CTFishTalk.com: Waders - Connecticut General Topics ( CT General Topics ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

I know I sort of asked something similar before but this is different. I have a pair of waders I got for free but they are waist and I want chest and these have a small leak somewhere anyway. Does anyone use the stocking foot? I like the way they look but it just seems like a spot that will leak compared to a boot wader. I dont mind spending a few hundred to get good ones like LLBean but really dont like bringing or sending stuff back. Are these stocking foot waders reliable?
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fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

Also, if I buy neoprene am I going to die in the summer?????
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There's a fine line between fishing....

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SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

Hi,

I use to SCUBA dive and we always wore neoprene to stay warm!

So the answer to your question is YES -> You will sweat with neoprene on in the summer time.
Unless your fishing waters fed by melting glacial ice.

SeaDog1

ripline · Joined: 26 Feb 2012 Posts: 121 Location: Shelton

If you fish all year round, 3mm neoprene will probably work. You'll be cold steelhead fishing in Feb and hot wading in the surf in Aug. Not comfortable but manageable.

I don't do a lot of warm weather wading so have neoprene. If someone here uses the breathable ones in the winter, maybe they could share how they dress underneath. Your best bet is probably the obvious 2 pair if you fish year round.

Just a heads up, I have a buddy that kept forgetting to bring his boots when he grabbed his waders. Just 1 more thing to remember. Wink

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

If you do A LOT of walking, get stocking foot waders so that you can change your boots to fit the conditions or regulations (e.g., felt or carbide spikes), or as they wear out. For light use, the convenience of boot foot waders is nice.
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DirtyDawg10 · Joined: 27 May 2009 Posts: 2238 Location: Granby, CT

If it's hot in the summer you don't need waders...Just get wet

slim2043 · Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Posts: 446 Location: Plainville CT

I have neoprene and breathable waders. I had neoprene for years and always served me right. I bought breathable waders last year and first outing I got a hole in them that I had to patch. Since then no holes, maybe it was a freak thing but it was off-putting at first. I have to wear a lot of clothes (base layer and sweatpants/sweatshirt usually) under my breathable waders most of the time because I feel like I'm wearing nothing as far as feeling the water temperature with just the waders alone. The breathable waders are great in the summer but most of the trout fishing I do is in the winter spring and fall so I actually prefer my neoprene waders most of the time (they're just a bit tight nowadays :O). Plus, if you go fishing in the summer and the waders are too warm, take off your shirt and just rock your vest. Smile

And as Phil said, stocking-foot is the way to go. I have replaced my boots a few times over the years due to rotting and mold etc. I know some people with boot-foot waders and the neoprene cracks at the seem of the boot over time.
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SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

Hi,

I agree with DD -> Shorts + Sneakers.
Just check for leeches when you get out of the water.
Had 2 on me couple of years ago -. Ugly nasty things!

SeaDog1

Passinthru Outdoors · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 142

My neoprene are heavy duty as I use them for waterfowl and they come in handy for early season winter fishing, but are unusable when it warms up. I have stocking foot breathable also and love them and will never buy a boot foot wader again for fishing. Much better support by adding a wading boot that fits then using the standard boot foot. Spend the money and get a good set with a good warranty and service - I have the greys products and I've known people to have leaks and they get a new pair. I'd bet LL Bean would have a similar warranty.

I was out yesterday in my breathable with just a light long john bottom on. Normally I wear a fleece wader pant instead.

Hope this helps
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fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

Thanks all. looks like the stocking foot is the way to go. I also just found a friend uses the stocking foot and recommends them also! The ones I have are Cabelas boot foot and like I said they have a pin hole leak but I want chest highs anyway. Definitely getting a LLBean so I dont have to worry about anything except normal wear for years and even then I think they will still replace them.
_________________
There's a fine line between fishing....

and standing on the shore like an idiot!

fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

Placed the order tonight with LLBean on the Rapid River Breathable stocking foot and West Branch Aqua Stealth shoes. Prices seemed the same everywhere for these and LLbean has free shipping and 100% satisfaction at any time , I spoke with them and even at 5 years if I dont like them they said I can bring them back. I think they me for life with that kind of policy.
_________________
There's a fine line between fishing....

and standing on the shore like an idiot!

DirtyDawg10 · Joined: 27 May 2009 Posts: 2238 Location: Granby, CT

LL Bean's policy is great. However I've never had to use it. I have an LL Bean backpack that my Parents bought me back when I was in grade school...26 years later and it is still in use. I might pass it on to my Grandkids in my will Wink