WADER WARS!!!
By Montana Grant

Posted: May 8, 2022

 

Fishing waders work perfectly until they don’t. Fishermen that need to enter the water need to keep their feet and legs dry and warm. If you end up with holes in your boots, life gets miserable fast! If you are not comfortable when wading, you will not fish for very long.

Not all waders are created equally. Some are made of waterproof canvas, rubber, vinyl, or breathable fabrics. Few waders are completely waterproof. Even if they do not allow water in, condensation and sweat can collect and make your feet and pants wet. 

Waders are simply one part of a wading system. You need to connect the parts to ensure lasting comfort.

Socks    Wicking socks keep moisture off your skin. Knee high socks also keep you warm and help circulation.

Wading pants   Compression wading garments work great. They help blood flow and support muscles and joints.

Wading boots    Even if you get the best boots available, you need to maintain them and protect them.

Dress in layers    Morning and evening fishing is cooler. Remove layers as you need, then add them back as needed.

Avoid stickers and briars    Be observant before wading through sticker bushes. This is where many pinholes are born.

Stay upright    Most tears and punctures happen when you fall. Use a walking stick and traction wading boots.

Dry completely after use    Hair dryer pipes work great. You can also simply fill the boots with dry newspaper.

Wash and treat with protectants    use the brands cleaning and treatment materials.

Don’t be cheap    You get what you pay for.

Reinforces knees will protect leaks from falling and kneeling

You do not always need waders. Hip boots may be perfect for banks and small streams. Why wear chest high boots in knee deep water? Wading, in most situations states that if you are deeper than a few feet of water, you should be fishing where you are standing.

During the warmer seasons, of in the surf, you may be able to wet wade. This is when neoprene socks and quality wading boots really pay off.

If you are fishing in the winter or really cold waters, neoprene waders offer warmth as well as wade ability. Use a polypropylene wicking undergarments and socks to keep moisture off your skin.

Anticipate when you could ruin your waders. Slow down and look for a safe path. Most falls and boot damage happen when you rush, stumble, or are getting in and out of the water or boats. Barbwire fences feast on waders!

Wade smarter and stay dry!

Montana Grant

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing