Well now, let me tell ya, if you’re lookin’ to catch some fish right off the surf, you better have the right gear. And one of the most important things you’ll need is a good pair of waders. I ain’t talkin’ about no fancy stuff, just somethin’ that’ll keep ya dry while you’re standin’ in that cold water, fishin’ away. Now, I’ve been around the block a few times and I’ve seen all sorts of waders. So, let me give ya the lowdown on what’s best for surf fishin’ in 2021, and why you might wanna go with bootfoot or stocking waders, and how breathable ones stack up against the neoprene kind.
What Makes Good Surf Fishing Waders?
First things first, when you’re out there on the beach, the water ain’t gonna stay warm for long. That’s why you need somethin’ that’s gonna keep ya cozy, but also let your legs breathe a little, especially if it’s hot out. I’ve had my fair share of soggy socks and cold toes, so trust me when I say—get waders that fit right and keep the water out. Now, let’s talk about the two main types of waders you’ll see out there: bootfoot and stockingfoot.
Bootfoot Waders
Now, bootfoot waders are the kind that come with boots already attached. They’re good for folks who don’t wanna mess around with puttin’ boots on separately. You just slide into ‘em and off you go! The boots on these waders are usually made of rubber, so you’ll get a good grip on the rocks and slippery sand. They also tend to keep your feet nice and warm, but be careful not to get too hot in the summer. Bootfoot waders are easy for folks like me who don’t wanna waste time fiddlin’ around with separate boots.
Stockingfoot Waders
On the other hand, we got the stockingfoot waders. These here don’t come with boots, but they’ve got a nice comfy sock at the bottom. You gotta buy your boots separately, which can be a bit more work. But if you’re picky about the kind of boots you wear, then these might be better for you. You can choose boots that fit your feet just right and give you a little more comfort, especially if you’ve got wide feet like me! The stockingfoot waders are lighter too, so they’re easier to move around in when you’re walkin’ through that salty water.
Neoprene vs Breathable Waders
Now, there’s another big debate when it comes to waders, and that’s whether to go with neoprene or breathable ones. I’ve seen all kinds of folks swear by one or the other, so let’s break it down.
Neoprene Waders
Neoprene waders are the heavy-duty kind. They’re thick and insulated, perfect for when the water’s cold and you don’t wanna freeze your toes off. But let me tell ya, they can get mighty warm in the summer. If you’re fishin’ in places where the temperature ain’t so high, they’re great for keeping ya warm. Just make sure you’re not sweatin’ to death in ‘em, especially when you’re walkin’ around in the sun.
Breathable Waders
Now, breathable waders are a bit lighter and allow more air to flow through. If you’re fishin’ in the warmer months, these are the ones you’ll want. They keep ya cool and dry, but they still keep the water out, so your legs don’t get soaked. You’ll pay a little more for ‘em, but they’re definitely worth it if you’re gonna be out there on the surf for hours at a time. I can tell ya, you won’t be regrettin’ that cool breeze while you’re knee-deep in the water!
What to Look for in Surf Fishing Waders
- Fit: You gotta make sure your waders fit right, or they’ll be uncomfortable as all get-out. You don’t wanna feel like you’re chokin’ in ‘em or like they’re fallin’ down every time you take a step.
- Durability: The surf is rough on gear, so make sure your waders are made of tough stuff. You don’t wanna be patchin’ holes every other trip.
- Comfort: If you’re gonna be fishin’ all day, you need somethin’ comfy. Look for waders with extra padding in the knees or waist if you’re gonna be doin’ a lot of walkin’ or standin’.
- Waterproof: Obviously, waterproof is a must. There’s no point in gettin’ waders if they leak the minute you step in the water.
When you’re out there, you want the right waders to keep you comfy and dry. Nobody likes soggy feet, and nobody wants to feel like they’re draggin’ around too much weight when they’re tryin’ to get that big catch. Make sure to think about the type of water you’re fishin’ in and the time of year, and pick the waders that’ll make your fishin’ trip a whole lot easier.
That’s about all I’ve got to say on the matter. If you pick the right ones, you’ll be fishin’ in comfort all day long, and who knows? Maybe you’ll catch somethin’ big while you’re at it!
Tags：[surf fishing waders, best waders for surf fishing, bootfoot vs stockingfoot waders, breathable waders, neoprene waders, surf fishing gear, fishing waders 2021, fishing waders review]
