Accountant
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Wearing waders in the summer
This is kind of a wierd topic, but it seems like its kind of taboo to wear waders in the summer when the water is warm. Personally, i do like to wet wade if i can stay in ankle to knee deep water. But if the water is knee to waist high, i still like to wear waders. i just seems like i can move more freely if im wearing waders. can anyone else relate?
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davef
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/25 12:21:07
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I'd much rather wet wade as long as the water temperatures are not cold. I wear a old pair of wading shoes with heavy socks and thin nylon shorts that will dry quickly. I end up sweating so much even in breatheables that I might as well wade wet.
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Snag_826
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/25 13:43:43
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Wet wade if i can...but keep it below the waist as well.with all the grimey stuff in the river... Don't like to get my "garbage" soaked in nasty river water for 5 hours straight...
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dajigdog
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/25 14:32:20
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I prefer to wear the waders too just because I don't like wearing wet clothes all the time. I don't like the feeling of coming into shallow water and feeling all bogged down with wet clothing. Also, its always a hassle to changed before you leave. I'm usually too tired to do anything but drive home after wading all day! haha
My wife doesn't understand that the more I fish, the better chance I have of going pro.... Am I the only one??
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mpmayer
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/25 16:58:06
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I like wet wading - I use pants from gander mountain, convertible into shorts and dry literally within 10minutes out of the water. A good purchase for about $30.
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bcain
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/25 22:32:33
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I am glad you brought this topic up. I am a big guy and have only found one place that sells waders that would fit me. I always thought about wading in shorts in the summer and wondered if people would think I'm nuts. I feel better now knowing others do this. I think I might try it this weekend if the weather is nice.
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Snag_826
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/26 07:35:04
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I waded below the harmarville dam out around the islands last week with no waders...water temp was cool...wasnt murky at all....only two times was I kinda grossed out. One was when a cloud of dam foam attack me from seemingly nowhere and the second time being when i got out i noticed from where the waterlintouched me down was a whole 3 shades darker then the rest of my body. Looked like i had a botched jersey shore tan from my knees down.
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Porktown
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/26 09:10:25
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I just go on a boat and stay dry...
Depends where I am. If I'm in the woods on a shaded creek, I'll wear waders. I have lightweight breathables, but hate wearing shorts under them. I'd rather be wet than not line them with fleece (I have a few pairs of different thickness though). If not, I wear a swimming suit and my kayak shoes (basically water shoes with straps around the ankles). If it is 80+ with humidity, I really don't care about being wet, and usually dry pretty quickly. I'm not a fan of wet wading the Mon or Ohio. The Allegheny below L3, isn't bad, besides the foam mentioned, still like to keep the boys above water for long at least. No problem at all wet wading the Yough.
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doubletaper
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/26 09:15:36
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i don't care to wet wade in shorts because i'm usually walking down brushy trails where poison ivy and jaggers can scrath a leg. i wear a pair of simms wading pants with heavy socks and a pair of felts. the pants don't hold as much water as jean shorts do and they dry off fast.
post edited by doubletaper - 2012/07/26 09:26:28
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slabdaddy
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/26 09:28:41
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I've never even considered wearing waders in the summer. That's kinda funny. Swimming trunks and old sneakers. I don't do the water/beach shoes cause it's easy to stub a toe on a rock with them and the soles are too thin. I would feel ridiculous in waders in warm water. The baitfish nibbling the hair on your legs is a very familiar feeling. Doesn't hurt but takes you by suprise sometimes! The river or creek water won't put anything on you that won't wash off in the shower. I've even had leeches on the most delicate part of my body because of wet wading and it still doesn't deter me. I only wear waders when absolutely necessary. They are much too dangerous to use unless necessary. A good friend of mine drowned in his waders a few years ago.
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Porktown
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/26 11:14:44
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Definitely waders in mucky areas. I once lost a shoe in muck and forced to hike with one shoe through the woods.
Those $10 walmart water/beach shoes aren't good for much. Paddling shoes have toe protection and better soles/cushion and neoprene up your ankle a bit, so no need for socks. They drain as soon as you are out of the water, keeping you from pruning as fast, or just standing in a wet sock. Those flats wading shoes look nice too. Not that I haven't ever used old sneakers... They end up becoming pretty toxic smelling after a few uses though, and unless the mesh side running shoes, they don't drain very well. Usually need to wear/ruin a pair of socks too.
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Accountant
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/26 11:30:46
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the problem with sneakers if that you are fishing somewhere with a rocky bottom, your ankles feel like hell after a very short period of time.
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BadWolf
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/26 12:14:37
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All-terrain sandals and shorts usually. Depth and level of caution depends on where I'm fishing.
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fallscity1
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/27 16:32:54
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Depends on to may factors for me to list... but when I do/have it was only breathables.
Early morning when cool or late evening/afterdark yes, only if water would be deep enough to wet the junk.
If it was going to be a quick trip (20/40min) with other endevours afterwards yes.
Hazy hot humid... its all about getting wet!
My wading shoes for waders or shorts are Army Jungle boots, water seeps out and they can standup to whatever abuse hidden under water.
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davef
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/27 17:10:48
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back in the 70's after returning from Vietnam I also used the jungle boots to wade in. Never needed them but loved the idea of the sole protection in case I stepped on broken glass or some thing similar. Figured if the would stop punjie's they would stop glass etc.
I should have mentioned I wet wade around Somerset and Bedford counties. If I was wading parts of the 3 rivers area I might change my mind.
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slabdaddy
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/27 17:42:02
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coldfront
slab, i have been wading for over 40 years and never had anything close to a dangerous situation. and i don't really feel ridiculous, as there is no one around where i fish, usually lakes, mucky back bay areas with lots of hidden surprises. i have done both, and i do what i feel comfortable doing.
For sure, Sir. I meant no disrespect. I'm just saying that I personally would feel ridiculous. To each their own. My friend was 57 and had been wading for most of his life too. That's what makes it so scary. If an old pro like him can have an accident, then a clumsy oaf like me had better watch his ****! As far as fishing in the muck, I've lost my share of shoes. That's why I tend to steer clear of those areas. I wasn't insinuating that anyone who wears waders in the summer is ridiculous. I'm a very firm believer in "To each their own." I just hate the extra weight, the heat, and the clumsy feeling that waders give me. Maybe if I could afford some of those lightweight, breathable waders, it wouldn't be so bad. I'm still toting around the 20lb stiff, rubber waders. LOL! I don't use them unless I have to. Plus, I love being in the water. Even if it's a little chilly. The muck and the mud don't bother me. As long as my toes and the soles of my feet are protected, I'm good.
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slabdaddy
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/27 21:51:05
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I might end up with a new set of waders soon. I don't know wheather to get neoprenes or those really lightweight ones that feel like canvas. Any recommendations? Almost exclusively for steelhead.
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fallscity1
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/28 13:29:51
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Once you go breathable you will never go back to neoprene!
The days of hot and sweaty or cold and clammy are gone forever.
Wear them naked underneath in the summer...lol
Wear em with fleece or other lightweight insulating layer in winter...
you will not believe the comfort difference...
I caution you on boot foot vs. stocking foot
Stocking foot with wader boots (jungles for me) will never slip off in nasty muck... they will however have frozen laces which is a PITA if you fish/hunt alot in the winter months
Boot foots that fit a little loose allowing you to layer socks for cold weather will give you problems in the muck and mud.
Its a trade off either way... pick your poison
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davef
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/28 14:17:55
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I always liked the boot foot breathables till I got a leak somewhere in the boot part. It was the cordura type material and I never was able to find where the leak was coming in from. At least with the stocking foot ones I can find the leak.
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luvinbluegills
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/28 15:55:08
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The older I get the more I wear my waders. I'm getting paranoid!
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slabdaddy
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/28 17:17:50
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Ok. I guess I'm confused on this lightweight vs breathables thing. I thought neoprenes were the lightweights. I guess not. What material is used to make each of these? Can someone provide a link to a product that they recommend? I like the bootfoot. I had a secondhand pair of Chode waders. Would they be considered lightweight or breathables? I need some help here. LOL
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MADBASS91
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/29 11:53:25
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It is like polarized sunglasses, if they don't say "breathable", they are not. They allow water vapor out, but don't let water molecules into the wader. Lightweight waders are well, lightweight. They are usually just thinner waders. If the waders aren't near or at at least $100, they are probably not breathables.
Mike
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slabdaddy
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/29 12:35:39
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Ok. Thank you for the explanation. Neither of these are made out of stretchy material, right? I have a bit of a gut. I'm afraid to buy something without trying it on. I gotta have something that my belly will fit in!
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mr.crappie
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/29 18:07:55
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Not trying to hi-jack your thread,but it reminded me of one of the dangers of wearing chest waders without a shirt on these hot days. My son & I were fishing the Yough at West Newton & he started to take his shirt off when I advised him not to do so. Well you know how that ended,he took it off, was fishing for a while, when he reached into the pocket that was on the inside chest area for his maggots that was in the original pack from the bait shop. Well the lid popped off & spilled in side of the waders & since he had a hairy chest they were all over him. I don't think he even touched the water on his way out to yank those waders off & get them off of him. He spent the rest of the afternoon scratching & looking at his chest to see if they were all off. I was laughing so hard that I was glad that I was wet wadeing. sam
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slabdaddy
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/30 15:45:52
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mr.crappie
Not trying to hi-jack your thread,but it reminded me of one of the dangers of wearing chest waders without a shirt on these hot days. My son & I were fishing the Yough at West Newton & he started to take his shirt off when I advised him not to do so. Well you know how that ended,he took it off, was fishing for a while, when he reached into the pocket that was on the inside chest area for his maggots that was in the original pack from the bait shop. Well the lid popped off & spilled in side of the waders & since he had a hairy chest they were all over him. I don't think he even touched the water on his way out to yank those waders off & get them off of him. He spent the rest of the afternoon scratching & looking at his chest to see if they were all off. I was laughing so hard that I was glad that I was wet wadeing. sam
That's beautiful! HAHAHAHAHA! And ColdFront, What size specifications should I look for? Everything that I see is sized by bootsize. I havne't seen any chest/abdomen measurements. I'm only 5'6" and a little over 250lb, so getting things to fit right is a little difficult sometimes.
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Porktown
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/07/30 16:58:55
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Not sure you would fit many standard wader sizes. Your best bet is to go to a few places that sell them and try them on. Gander Mt. sells some and so does Dix Sporting Goods. The fly shops around will carry the higher end brands, which most are well worth the money. Probably where you will most likely find a size that fits you better too. You won't find a pair of Simms for less than $200 retail though, but will last you 2-3 times longer than any $100 pair. Simms sells a light weight breathable, and pretty sure many others do too. I have a pair of light weight breathables made by Simms, that lasted 4-5 years of heavy use, and about 4-5 of light/moderate use. Just make sure you follow their washing guidelines, hang them to dry every time after use, and if you buy the breathables made of Gore-tex, you can use a product called NikWax to restore them. Good luck.
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slabdaddy
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/08/02 09:05:03
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Docto
slabdaddy
Everything that I see is sized by bootsize. I havne't seen any chest/abdomen measurements. I'm only 5'6" and a little over 250lb, so getting things to fit right is a little difficult sometimes.
Slabdaddy, I'm in the same boat. Therein lies the answer. Boat! Get one 4' longer than what you think you need so you have room for growth and get used to the fact the steering wheel is too close to the seat and learn to sit sideways.
BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Gotcha Skipper! I'm thinking I may have to go with neoprene because they can stretch up over my gut. I have a boat, but that won't help me on Elk Creek fishing for Steelies. Having a desk job has helped my gut grow exponentially. Jeez, when I was younger all I did was manual labor and hike, hunt, swim, or walk creekbanks. Now that I don't have the time for all of that fun stuff, I'm starting to look like those blow up toys that are made for kids to beat up (They Weeble and they Wobble but they Won't Fall Down!).
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Guest
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/08/02 10:59:36
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The sponsor of this site sells some models in Stout sizes, including this one: http://www.fishusa.com/Pr...ot-Chest-Waders_p.html Didn't look around at their other models though. I've found that breathables are much more generously cut than neoprenes. I'm 6'1" and about 270. Love my Pro Line breathables. Plenty of room in there for my gut. I got stout size neoprenes from Cabelas, but only wear them for duck hunting and fishing in Erie when the temps are below 40 and I know I'll be doing more standing than walking. I'd go with breathables if you're not wearing them for duck hunting. Much more comfortable year round and more room.
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FishinGuy
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/08/02 11:45:56
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I only buy semi cheap light weights, I'm not very big in the waist/gut but every pair I've owned seemed like there was enough room for a whole extra person in the stomach/chest area, esp the ones I got from cabelas. Neos seem way too hot, I've never owned them, but don't get cold in my lightweights, even below 20deg. Fleece pants do the trick.
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luvinbluegills
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Re:Wearing waders in the summer
2012/08/02 12:51:07
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coldfront
they do make breathables for stout guys.
Oh yes, thankfully, 'cause I'm pretty stout! :)
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