There is an interesting dichotomy among many fly fishers. When it comes to equipment like fly rods there is an inordinate amount of attention given to having the precise piece of gear required for a particular application. That approach often entails acquiring a few pieces of gear required for a handful of particular situations. At the same time, there are other items where “whatever” seems to work.
Consequently, fly fishers don expensive breathable waders while wearing pants underneath that don’t wick moisture. High performance fly rods don’t excel when paired with the wrong fly line. And a long day rowing and casting starts to get uncomfortable because of shoes that get wet or don’t offer proper support.
You can get away with wearing whatever footwear you have when fishing. Or, you can add a pair of shoes that have been designed to make your time getting to the water and being on the water a little more comfortable. That is certainly the case with Whitewater Fishing’s newest angler-inspired boot.
Here are some of the features of the Whitewater Basin Deck Boot and why fly fishers should take a look:
Non-Slip Grip
The top priority for any footwear designed to be used around the water is traction under wet conditions. The bells, whistles, and price tags are meaningless if you slip on the dock or in the boat. Of course, solving this problem must utilize a non-marking sole. The Basin Deck Boot checks both of these important boxes.
100% Waterproof up to the Ankle
This style of boot is often embraced for that extra bit of waterproof coverage that comes from the ankle height shaft. The Basin features six inches of waterproof neoprene. This is more than sufficient for walking across a puddle filled parking lot, and will even give you significant protection when launching a canoe or helping trailer a boat.
True Comfort
The Basis is a comfortable shoe. It features a cushioned footbed and a breathable neoprene upper. The best comparison for fit and feel would be a sturdy slipper or a cushioned athletic shoe. With the right sock, the Basin can be four season gear. And if things get a little warm, the antimicrobial lining should keep the shoes from becoming too offensive.
These boots were obviously designed for those using watercraft. The “deck” in the name makes this plain. And while many fly fishers do use drift boats, canoes, or larger saltwater vessels, the vasty majority fish on foot. They aren’t intended for hiking or navigating creek beds. But boots like these are still worth consideration for the wading angler.
Sandals or sneakers are fine for going from your front seat to your trunk or tailgate when the parking lot is dry. But plenty of early and late season pull-offs are nearly as wet as the streams themselves. All the benefits listed above will come to the angler’s aid when staying stable and dry while getting geared up or breaking down at the end of the day. Being able to slide them on and off quickly and easily is a plus. It bears mentioning that the Basin Deck Boots are the kind of shoe that is completely fine for wearing to the store or to dinner after being on the water. With their comfort and aesthetics, there’s a very good chance that they’ll be worn plenty outside of fishing.
Learn more about the Basin Deck Boot at Whitewater’s website.