How to Buy Fly-Fishing Waders
Fly fishers spend a lot of time on the water, but more often, in the water. Waders are an essential piece of equipment to make a long day on the water more about the fish and less about how to stay dry.
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Things You'll Need
- Fly-fishing Wading Jackets
- Gravel Guards
- Fly-fishing Vests
- Waders
- Wading Boots
Instructions
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Consider how much you'd like to spend on waders. A major factor in price is the material they're made from. Latex rubber waders are the cheapest option and can be patched like a tire, but they don't breathe very well. Gore-Tex waders breathe well, but are more expensive. Neoprene waders are like a wet suit for colder water and weather but may not be suited for all fishing situations.
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Choose between the two boot options for waders: stocking-foot or boot-foot. Boot-feet waders have the boot connected to the wader as one piece. Stocking-foot waders end in a sock and you have to buy wading boots to wear over the top of them. The boot-foot is heavier and doesn't have as much ankle support, but you don't have to buy a separate shoe either. Stocking-foot waders take longer to put on, but offer more foot support while sliding over rocks in the water.
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Remember that wading boots are not supposed to fit as close as a hiking boot, but should have stiff soles and ankle support. They can have felt or rubber soles. Felt gives good grip on rock or gravel-bottomed water; rubber soles are best on muddy-bottomed waters.
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Get gravel guards if you buy stocking-foot waders. They seal the seam between the wader and the boot to keep gravel out.
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Decide how high you want the waders to go. Chest waders offer the most versatility; you can wear them in any water level. Waist-high waders are for more shallow water. Hip boots offer the least versatility and are less practical for getting out into the water to fish.
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Consider adding a wading belt. It will keep your waders from filling with water in the event that you slip and go in.
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Look into getting elastic straps to hold your waders up instead of webbing. They're more comfortable for all-day wear. Also make sure you have enough room to move in your waders - they shouldn't be skintight.
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Tips & Warnings
You can purchase overshoes with cleats for your stocking-foot waders; they offer more grip.
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Comments
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Nov 22, 2005
I've fished most every wader that you can. Simms does make some products that are good, and for a long time I liked their waders. As of late, I've had nothing but bad luck with them. I can only equate it to 'they got bigger and the quality suffered'. I will however, offer a solution. LL Bean waders are not only reasonably priced, but the quality and lifetime guarantee are unmatched! Save the money, buy the LL Bean and purchase yourself something else for the $200 + that you saved. -
Nov 22, 2005
Waders have come a long way. Now you have the option of choosing waders that "breathe," as in Goretex and its derivatives. Be careful, too, because some are better than others. The leader is Simms, but Hodgman and similar brands are almost as good.
