If you will be wading in cool water
or just don't want to get wet when wading, invest in a good pair of
boots or waders. Waders come in three lengths:
to the hip, waist or chest. The type of wading you do will
help you determine which waders to buy.
There are two main categories of
waders: stocking foot and boot foot waders. Stocking foot
waders require a separate pair of boots to provide footing and ankle
support. These waders are easily packable but require a little
more time to put on. Boot foot waders are easy to put on, keep
your feet warmer than stocking foot waders but are more bulky.
For most wading situations, the
bottoms of your boots should have a non-slip sole for better
traction on slippery moss covered rocks. A Felt sole is good
for traction but metal cleats give the best grip. By using a
wading staff or by just being careful, you can get away without
having either on the soles of your shoes.
Waders are made from a variety of
materials ranging from lightweight synthetic materials to heavier
more insulated materials for colder weather wading. To get the
most out of a pair of waders, buy a good light weight set that will
keep you dry for summer time fishing but allows for a little extra
clothing for colder situations. Also, when choosing the boot
size be sure to allow for an extra pair of socks or two to keep your
feet warm in the colder months.
