Wader advice

[Luvtofish]

My 17 year old son is wishing for waders for Christmas. I don't know a thing about them. I got him a fly pole for his birthday and he is real anxious to try it out. One thing I would like to know is whats best hip wader, or the overall type? I know there are alot of experts out there who might be able to help me. I am on a budget so are used ones an option? I now they have a store here that sells that type of stuff.
Thanks in advance.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Problem with used ones is they may leak. The way to find out is to fill them with water and hang them up. Big holes will show this way, little ones sometimes don't show themselves until you get into deep enough water that the pressure forces water in. Either way you've already bought them. Check Cabela's catalog or website (www.cabelas.com). They have some pretty reasonable prices and decent waders. If he's going to be only fishing pretty cold water and not using them in hot weather (when you don't really need them), I would suggest getting the 5 mm thick ones. They are warm, but the biggest bonus is they are thick and can take a little more abuse without spring a leak. I use the 3 or 3.5 mm ones because they are a little lighter, and a little cooler in moderate weather, and I can always put something warm on underneath. I like the stocking foot models, with wading boots separate. But a lot of guys use the boot foot, all-in-one jobs. Either way you probably want felt soles on the boots, because it makes a world of difference when you are trying to walk on wet 'snot-rock'. The only time its a drawback is coming down hills or something where you could use some lugs on your boots. Still haven't figured a way around this, but oh well. Some local stores in Portland sell inexpensive waders, but it's hard to beat Cabela's price. Bi-mart often has Hodgman's (which is where mine are from), but they are the thin jobbies, and for nearly the same money, you can get the thick ones from C's. (Mine were a gift). Anyway, that's it for my treatise on waders, I spend a lot of time in them at work and at play. Hope it helps.

[Tanner]

LTF,
Neoprene waders are the only way to go. Lightweight waders are great but they are real spendy. You can get him a decent pair of neoprenes for around 50 - 60 dollars. You will have to buy him wading boots also which you will spend another 30 - 100 bucks on. Hip or rubber chest waders would not be my first choice. I think they can be dangerous if you fall in or go in to deep and they also limit you a lot more than chest waders.
Fishermans Marine Supply and GI Joes are good places to look for them. Some others might be Bi-Mart or Y'all's favorite place to pick up chicks (Wallmart). Personally I think Fishermans Marine is your best bet because their staff is usually pretty knowledgable an helpfull. They are a little more expensive so what you might want to do is go there first to find out what size and type will work and then shop around at some of the other stores I mentioned to get a better price. Hope this helps.
Merry CHRISTmas

Tanner Kennedy

[Hookset]

Hi Becky,

Look for some inexpensive 3 or 3.5 neoprenes, last year you could purchase hodgeman's stockingfoot waders for under $50.
These waders are just about the same cost as rubber hip boots but offer better insulating and safety. For a boot, just buy the most inexpensive pair you can find. Usually they'll have some canvas wading boots that'll work good enough. In fact I know a person who just uses inexpensive canvas tennis shoes. For the first pair of waders, it just doesn't pay to spend lots of money.

All you really need to know is size. On the back of the box will be height and weight. A 5' 5" height and 135 lbs should be a regular mens small. I'm guessing the size, how close did I come?

happy holidays,

hook

[Phish_on]

I've had pretty good luck gluing felt soles onto some old hiking boots ... though I finally broke down and bought myself some wading boots - I did the felt/glue thing for my kid, since his feet get bigger every day.

My waders are some cut-rate GI Joes brand, they have lasted a remarkably long time, I don't use them that often.

I always wear a webbing-strap belt around the waist for safety (and comfort) when I "go too far." Definitely recommend neoprene chest waders over rubber hip-boots - I just prefer "bobbing up" to "sinking down"

[Gizmo Man]

Becky: Best bet is fishermans. They have 2 pair of bootfoot neo waders. Caddis brand $70, and Mossy oak $100. Make sure if you go bootfoot that they have the felt bottoms.

If you have float tubes now or in future, then you should look at the bootless neo so you can use the waders with fins and a cheap pair of tennis shoes. Waiding shoes will be about $45 ave. Watch GI joes. Around this time they have a 20% off coupon for non sale items. Check orgonian.

If not going float tubing then I like the bootfoot.

Good luck and Happy holidays.


Giz...

[fishbait]

Luvtofish,

I have a pair of Hodgeman waders that I would sell. They are in very good condition. I think they must have shrunk because they no longer fit me. I am about 6 foot and was 215lbs when these waders fit. I replaced them with a pair that was a little bigger around the waist.

Steve

[This message has been edited by fishbait (edited 12-15-2000).]

[Ramstrong]

Luv,
If you go to fishermans no matter what you do, Do not buy X-Stream waders. They are the crappiest pieces of junk I've ever had the misfortune of buying. Then when I asked at fishermans "have you heard of any problems with these?" They replied Nope. Well every time i put them on I kick myself for not buying Cabelas. Also the best wading shoes I've purchased were at the Danner outlet. You can get a set of river gripper w/carbide studs for either $60 or 80, I forget. They are incredible, just look at the stiching as they are factory seconds.

------------------
-Ryan
www.xprt.net/~ryandsar (http://www.xprt.net/~ryandsar)
ramstrong@hotmail.com

[Luvtofish]

Thanks everyone!!!! Im shopping this weekend and now at least I'll feel like I have an idea what to look for. Yep Hook you guessed just about right on the nose for size. I'm going to try and take hime fishing Monday since we got the rain. I love going to fishermans, GI joes, and just have a hard time getting out with just what I came for. Seems like theres always another lure, or tackle I see I cant leave without.
Good luck fishing to all.

[RW]

Luvtofish, I worked at an outdoor store for over a year and learned a lot. The chart on the back of the boxes is not very acurate, I would have your son try the waders on. If the waders a little big it is OK, just make sure he has a wading belt on. That will save his life if he falls in. (not that that ever happened to me http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif). Bi-Mart does have some really good sales on waders from time to time. If you can't find an inexspensive pair, e-mail me, I might be able to help you out. I get a discount at a PDX store. I forgot to add the most important thing, storage of the waders. If you hang them up with no creases in the neoprene, they will last much longer. RW

[This message has been edited by RW (edited 12-15-2000).]