Preferred Waders

[pescatore123]

As a newb to fly fishing, I'm shopping for waders-the only pair I've ever owned were canvas and they were horrible and very restrictive-I've been looking at neoprene stocking foot waders and just wonder if the experienced fishermen on this forum would give me their .02 on what the preferred style is for comfort and durability-thanks

[WanderingBlues]

Pretty much any Simms. Just get breathables.

[flybob]

Simms are great, if you can afford them.....
if you are on a budget, (120.00 or less) you can do just fine with LL Bean ( lifetime no questions warranty) own two pairs of waist highs, just did not have the gaul to send back my 4 year old pair that I have worn the heck out of. Got my second pair for 79.00 with a coupon and free shipping.

Cabelas Dry Plus, ( I have owned a pair of these for 5 years, and still no leaks)

Shop around, while you are saving up for those Simms!

I am still saving for some Simms, just don't know if I will ever need to drop the Benjamins!

And welcome to the board!
bob

[NorcalBob]

Personally, as a new person, I'd shop the discount rack online at a big box like Bass Pro, Cabela's, etc, and pick up some breathable waders on the cheap. On discount they usually go around $50-60. If you are still interested in doing the fly flinging thing a year later (that's about all you can expect out of a cheap wader) then look at upgrading to Simms or a high quality like brand from your local fly shop.

[pescatore123]

thanks for all the input

[Wildman]

Are you the rod builder? Welcome. What they said. Don't get neoprene waders...you will die in them 96% of the time. Don't skimp on wading boots, either. Both are tools that will serve you well for many years.

[fflutterffly]

I'm with NorcalBob on this one. Depending on what type of waters you'll be using, what type of bushes you be hacking around and your pocket book. I rarely wear my full waders, usually opting for my waist high. Here in SoCal it's usually very small riles and streams. Waist high are easy to put on, light weight, but you can't carry in them. Reddington has some nice convertible waders.

[Artin]

I prefer waders which don't leak

No on a more serious note. Any of the suggestions above are great.

Artin

[pescatore123]

Are you the rod builder? Welcome. What they said. Don't get neoprene waders...you will die in them 96% of the time. Don't skimp on wading boots, either. Both are tools that will serve you well for many years.

Thanks for all the advice guys-
re: Wildman, yes I am a rod builder-been building for over 25 years now-everything from rail rods for tuna to ultralights and fly rods

[lucfish]

When in doubt, just follow NorCal's advice. Welcome to the board.

[silverlaker]

Welcome to the board! I'm curious to hear more about how you've managed to stay away from fly fishing despite building rods for 25 years. Are you like, not addicted to coffee and seldom, if ever, drink or somethin'?!!

Tom

[pescatore123]

Welcome to the board! I'm curious to hear more about how you've managed to stay away from fly fishing despite building rods for 25 years. Are you like, not addicted to coffee and seldom, if ever, drink or somethin'?!!

Tom

well it's like this, several years ago I "attempted" to fly fish-I hooked so many trees, bushes, myself trying to learn to cast that I just hung it up-a good friend recently inspired me to actually use one of these sticks I've built and have been hitting local creeks and plan to do the Owens and other Sierra destinations this summer if time and $$ permits-thanks for asking,,,oh, and I drink an entire pot of coffee every morning and an occassional adult beverage

[OutThereAngeler]

Yea I would go with inexpensive pair first. Reddington makes a decent pair. And as suggested above, don't skim on boots, and now that they have studs for them, I wondered why it took so long for someone to invent them?.

and on that subject I would like to know people's opinion of Simms traditional felt bottoms and their new rubber soles with studs? I currently have felt bottoms with studs, but was wondering if it would be worth while upgrading.