Hip Waders?

[seajay]

Any suggestions as to what brands or type of material,with or without boots or socks?:fishing:

[Railroader]

Don't even bother with hip boots/waders. Go on and get a set of breathable bib waders from Pro Line or some such good name. Get the ones with the bootie bottoms, and then buy a pair of cheap nylon, rubber soled, surf shoes, a size too big.

You'll be set....;)

[cygnus-x1]

Don't even bother with hip boots/waders. Go on and get a set of breathable bib waders from Pro Line or some such good name. Get the ones with the bootie bottoms, and then buy a pair of cheap nylon, rubber soled, surf shoes, a size too big.

You'll be set....;)

Hey RR, I have heard people praise about these things but I am confused. Why do you need to buy surf shoes? And what do you mean by bootie bottoms? I use neoprene waders and I am use to this type of setup with the boots built into it.

That being said I am out fishing in 25 degree weather and the neoprenes work great at keeping me warm. This bootie bottom thing with surf shoes makes me think my feet would freeze off.

[Railroader]

The "bootie bottoms" are like a thick sock, made of neoprene. The surf shoes are just to protect the booties and give you a rubber sole to walk on. The rest of the wader is a thin nylon, Gore Tex-type material. Very light, breathable, and waterproof. Layer as much as you think you need under the waders, shed layers as necessary.

Your neoprene chest waders with the built-on rubber boots weigh at least 15 or so pounds...This set-up weighs less than three pounds.

I used to hog hunt (running dogs, catching hogs) in the winter with neoprene/rubber boot waders. NEVER will I put them heavy, heel/foot/calf blistering things on again.

[cygnus-x1]

I feel your pain ... I have figured out a setup where I do not get blistered but it has to be cold for me not to sweat to death. It is heavy but it gives me some extra exercise! However I will get a set of breathables when these break down ... its more of an economics issue for me at the moment. Thanks for the info ... they sound like they would work great! Especially on those days where the water is COLD yet its near 80 on land

[seajay]

RR can I find the ProLine locally?

[Railroader]

Cygnus, that is PRECISELY the time I like the breathables, when the weather is nice and the water is cold.

Seajay, I'm sure SOMEONE down there has them, I got mine here in Waycross at a tackle shop.

[Fishman]

Get yourself a good set of chest waders unless you are looking to get a little wet (you never know) Iv got a set of Hodgen neoprene 3.5 milan they work well.

[surfcast]

Had a friend of mine that got a pair of those proline neoprene and got those blisters on his calf...took them back and got some Lacrosse and never a problem. I have had the same pair of canvas Lacrosse since 93..I guess they fall in between the weight of the neoprene and breathables...CHEST waders..whatever brand or style..Hip won't cut it for the surf anyway.

[FisherTim]

Can't remember a time I wore hip boots in the surf and didn't get wet.
I bought a pair of Cabela's bootfoot breathables for less than $100. About the only time I use em is on the beach. Easy on and off and no sand in my boots. And never been cold in them yet. Get some fleece from K-Mart, etc on sale.
Search the internet and you can find good breathables for just a little more than hip boots.
Just my 2 cents........

[surf rat]

I would stay away from Stocking foot waders that you wear a bootie over for surf fishing. Unless of course you want to drown. Breathable with a built in boot one size too big is the way to go. Easy on easy off. That may come in handy if you get knocked down and swept into deep water. Layer fleece and thick socks for warmth. Take it from someone who has spent a lot of time fishing the outer bars. An intlatable co2 life jacket and a dry top are nice as well.Fuzzy rubber surf skins under your waders are the ultimate. Kokatat makes the best gear on the planet to stay alive in the water.Take it from an old surface air diver. Cold water is nothing to screw around with. When it comes to surf fishing in cold water bad advice will get you killed.The only bootie foot waders I would use are Kokatat with one of their dry tops. It forms a waterproof seal so the waders can't fill with water. They are built for total immersion.Their call them bibs.Their surf balaclava is the bomb.