Toby,

I have those boots and they look great but are a real pain in the A$$ to get in and out of...especially wet! What I have started to use is a home made wading/korker boot. I took a pair of old hiking boots, took the insole out, drilled holes and inserted 11/4 inch SS bolts with a washer and a lock nut. Not only are they comfortable but the screws stay in place and it takes a long time to wear them down.

I also use a wading boot with neoprene socks & korkers but find this to be less comfortable but easier than doing all the work described up top.

As for securing a rod while on a rock. Aquaskinz is introducing a Stailess Steel "D" ring belt attachment that you can slide your rod into (upto the reel seat) and like Eben said I use a similar clip and lanyard which I connect to my first guide and the rod & reel are basically perfectly secure.

Kadir aka: Rock Hopper
AquaSkinz

screws are alright but go with the korkers on large rocks.I bought a pair of boots with the screws an was slidin pretty good on some of the larger granite rocks.u want somehting light that wicks water.The boots I use are stocking foot wader type.I am certainly no pro at this an my better athletic days are behind me but it is certainly a better way to fish that fillin up ur waders there are many different configurations of wetsuits u can purchase like 5 -4 means a 5 mill body to keep ur core temp up with 4 mill legs an arms for more freedom of movement. the neopreme they are usin in suits today seems much more supple. my advice is to try on as many as U can stick with the full suit.go wth a light 4 mill for warmer days an something haeveir for cooler months.like someone said ur alright while ur in the water its when U get up on a rock an that wind blows U'll wish u had the 7 mil good luck be safe.one other bit of advice is when ur in the water U have to keep it as simple as possible.

Boots have got to be one the most important peice of gear. Slippery rocks, at night in the surf. Put some studed felt soles on them and I'ld buy'em TL. I'ld think a good studed boot would be better then a neoprene without them.

Just to have another thing to think about, you could proably start another thread this,....are you guys getting in shape for the coming season? Being physically fit can gives you the edge. Its tough at first but you'll be thankful you did.

I wetsuit Block and Rhody alot starting in June and start of in a 3mm one piece Henderson Gold core which I will use through October, if it is a bit cold out I will use a 3mm Henderson Gold Core hooded vest with the 3mm. The Gold Cores are the best westsuits for my uses, they keep you warm and slide right off easily. When it gets Really cold late fall I go up to a 5mm Henderson Gold Core one piece with the 3mm Hooded Vest. Along with the wetsuits I use Orvis Henry Fork Studded wading shoes, no need for Korkers as these work awesome, and if you need to slip on fins you can do so. If I will be swimming to some far rocks and fish areas with current I will keep fins handy. I can easily keep them on my belt when not in use. Also don't forget Gravel Guards. I've got hundreds of hours wet suiting and this is what works best for me....


I also have a Nylon police Tactical Belt and attached I have a good knife, 60lb Boga, good pliers, and a metal ring to use as a rod holder, (Actually it is a Police Baton Holder).


That about covers it!

well, i bought a suit today. i went with a 7mm farmer john. i was thinking about the thickness issue. when i used to do a lot of snorkeling, i had a 3mm one piece. even in the summer i would get cool after a while of floating around. i figure with the FJ, it gives me more options. i would always be a bit warm than a bit cool. now i REALLY can't wait for summer!

T.L. I hope that you won't be disapointed in the 7mm, especially a farmer john. That is a very heavy wetsuit. If you cover alot of water you will die in that thing, it is very restrictive and creates alot of "Negative" energy when walking and covering area. Let alone wait till you see the rashes you get! Watch what you're arms feel like after standing on a rock and casting for a bit. You'll experience that "numbing"of the arms. You will be dehydrated and exhausted Fast in the Summertime! As far as being chilly in a 3mm in the summer that can happen with a regular neoprene wetsuit, you can't even compare it to a Henderson Gold Core. Their 3mm is probably equivelent to a regular 5mm as far as warmth goes and it is much thinner. Wearing the one piece 3mm Gold Core you will get nearly no water entering between you're body and the wetsuit. You stay Warm. Remember you can always layer if necessary, most of the warmth is lost at you're head and second the chest. That is why I use the 3mm Hooded Vest with the 3mm if I really need it. Sometimes its worth spending extra money for quality and comfort.

In the 2004 winter sale catalog of NRS..... for $76.95 you can get a good 3m wetsuit.

Farmer John, 3 mm DuPont neoprene forms the base and is protectively backed with comfortable nylon on both sides. Extra-long double-pull YKK front zipper for easy entry and relief. Seat and knees have reinforced padding for extra durability and protection. Glued and blind-stitched seams are attractive, durable and comfortable. Zippered ankles.

TL, this is the suit ya want bro: http://www.divebooty.com/equipment_details.asp?pid=4710 I got the Gold Core 3MM myself, mighty comfy if I do say so myself. Now for some boots and I'll be good to go :kewl:.
Hey Ken, I'll race ya from Naps to Fischers:laughs: .

Toby,

I must say, I have to agree with Cowhunter. Before you use it, you might want to re-think the 7mm farmer john. I have this suit and it's a killer!! I barely use it anymore.

If not, good luck!

Kadir

A Kadir, you gonna be at Freeport this Sunday?

-B

Yes sir, I should be there! Time?? Don't know yet.

Kadir

:D

I think I'll end up going with the 'henderson GC' too.
What I forgot to mention is that price is 30% off the regular price, whatya got to lose.

You guys will really like the gold core, worth every penny....I know I got mine through leisurePro.com at a great price a few seasons ago, they are always running specials. Might be worth to check them out. Also the Henry Fork wading shoes are awesome, just make sure you get the better studs because they have two different types Ceramic and Tungsten. Forgot which one was better but there is a big difference in the two. One of them I wore out in a week fishing while the other will last you a season or two, I do walk ALOT though. With the shoes I also wear sealskinz neoprene socks along with Orvis neoprine bootie with Gravel Guard. Good to hear from you Kadir and Dave!

I'm gettin all sorts of ideas flying through my head:D

Center wall see you in the morning? or I like my gravy with clumps :D:

I'm liking this and following it very closely. Taking lots of notes, joo read my mind dude. Not entirely tho.. I show joo.. how to cross the rio grande and watch out for them federales

What would be your suggestions on keeping it simple guys and swimming with your gear?

I've swam some distances with gear to get to certain areas with no problems. I used all the gear mentioned in my previous posts and then some, just put the rod in the holder and kick with the fins. The force fins are awesome for getting to where you are going. The 5mm's are better for the swimming because they will give you alot more bouyency...

:smash: :smash: :smash:

i got the wetsuit in the mail. well, let's just say that my new desk job hasn't done anything positive for my figure. i guess i am not the fit and trim guy i was at the end of the season. gonna have to sell the suit and get one a little bigger. :blush:

i was checking out the henderson website. what is the difference between the 5mm and the 7/5mm? that was the one thing i couldn't find on the site.

It might mean the suit is mostly 7mm and areas that require movement, such as elbow and behind the knee are 5mm.