Looking for advice on buying waders for first time (present from Santa!). Lots of suggestions to get neoprene - i.e. from Cabelas or similar. Though my old sage great uncle fisherman says breathables (Hodgman or Simms). Stocking foot vs. with boot? I will mainly be using them around Cotuit, Vineyard, Sandwich. Sometimes on the great backside beach. Any suggestions are most appreciated. Happy New Year to all!

Looking for advice on buying waders for first time (present from Santa!). Though my old sage great uncle fisherman says breathables (Hodgman or Simms). Stocking foot vs. with boot? I

Yup i agree with your Uncle, defenitely the breatables IMHO. Stocking foot stinks in the sand , boot foot good in the sand and rocks. I favor the Simms.If you can get them locally do so,as the fit is as important as the wader itself.

Might be worth doing a search as this is one of the big topics that have been discussed ad nauseum, like reels, line and rods.

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/vertical-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166&id=0023556830478a&navCount=2&podId=0023556&parentId=cat350005&navAction=push&catalogCode=UF&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat350005&hasJS=true

These are nice in that they have the laced up boot attached. You do not want to be walking miles of beach in neoprene.

rocks = stocking foot
sand = boot foot

stocking foot is nice but if you plan on walking any distances in sand you'll gain about two extra pounds of sand.

It looks like your in Cotuit, go down to the Mashpee Commons, to the Orvis store, and buy a pair of breathables. I walk probably farther than I have to on the beach every other night and couldn't imagine doing it in anything other than breathables. The pair I bought last fall cost me about $150 and they are warranted 100% (not pro-rated) for life. They are going through some quality control issues right now and I'm on my second pair, but they say that will be resolved. I'm hoping these are the last pair I have to buy!

Tynan,
Do you have those Cabela's? They've gotten great reviews in a couple places but I have yet to hear any first-hand feedback. If anyone else has them, feel free to chime in.....
Thanks

Those will be my next purchase I have heard good things as well. I really like the idea of the laced up bootfoot. I believe Drumcorpfan has the cabellas that lace up and he loved them.

hodgeman has a pair of laced up boot foot called the lakestream lite.
# 13664.

I agree with "Biteme" that buying locally and actually trying on the waders to get the correct fit is every bit as important as the actual wader selected. If Orvis is nearby, try on their Silver Label Waders (bootfoot, breathable)...I've been very satisfied with them. During early spring and fall, I wear a warm pair of sweatpants and have never been cold in the Silver Labels....in the summer, they are the only way to go!

I used the Cabelas G-II breathables all last season without incident.I'm stepping up to the Gold Medal bootfoot breathables this year for the extra abrasion/puncture protection they offer.I personally will stay away from the laced bootfoots as they can hold sand/debris.

I'll agree with the ones who said to try them on.As many as you need to.A top of the line wader may not fit you right.
Also breathable.Good when it's warm,fleece pants underneath when it's cold.
I've gots little feet(size 9)and I'm 6' tall and weigh 210.In a bootfoot,
I usually take an 8!
I have both Cabela's(waist high) and Kobuks(chest high).
For me,the fit in the foot is critical.If my dogs start bothering me,I'm done fishin'!
Good Luck

Steve

Simms in particular are very fit sensitive. Not necessairly tight, just built to be close to you. Some people find them a little restrictive, others find them to simply be the best fitting wader ever. Unfortunately for me, my size seem to bind up in the crotch area.

Orvis are definitely built to be baggy; their same "sized" wader as Simms has a completely different fit.

Breathables are the only way to go. I am not a fan of the Cabela's GII waders. The two pairs that I had leaked after less than one season. I have the old version of the Orvis Silver labels and they started to leak after three seasons but I have been very happy with them.

simms bootfoots rock! ...you can order long leg etc... for custom orders.
simms after sales service/warranty is amazing! Ive had bootfoots for surf/jetty [screw-in cleats available] going on 3yrs now no leaks ,other than the pinholes I made. They replaced both boots after 2years; one sole came off due to sand inching in. They did this for free and repaired the old flipout pocket & pinholes, I didnt even notice! + sent them back to me with a bottle of revivex [gore-tex juice] and a large SIMMS sticker [cool]:walk:
I have the jacket as well....:kewl:

for beach walking breathables are it. for cold adding silks [to keep sweat off]
thermals and sweats does it for me.
using wicking socks keeps your feet feeling warm and dry, the neoprene boot snugs up under water pressure for a tight fit while manouvering around.
I watched a simms wader safety video [they send for free]. They trap air against the body when submersed so you remain bouyant and can swim [breaststroke / backstroke]; they had a 70 yr old guy showing this ! . The key is to ALWAYS use one waist belt. if jetty hopping or wading deep/fast water, wear a second belt you can sinch up to the top of the waders to further reduce water intake if you go in.:angel:

What ThrowingTimber said...

rocks = stocking foot
sand = boot foot

stocking foot is nice but if you plan on walking any distances in sand you'll gain about two extra pounds of sand.

In my opinion, stocking foot waders with a good pair of boots are a must when rock hopping. You want the extra ankle support and no movement of your feet within the boot. You want the best control possible when marching on boulders and perching on rocks.

Breathables are the ticket, you can always layer up when it gets colder. There are many options to choose from, it all depends on what you want to spend.

Breathables are a must.
I have the Cabelas Guide Tech lace-up bootfoot and love them. There is nowhere for sand to creep in, its all sealed. Best designed waders currently available, imo. The ease of bf's and the ankle security of sf's. Cant beat the Cabelas return policy either

Thanks for the input Krispy....I'm definitely gonna pick up a pair this spring.

It's funny, this fall my buddies and I were discissing waders while salmon fishing in Pulaski. I thought I had a brilliant idea-lace up, boot foot breathables. Day late and dollar short....again.