Waders

[Sam]

I'm looking for a good pair of waders for this cold fishing season in the suds. Does anyone have any recommendations or "stay away from" advice?

[esoxangler]

Sam,

I have Hodgman waders. Neoprene. I may be wrong but it seems like you can get them in different weights? Mine are real heavy but I have seen some lighter. Anyway I don't know. But I do know the ones I have I only wear in colder weather! They are some warm waders!!!! Matter of fact I use them to wade the Potomac in winter and they keep me toasty. Temps any higher than 45 degrees or so will make you hot. They are 90% neoprene and 10% nylon if that helps any.

I have a second pair of rubber waders that I wear when it is warmer.

[fish-aholic]

BIG RUBBER BOOTS!!!!!!!! Stay away from the brown or camo with the built in rubber boots....I belive this was discussed in Trowpa's thread somewhere previousl. The top of the boot can rub the side of your calf and make fishing very uncomfortable. If you get those, I recommend good socks and never wear anything less than jeans under them, you'll need the thicker tougher denim material to protect your legs...and tuck your pantlegs into your socks to keep them from riding up. I have Hodgeman and redline waders....both function great except for the rubbing.

[Steve]

What about the green White River like Coop has?

[Bunker Head]

I went thru WADER HE11 this spring! The waders I purchased were from cabelas they fit nice were warm and they didnt make you sweat. I bought them in the stockingfoot model thinking it should be easy to get boots for them that fit better than the models that come with boots already. They came with the neoprene booty which will keep you dry and warm so I also ordered the wading tennis shoe which is made for salt water ect only problem is it did not fit, was told to order next size up and it still did not fit. Sent them back, called orvis they had the perfect boot for me recieved boot and it did not fit, sent them back and headed to bass pro shops with my waders I tried on a couple pair in different sizes and finally found a pair that fit the only problem was they had a felt sole, so I asked the guy about it and he said the felt would hold the sand and just be messy ect, great fit nice boots I took them up to purchase and the same guy who I spoke with before told me the same exact boots were on sale at a place in St.Louis for half price and gave me the # since I had found the right boot in my size I figured saving 65.00 was the hot ticket. Got home called them and bam sale on,had my boots same size sent out asap! Yippie I thought............ Get them, open them up, NOT the Same boots !Same boots but last yrs model, different color and design THEY DID NOT FIT EITHER !!!!! mailed them back called bass pro they no longer had the size I needed SO I sent the waders back to. Totally frustrated with the whole thing. I will stick with my Yellow Boots!!! LOL Sam Yellow boots

[Coop]

whatever you get, get the lightweight boot foot waders,,,one of the best investments I ever made,,,I bought the ones from Bass pro and have had no problems,,,had them over a year and still no leaks,,,during the winter just wear layers,,,wore them on days when it was in the twenties and wind blowing,,,I was nice and warm.

BTW, If you go head first into the surf, they will get wet.

[Steve]

Coop, ya have a model or style?
I'll grab some next trip to BPS.

[Bunker Head]

White River stocking foot breathable chest waders on sale at BPS for 99.95.

[Coop]

Steve, I am not sure the difference,,,got them maybe a year ago.

[FishAndTattoos]

Anyone know of any waders that are in the 50-75$ range? I need a pair for this winter but i dont have a huge budget. I dont care if they are neoprene or rubber cause i will just wear layers.

[Sam]

Thanks. Anyone know of a place to purchase the good stuff without driving over the bridge?

[Critter Gitter]

Whatever you do don't get stocking foot for the surf. Tried every version of shoe, sandals, wader boot whatever. Sand will get in and do not get anything with a zipper. I think the sandals work the best if I had to chose one but make sure you get 1 or 2 sizes larger. Now on nothing but boot foot for me. Only problem is nobody makes Tall size in a breathable boot so the crotch gets tore. They make Tall sizes in the stocking foot which is why I kept trying to make them work. I go thru 2 pair of breathable bootfoot waders every year. They are expensive, comfortable but not made for what we use them for. I miss those old bulky canvas Hodgemans in tall sizes. Not sure I will ever find the perfect set of waders.

[Coop]

Do it online,,,thats how I got mine from bass pro.

[8nbait]

if you dont mind spending the money get two pair of breathable boot foot waders from either ll bean or orvis. they typically run about 160-200 each. they are lifetime warranty. when one pair starts to leak send it back for a new replacement and wear the other pair until it starts to leak.
if you dont want to spend that kind of money look at the hodgeman streamlite or wadelite breathable. very good waders and very light boots.

I know it seems like alot of money to spend $300-400 up front but you will always have a good pair of waders and never have to buy another pair if you go with bean or orvis. I spent probably thousands of dollars on waders the first 15 years of surf fishing and only spent 400 the last 5 years due to the lifetime warranty.

gary

[Sam]

Great advice. Thanks guys.