Nothing beats a day of flyfishing. The rhythmic pulse of the cast, the attention to river and stream patterns, and the love of the fish and its behavior itself all serve to quiet the mind and relax the body. This article will discuss one aspect of fly fishing equipment - the wader - which, if chosen properly, will make your outing a lot more enjoyable.
Staying Dry - Waders
Materials generally used in waders today are:
Nylon. Nylon waders are an improvement over traditional rubber as they are far lighter. They are also generally less expensive than other modern wader materials. But they have the disadvantage in that they do not allow for air circulation.
Neoprene. Neoprene waders share with scuba diving wetsuits the ability to ward off cold, as they come in different thicknesses. The thicker the wader, the warmer the angler remains in colder weather. They share with nylon the disadvantage in that they are not breathable. They are also less expensive than the breathable type of wader.
Breathable waders. Newer, "breathable" waders, such as those made of Gore-Tex, allow for sweat and body heat to escape while still keep the angler dry. This type of wader is supremely comfortable for longer, hotter fishing conditions. Many types of breathable materials are available, with Gore Tex generally being the most expensive.
In terms of wader types, there are two basic options: The boot-foot and stocking-foot wader.
Boot foot waders are waders with uppers that are usually made of neoprene or coated nylon, attached in one piece to the rubber wading boot. This type of wader has the advantage for the angler of having no need to buy a separate wading boot. However, they are more difficult to put on and take off then stocking-foot waders. They can also be heavy, bulky, and less comfortable for extended periods.
This type of wader system is actually composed of two parts. The first is the wader itself, which has a neoprene sock or stocking attached. The second is a dedicated wading boot, which is slipped on over the stocking. The advantage of this system is that it is easier to put on and take off than the boot-foot wading system.
What you choose will have a lot to do with your intended uses and your budget. I hope the above has been of use to you, and happy fishing.
Paul Smith lives in the northwoods of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He divides his time between his family, teaching the Japanese martial art of Aikido (Aikido Marquette) and building his outdoor gear website (and its more freewheeling sister, The Outblog
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