Thinking about getting into flyfishing

[Hawk]

I'm thinking about getting into flyfishing and I'm wondering about wader recommendations. What's with the felt on the bottom of the soles of the shoes; does it help reduce the slipperiness when walking in stream beds?

[Hookset]

Yes, felt works better then rubber soled boots when wading over moss covered rocks. That doesn't mean felt soles won't slip, they just hold better then rubber. The next step up is felt with metal cleats, but since I also use my wading boots inside a boat, I've never tried these.

Every angler should own a fly rod, it's a nice change of pace from casting and spinning gear. I nead to head these words since I haven't taken my fly gear out in a couple years. :bricks:

good luck,

Gregg

[TroutGirl]

yep the felt helps alot, cleats help even more. And a wading staff helps even more. Having a staff to check depth ahead of you and as just another touch point when you slip or a rock rolls, a staff really helps prevent going for that refreshing dunk.

Luckily all my refreshing dunks have been in water about 16" deep. Full Charlie Brown, slip and staring at the sky with river water running in the back of my waders. ooooowweeeeee. :bigshock:

[fishkisser]

yep the felt helps alot, cleats help even more. And a wading staff helps even more. Having a staff to check depth ahead of you and as just another touch point when you slip or a rock rolls, a staff really helps prevent going for that refreshing dunk.

Luckily all my refreshing dunks have been in water about 16" deep. Full Charlie Brown, slip and staring at the sky with river water running in the back of my waders. ooooowweeeeee. :bigshock:

You got it Troutgirl ... After my hip replacement I'm Xtra careful in the fast stuff...:twocents:

[flyfisherwoman923]

I love my waders...both neo and breathable....I am not too fond of the cleats, as they make gettin' to the slippery tough. I love my pontoon for fly...you sit just up off of the water enough for a great cast. I recommend that you go out with someone before you invest a lot of dough in the poles...they are $$$$$. I love flyfishing for the relaxing excitement of it all. I also love to spinl....but my true love will always be fly. Also...lotsa places that motors can't go and pontoons can...nice....welcome.....

[JD77]

Great suggestions. In certain places, such as the Deschutes, rubber bottom shoes are not good (to the point of dangerous). Certain waters have slick, gooey rocks that will eat you up. I've heard the N.Umpqua is worse. Tennis shoe bottoms will get you some places, but the felt is nice and easy to walk in.

Good other suggestions, too. I have both neo and Goretex waders. The Goretex are great for almost everything, but if you are ever out in the cold (or partially submerged in a float tube) it's nice to have the neos.

Another good suggestion on not buying a bunch of fancy stuff right away. I used a 90 dollar Cortland outfit for several years, to make sure i really was going to USE more expensive fly gear, before I took the plunge, and I caught a lot of fish on that old Cortland rod.

[BornToFish360]

yep the felt helps alot, cleats help even more. And a wading staff helps even more. Having a staff to check depth ahead of you and as just another touch point when you slip or a rock rolls, a staff really helps prevent going for that refreshing dunk.

Luckily all my refreshing dunks have been in water about 16" deep. Full Charlie Brown, slip and staring at the sky with river water running in the back of my waders. ooooowweeeeee. :bigshock:


:cheers::cheers::cheers: BEEN THERE DONE THAT!!!! CLASSIC FISHING MIS HAPS..

[Hawk]

So what's the best way for a newbie to in looking at a set of waders, gortex or neopreme?

[TheCamel]

So what's the best way for a newbie to in looking at a set of waders, gortex or neopreme?

Start out with some inexpensive "breathable" waders like Hodgeman. You can generally find them for under $100.

[Hawk]

Sorry for these basic questions, but this is all new to me.

So, your legs stay dry, but your feet stay wet in the boots?

[TheCamel]

The waders have neoprene feet, so your feet also stay dry. You should buy wading boots that are one size larger than your shoe size, in order to compensate for the thickness of the neoprene.