Best Waders For Summertime?

[kLuo]

I'm looking to get a pair of waders to fish a few shallow ponds and rivers that are less than 3 feet deep. I would be fishing in them when it is hot out, so I'd like for them to be cool and breathable. Because of this reason, should I avoid chest waders because they would be too hot? How do you guys feel about waders that have boots attached vs. the ones that don't?

I've never owned a pair of waders or wading boots before, so any input would be greatly appreciated. If there are any specific brands that you would recommend, I'd love to hear about them as well.

[tomustang]

For that shallow I just use a pair of water shoes and walk right in

[Michael DiNardo]

Definitely get a pair of breathable waders. You can spend $100 or you can spend $800, depends on your budget. Stockingfoot waders will allow you to get a more custom fit boot unless you are the perfect "wader body size". You will have to get the boot seperately. Although boot-foot are more convenient, if you get a size to fit. If they do not say "breathable" they are not and you will get clammy. Lightweight waders are not the same. Wear a wading belt to keep water from filling your boots if you take a dunk.

Mike

[WookieeJedi]

For that shallow I just use a pair of water shoes and walk right in

x2

I would say just watch out for snakes and gators, by I don't think he's got that problem in NY.

[J Francho]

Water temps can be a little cool, outside of July and August heat. I just wear my regular breathable chest waders, and roll the top down to my waist, and tuck it in the wading belt.

[Dave P]

Breathables, definately.

[Gavin]

Breathable stocking foots and some wading boots..Simms is the best, but the ones from Cabelas arent bad.

[outdoorsman110]

What are waders? Just kidding. Breathable ones.

[SuskyDude]

I do ALOT of wading

In the summer time,I just wear shorts and a pair of wading shoes or sandals when the water is warm. Thats usually mid/late Maythrough September in the southern teir of NY

If you need waders always go for breathable. They are lighter and more comfortable than any other type out there (and just as warm if you layer up underneath.)

I would avoid the waders with boots attached. The boots will almost always wear out before the waders, and then you have to buy a whole new set. With stocking foot waders, you just buy a new pair of boots.

Simms are hard to beat but are pricey. I highly reccomend Cabela's: great waders, warranties and customer service.

Like I said though, in the summer, just put some shorts on and get in!

[baluga]

You can get the LL Bean Flyweight II Stocking-Foot Waders breathable waders for $79. They have good warranty. And get those water sandals like Ozark Trail from Wally Mart for $16.99, the Ozark is really good just like the Keen Newport 2 for less. Very Good grip

[I-wanna-fish-now]

Does anyone know if they make snake proof chest high waders the only ones I've been able to find on google are snake proof hip waders

[Senkoman12]

x2

I would say just watch out for snakes and gators, by I don't think he's got that problem in NY.

we got some nasty water snakes but arent poisonous or as mean or cottonmouths are anything and no gators.

i just wet wade in the summer. i have neoprine orvis waders that are stocking foor. i just use old hiking boos for wading boots

[kLuo]

Thanks for all the replies! I think I've decided on a pair of breathable chest waders, specifically these because I can get them pretty cheap:

http://www.hodgman.c...r-P2089C60.aspx

What kind of wading shoes do you guys use that are good? I am planning on not just wading rivers, but wading into some ponds that have some nasty stuff and most likely leeches hidden in the weeds, so I think a closed boot would probably be best, or maybe even just an attached boot. I am also on a budget, so the cheaper the better.

@baluga - I couldn't find the Ozark Trail shoes you are referring to. Do they not make them anymore? Could you share a link so that I can see which ones you are talking about?

[SuskyDude]

Don't know what you mean by "closed boots", because all boots are "closed." If they're "open" then they're not boots, they're sandals.

Also, the waders in the link are stocking foot, you can't "attach" boots to them. The boots go over the neoprene booties (which are attached to the waders and are waterproof) and protect the booties from getting cut up.

Whatever brand you choose, you'll have to decide on either felt or lug soles. Felt is best for algae covered, slippery rocks, while lugs are best for muddy banks.

I use lugs with my waders, because I only use them in cold water when algae is not a factor but the clay banks are slippery from spring rain. In the summertime, I wet wade as I said before, and I have a pair of felt soled wading shoes for slippery rocks.

Just get the best you can afford. Or get the cheapest ones, but don't expect alot more than a season or two out of them. But thats okay, since they are seperate from the waders and can just be replaced.

[iceintheveins]

I just wet wade, since most of my river fishing takes place in the warmer months in Colorado, from June through early October. Once the temps get cooler I just use neoprenes and fish comfortably even in winter.