading staff handy. It can help keep you secure when moving a foot from being grounded to the next step. I tend to move in short baby steps when I wade...always being careful not to have both feet in motion at the same time. I move, plant, then move again when the rocks are slippery or there may be sticks and logs to watch out for. Murky water is also a bugger when looking ahead, so you go all by feel. Also be careful if you encounter muck! I won't wade into deep muck...even if I know solid ground is beyond it. I've had a few close calls with being stuck with nothing to grab hold of...especially if both feet are in it!

I have also encountered some amazingly quick drop offs when wading where you feel no bottom and decide..."uh oh...better back track!" Sometimes even clear water is deeper than it looks! If you know that deep water encounters may happen...always be sure to wear the wading belt that often comes with a pair of waders.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

You took the words right out of my mouth concerning a wading belt. And one thought comes to mind are they snake bite proof?

Long long time ago when I had all the answers to life I was wading out with rod in hand and not a worry in the world in just shorts and tennis shoes and the water was quite clear.

Looked down for some reason and sure enough a water snake slid right over the shoe on his way down stream. No, I didn't have to clean my pants, but sure was froze in that spot for awhile.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

That's a good question Plumb! The material on some models is quite slippery and might fend off a bite if I had to make a guess.

I'm not a fan of snakes sharing the water with me either! I don't like leeches on me either...which is another good incentive to wear waders!

Djsowards Loc: Roseburg OR

Hey PlumbBob…I agree with everyone’s comments…Hodgman makes a great product made of neoprene which is wetsuit material. I prefer the type that requires separate boots which you wear over the soft neoprene socks attached to the waders. Although the waders are made of wetsuit material you do not get wet unless, of course, you venture into water up to your armpits! I use these waders for surf fishing; they are warm and provide buoyancy. A wading staff is a great idea….also consider wearing a snug belt above your navel just in case you should fall into the crock (sp)

Djsowards Loc: Roseburg OR

I meant CRICK!

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

" leeches " Now I know I am stepping up the process of getting them.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Thanks DJ writing all the info in my notes.

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

I have the type of wader that yaker described. Neoprene with neoprene booties. And then I have the individual wader boots. I don’t recall the name of the waders. I got them at Costco about 7/8 years ago. But I have Korker boots with the interchangeable soles. Which I really like. But I don’t wade anymore so they’re someplace in the shed… 🐟on

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Thanks Dave