Waders: There's a million pairs of waders out there. Starting at $69.99 and going upward of $600, getting the right pair for the right dollar amount is important to any consumer. The beginning fisherman won't want to spend a lot of money on waders right out the gate. A "good" set of waders will cost the average angler between $80 and $200. Some long johns underneath a pair of breathable waders is great in colder weather. Some things you should look for:
- Adjustable Straps
- Breathable
- Neoprene or plastic can get hot and quick, stay away from these
- Poor comfort
- Bootie Fit
- It sounds ridiculous, but one, you don't want uncomfertable feet, and two, it will increase the longevity of the wader if they fit properly. With all the walking we do to get to and from our fishing spots, chafing can cause problems.
- Seam Seals
- A proper seam should be overlapped, tapped, and glued
- These are weak points. Quality is important here.
- Research
- Look into the brand, consumer reviews, and make sure your getting the bang for your buck.
Good waders mean you stay dry. It's bad enough your in the rain, lets not get soggy.
Wading Shoes: Good wading shoes should provide not only comfort, but good ankle support. They should provide traction, stability, and comfort throughout the day. And don't forget, a good wading shoe is also safe. You'll navigate rocks and slippery stream bottoms. No one wants to fall. Some things you should look for:
- Ankle support
- Probably my number one thing I look for. River bottoms are not smooth and you can expect to twist your ankle once or twice on any given fishing trip. Make sure this section of the shoe is rock solid.
- Drainage
- You want a shoe that moves water in and out freely. Cheaper boots will hold water. You don't want heavy feet.
- Tongue
- Make sure it's sewn so that it keeps your boot free from debris. Nothing is worse than a rock or sand in the boot.
- Soles
- Felt
- Felt is great for gripping slippery smooth rocks. The con for this sole is that they wear quickly if you do a lot of walking along trails.
- Rubber
- Good for walking long distances. There made up much like the bottom of a hiking shoe.
- Sizing
- Go one size bigger then your normal hiking shoe. These have to slip over your waders booties. So if you can, try them on before you leave with your waders on.
Rain Coats: Rain coats that keep everything out are almost non existent unless you want to spend some serious money or get plastic industrial rain gear. But the idea is to keep the rain out. Always bring a change for your upper layer of clothing. Some things you should look for:
- Seams
- Good seams keep water out. Overlapped, tapped, and glued seams are the best. Always check the quality.
- Material
- Most material repels water rather than keeps it completely out. Most standard raincoat fabrics are okay for the Northwest.
- Comfort
- You don't want a stiff jacket. Makes doing your normal tasks a chore.
Remember, try them on, make sure they fit and are comfortable for you. Remember, you will most likely be wearing layers underneath a rain coat. So don't go to small here.
Some other things anglers should consider:
- Headwear
- We loose most of our heat through our head so keep it nice and warm.
- Gloves
- Neoprene is good here.
- Sunglasses
- You can actually damage your eyes from the reflection on the water.
- Nitrate Gloves
- This keeps dies from baits and scents off your hands.
- Sunblock
- Sunburns suck, and so does skin cancer. Protect yourself from the sun.
And always bring a change of clothes. That means everything from the socks to the shirt. If you take a nasty spill in a river and fill your waders your risking hypothermia. Or if your waders decide to spring a leak, your in the same danger. Water here in the Northwest is cold. Make sure you have a back up plan.
Having the proper gear isn't only comfort when your fishing but safe. I can't stress enough the cold and rain can get the best of you here. No one wants to cut there fishing trip short due to hypothermia or because someone is cold and miserable because they weren't expecting rain. It's not fun and not fun for your friends and family. So remember BE SAFE! Buying the right gear will keep you safe all season long.
For other tips and advice, check my links below. Not only is it informative, but will get you going in the right direction!
For other tips and advice, check my links below. Not only is it informative, but will get you going in the right direction!
USEFUL LINKS
Drift Fishing: A How-To Guide
Float Fishing: A How-To Guide
Questions? Comments?
Contact me at patrickhvr@gmail.com
Float Fishing: A How-To Guide
Questions? Comments?
Contact me at patrickhvr@gmail.com
*Disclaimer: Products are personal recommendations.
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