One of the simple joys of fishing in the summer is walking into a creek in shoes and shorts. It doesn’t give you any kind of angling advantage, but it is awfully satisfying.
And while the simplicity and carefree nature of wet wading shouldn’t force you into making all sorts of purchases, there are a few things that are worth choosing if you want a more comfortable and safe experience. Today I’m talking about some of the options you can choose. Focusing on footwear, bottoms, and gear storage, I walk through the pros and cons of the most popular choices.
Again: the fish aren’t going to care. But your feet and the rest of your body might appreciate the gesture.
Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.
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What’s the best way to keep dirt/rocks out of shoes while wet wading? Gators don’t work well for me. Thanks!
Hi Timothy. Even wading shoes with neoprene collars allow debris in. Short of a liberal application of duct tape, I’ve found that the neoprene & wool sock combo is the most effective seal.
You mentioned kayak shoes. What brand do you like? Do they really have the traction of a wet wading shoes? What about hike ability?
Hi Jon. Astral started out paddling-focused, but has shifted more to general outdoor adventure. Their soles are phenomenal. I just put 9 miles in a pair of their TRs a few weeks ago.
I fish small streams and creeks during the summer, and I’m trying to be stealthy in my approach. I’m looking for quick-drying wading pants that have built-in knee pads. Any recommendations?
That is a great question. Most of the “nice” pants with knee pads have some cotton in them. I do see some on Amazon that say they’re breathable/for hiking/etc.
I found TruewerkT1 PRO with kneepads claims to be cotton-free, but I haven’t seen them in person. I’m hoping for super-lightweight everywhere EXCEPT the knees!