wading boots

Post by **JeanDorais** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:34 am

Hi all,

As the snow finally melts away and temps soar, I (like everyone else, I'm certain) am looking forward to the coming season.

I've sorted out my wader woes (see my waders post elsewhere in the forum for all the details) and I've now tackled the wading boot upgrade.

As I will be lucky enough to fish numerous locations (NWT, Utah, Wyoming etc...) this season, and these places have all banned the use of felt boots, I decided that I needed to upgrade my boots (Orvis Battenkill brogues). I looked at a lot of different boots and finally decided on Simms G4 Guide boots with the Vibram soles. I believe that these boots will offer great comfort, ankle support (something I thought the Orvis boots lacked- I rolled my ankles a fair amount last season) and the Vibram soles will offer a pretty good grip in the various streams/rivers that I will fish.

Anyone have experience with these boots? What boots are you wearing (like them, could be improved...)? I am NOT looking to start a flame war, I'm just asking for opinions on what people are using.

Tight lines,

Jean

Post by **mattdbz29** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 5:18 pm

gota pair of danners and a pair of nokians... both are top quality no complaints.

Post by **Hookup** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 8:41 am

Jean,
Whatever the boots are that I bought that day from the Drake with you... They are awesome.. no complaints, comfortable, good ankle support... I have nothing to compare them to... they are my first.. but I'm a happy guy with them.
I can find the brand when I get home.. gone on a plane for a day or two, so if you need me to remember the brand... lemme know.

PS: we should tie files... i need to spin up some buggers by the masses... and some hopper patterns, and some Mulder Minnows, and some bunny leaches... and "the Dirty Sanchez"

Post by **misty-river** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:50 am

My question is why are they banning felt bottom boots?. Did I miss something along the way this winter while I was in hibernation

Post by **Fishboy** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:49 pm

misty-river wrote:My question is why are they banning felt bottom boots?. Did I miss something along the way this winter while I was in hibernation

It's an attempt to stop the spread of diseases (like whirling disease) and parasites. The idea is that felt boots absorb the pathogens and parasites. If the felts aren't sterilized, these nasties are released into the new environment.

While it is an honest effort, I'm not sure how well this will work. Boot uppers & laces, waders (neoprenes and breathables), fly lines, flies, and other equipment that comes into contact with infected waters will also absorb some of the stuff. Once any of them hits the uninfected environment, it's no different from the felts on boots. You'd really have to have a HAZMAT team disinfect your stuff in order for this to be totally effective.

Boot manufacturers love the bans......

Post by **FishingIsHealing** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 9:30 pm

I think the felt boot ban is a good idea if you are fishing pristine trout streams or lakes.

These lakes are largely isolated and having felt boots does keep nasty pathogens and diseases in the felt.

If you are fishing a river like the Ottawa or Rideau, I don't really think it matters if you wear felt boots since these waters are already rife with parasites and all sorts of nasties. and boats commonly bring all sorts of crap with them in their livewells, and trailers etc.

You are right Fishboy, waders and other things can carry this stuff with them, so it won't stop the problem, but it may lessen it a little bit, so it's worth it in my opinion.

Also, everyone who is serious about fishing and wanting to see fish survive for our kids and theirs should wash their waders and boots etc after going into any lake or river, before they go to any other body of water.

I don't stress this as much if you are moving from popular warm water lakes to another, but really it should still be done, it doesn't take long to put some soap on waders and at least hose them down after using them once u are home.

And 100% of the time you should wash your waders after going in lets say the Rideau, or Ottawa, if you are going to go to a trout lake or stream! If you don't you are possibly going to bring some sort of Parasite in there that doesn't exist.

Take Care everyone! I hope i can experience the joy of flyfishing this year, I have my rig and a bit of equipment and flies and I'm ready to try! I'll be hosing down my waders for sure.

Post by **Hookup** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 8:30 am

So what wading boots did ya get Jean??

Post by **JeanDorais** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 8:19 pm

Tim,

I ordered the Simms G4 Guide boots with the Vibram sole from Greg ( I hear we keep missing each other at the store...have to work on our scheduling a little!) at FP&F. They are 'in transit' as of Thursday, April 23...Greg guesstimates that they should arrive next week. Woohoo! New waders, new boots, new fly rods and reels...it's feeling like Christmas!!!!

Not cheap, but I'll spend some coin to get a good piece of gear that will last.

Jean

Post by **JeanDorais** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:10 pm

Just received an e-mail from Greg at FP&F that my Simms G4 Guide boots are in...woohoo!

I guess I'll have to take them out for a test-wade on the weekend

!!!!!

Jean

Post by **Hookup** » Fri May 01, 2009 8:36 am

DID YOU PICK THEM UP YET????

GREG told me you were supposed-ta get em last night... so did ya, hun, did ya???

If you have a camera, you could post a photo... of you and the boots... (and for the love of god, put some waders on!)

Post by **JeanDorais** » Sat May 02, 2009 1:18 pm

Yes, the boots came in. They're not small (size 14's!), but they are insanely comfortable! Silly amounts of ankle support and cushioning and I guess I'll find out how good the Vibram rubber "cleated" sole is when I get out in the water (how about Friday afternoon?).

I'll grab a pic or 3 of the boots (no worries- I'll wear waders for the faint-of-heart!) and post later this afternoon.

Jean

Post by **JeanDorais** » Sun May 10, 2009 7:33 pm

Had the boots out on the Mississippi river this afternoon (in Carleton Place- water was high and fast, but quite manageable) crazy amounts of ankle support, very smooth and comfortable 'ride' for the 2 hours we were out.

The Vibram sole was super grippy and I felt very confident moving from one area to the next. Very, very happy with my purchase. Now if only the fish knew about the new boots, they might come out to play more than they did today: I had 3 strikes and 3 pop-offs in 2 hours of water time, Jacques had some serious nibbles but no takes. But at least now he knows I take him places where there are FISH!

Jean

Post by **S.M.05** » Sun May 10, 2009 9:29 pm

Those are some nice boots you picked up at FloatPaddle&fly.
By the way thanks again for the help picking out leaders, tippit and flies.

So far just tying knots in my line while casting, but if I catch a trout its all your fault.

Post by **JeanDorais** » Wed May 13, 2009 8:39 pm

My pleasure- happy to be of service, anytime.

I was a wee bit 'concerned' about not having a felt boot, but going out this past Sunday in fairly high and fast water completely removed that fear. Absolutely sure-footed without issues, and ankle support to spare. Yeah!!!!

Jean

Post by **Bondo** » Fri May 15, 2009 3:06 am

Any idea if they have banned felt soled boots in NY yet? Heading to Placid this summer for vacation.

Fish-Hawk.Net

wading boots

wading boots

re: wading boots...

Boots are in!

Gott'em!