How to Choose The Best Surf Fishing Waders6 min read
Waders are a vital part of your fishing clothing. When you are fishing, these will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable so that you can focus on fishing and not worry about your comfort.
When looking for surf fishing waders, there are several factors to consider. Breathability, comfort, and style are all very important for the overall experience while wearing the waders.
Choosing a new fishing wader out of the many options becomes a tedious task for beginners since they hardly know what to look for. However, with this guide, you will know what to expect in a quality fishing wader. This should make your decision-making easier and help you choose the best surf fishing waders within your budget range.
There Are Three Wader Types
First things first, you need to determine the type of wader that you are looking for.
Although there are three types of waders, the one that would be perfect for you depends on your personal preferences.
Before you move on to the types, determine the conditions and the environment of the place you will be casting it.
- Will the water be slow or fast?
- How deep are you planning on going?
Depending on the answers to these questions, you can choose one of the following wader types.
Hip Waders
These are the smallest type of waders available in the market. They look much similar to a pair of chaps in terms of appearance. They might look weird first, but they are great for fishermen who enjoy fishing in shallow streams and slow-moving currents.
You will get a pair of separate legs, which can easily be strapped to your belt to keep them in place. They cover your lower legs up to your knee and prevent the water from getting on your clothes. From our experience, they work great when fishing in a swampy environment, launching boats, or digging for clams.
Waist-High Waders
Commonly known as wading pants, waist-high waders are a great option for anglers looking for more coverage. In terms of appearance, they resemble a pair of baggy pants. Put them on and set them in place using your belt or suspenders. Speaking from our personal experience, suspenders work better than belts, but you can choose either one depending on your personal choice.
Since they provide more coverage than the hip waders, they allow the anglers to enjoy the free upper-body motion. You can walk right into mid-high water without having to worry about getting wet or catching a cold.
Chest Waders
These are the preferable option for many. Fishers looking for freedom to move and drop into any water level should invest in chest waders.
- They look like overalls
- They are insulated and waterproof
- They provide superior coverage and can withstand fast currents, which makes them comfortable for all sizes
- Also, they protect from extreme weather conditions
There Are Two Main Wader Styles
Once you have decided the type of wader that you want, the next step is to determine the style that you are looking for. At present, there are two types of wader styles available in the market.
Bootfoot Waders
Bootfoot waders are also known as barefoot waders. As the name suggests, these are the kind of fishing waders that come with sewn wader boots. This means that you won’t have to invest in an additional pair of boots for your fishing ventures.
As professionals, we prefer bootfoot waders as they provide a superior level of coverage and protection. Since they are sewn to your wader, they prevent debris and water from getting around your feet. Also, they are easier to put on but heavier to carry. The good thing is that they come in various types, including;
- Rubber – Fishing boot foot waders made out of rubber look similar to hiking boots. They have a rigid sole and come with dependable traction. We would suggest them for muddy fishing conditions such as swamps and shallow lakes.
- Felt – For anglers who prefer soft padding for their feet, felt waders are the best. They might not be as strong and durable as the rubber waders, but they provide unparalleled traction in slippery and slimy conditions.
- Cleated – For high-end traction and stability, cleated waders are the best. We believe that they are the perfect choice when maneuvering from debris, dead patches, overgrown moss, and a dry collection of leaves. They might be hard to clean but worth it at the end of the day.
Stockingfoot Waders
As the name suggests, these waders come with neoprene boots that look much similar to stockings. Unlike bootfoot waders, they can’t be worn on their own. Anglers need to pair them with separate pair of wading boots. The combination of the two provides enhanced traction, support, and coverage while keeping your feet insulated in cold water.
We would suggest going for stockingfoot wader if you are going to be backpacking to your locations. They are lightweight and adjustable compared to bootfoot waders, making them an ideal choice for fishers looking for versatility in terms of usage.
Popular Wader Materials
Lastly, you need to consider the material that you wish to go for. Each material comes with its own set of pros and cons, making them better for some and less preferable for others. Here are the most common materials used for wader manufacturing.
Neoprene – This material provides a high level of insulation to fishermen who enjoy cold water fishing. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose the thickness that you like. 3mm is optimal for neoprene waders, but we would suggest 5mm for cold water.
Rubber – These waders are best known for their durability and waterproof feature. The good thing about rubber is that it is resistant to punctures and tears. But at the same time, it offers little breathability and restricts motion; thus isn’t the best option for waist and chest waders.
Breathable Waders – Other than these materials, waders are made out of nylon or polyester along with a waterproof membrane. These breathable waders are highly lightweight and versatile in terms of usage. We believe them to be great for warm days.
Other Resources
Here are some other articles that I found useful as well:
The Wader Makers at Simms Fishing Products
Final Words On Choosing The Best Surf Fishing Waders
For fishing enthusiasts who enjoy deep water fishing or fishing during the year’s colder months, investing in a fishing wader with boots is a must.
We suggest that you carefully read out the features and choose the surf fishing waders from a reputable brand.
Check out Fly Fishing Waders, Orvis Waders, and Simms Waders for the best ones in the market.
