Waders.....

[Striper_Haven_03]

I know everyone has an opinion.....but I fish the rocks exclusively (no sandy beaches) and after going through 3 pairs in 6 years finally broke down and bought Simms waders. Comfort/maneuverability and durability are key when fishing the rocks and had my Simms G3 stocking foot waders for 3 years without ANY problems minus a few small tears from barnicales that keep be fixed quick with aquaseal. The problem I had with Hodgmans and LL is that the dorsal of large fish would puncture the thighs while making my way back to dry land, leaving a bunch of small pin holes all over the thigh area. Not a big deal after one fish but by the end of the season would be like a pin cushion and very leaky and would need a paint brush and paint can full of Aqua Seal. Never had this problem with Simms. and def. worth the $280+ investment. You have way more maneuverability and almost like wearing sweatpants. This year Ive switched to a wetsuit after talking with Mike, as it offers me the safest means possible fishing my local waters that are deep,rocky and dangerous at 2am or anytime for that matter, particularly while fishing alone which I do 50% of the time. I dont swim in the wetsuit like some, dont need too. But it allows me to stay on rocks longer during the incoming and access rocks that would be very dangerous if not suicidal w/ waders in rough water.