If you're anything like me, waders are an integral part of your fishing repertoire. My favorite type of fishing is wade fishing in rivers and streams, and for that reason, fishing waders are integral to my fishing success. There are three main types of fishing waders available for anglers and they all seem to have their good and bad points. Choosing the proper kind for the type of wading you do is important. Mainly because being uncomfortable in your fishing waders means that you'll spend less time in the water, and that's no good for anyone. Below you will find the three most popular types of waders and what they have to offer.
- Rubber Fishing Waders - Rubber fishing waders are the least expensive and least comfortable type of waders. If you don't fish very often and/or don't move from place to place much while fishing, rubber waders may be the best waders for you. It's also not a bad idea to keep a pair of rubber waders laying around for emergency situations.
- Neoprene Fishing Waders - As far as cost is concerned neoprene fishing waders are right in the middle of the scale. You should be able to purchase a good pair for under $100. Neoprene waders are quite comfortable as well. The only downfall to neoprene waders is that they can be quite hot, when it's hot outside. They are wonderful in the winter however. If you're going to purchase your first decent pair of waders, I would go with neoprene. Neoprene fishing waders will give you a good feel as to how good waders work and perform. Neoprene fishing waders are quite durable as well, and will last you a long time.
- Breathable Fishing Waders - On the cost scale breathable fishing waders are at the top. However, they are also at the top of the comfort scale. I personally use breathable fishing waders and wouldn't use any other type. A good pair of breathable fishing waders is like wearing a pair of Dockers. The comfort level is unmatched. Breathable waders aren't quite as durable as neoprene waders, but as long as you take care of them, they last a long time. I've had my current pair of breathable fishing waders for a little over 7 years, and they're still going strong.
Fishing waders come either with boots attached or with what's called a stocking foot. A stocking foot is simply a neoprene "bootie" that attached to the waders. Then wading boots are slipping into them just like normal shoes. Stocking foot and wading boots are ,by far, the most comfortable way to go. They are what I use, and I'll cover three or four miles in a fishing trip without ever sacrificing comfort at all. Again, if you don't cover a lot of distance while fishing, boot foot waders will work just fine. At the end of the day the type of fishing waders that you need have to do with the type of fishing you do and the amount of distance you normally cover while fishing.
