Winter wading does not mean you have to be miserable while fishing. The key is to buy good, warm and comfortable gear. Some of the best and most popular is made by Foreverlast. Robert Sloan photo
The good thing about the cold-water months along the Gulf coast is that fishing doesn’t shut down. It will slow a bit but catches of redfish and speckled trout can be better than you might think. The down side of fishing the cold tides of winter is that you need be geared up for comfort. Remember that we’re dealing with Old Man Winter and that means wading can be warm and comfortable one day then grim, cold and miserable the next. Fortunately, cold weather is not that big of a deal along the Texas coast where wade fishing rules from about now through April.
The unique thing about wading is that it’s a total escape from the real world. Once you get away from the boat you are on your own. It’s you, the water and the fish. And when you’re rigged up for comfort and have all the right gear it’s a type of fishing that is tough to beat. Plus, it’s a good way to find and catch big trout.
Waders know from experience that gearing up for hours of comfort in cold water is not as simple as you might think. The intriguing thing about wade fishing is that you are on your own, but to do it right requires some forward thinking and gearing up with the right stuff.
Wading starts with a good pair of waders. I’ve found that stocking foot waders are the best way to go. They are comfortable and when combined with a pair of wading boots can be worn all day. Lightweight chest waders are best. They can be worn up over the chest, or rolled down and secured with a belt around your waist on warm afternoons. Neoprene waders are good in really cold water. However, what I’ve done over the past several winters is to wear warm clothes under lightweight stocking foot waders.
My favorite waders are made by Simms. They are compact, lightweight, and comfortable. Plus, they easily convert to waist highs. Good waders will easily cost over a hundred bucks, and can jump up in the $300 to $600 range. One thing is certain about waders – you get what you pay for. Custom fitted waders like Simms are worth their weight in gold.
One big reason for choosing lightweight stocking foot waders is built in comfort. They can be worn all day for wading or while fishing from the boat.
Wading boots vary in quality and comfort. When selecting a pair of wading boots remember that you’ll need to get them two to three sizes larger than your street shoes. That‘s because you’ll be wearing socks for warmth, plus you’ve got to factor in the thickness of the stocking feet on your waders.
Part of the wade fishing line of gear is the belt. Used to be we would strap on an everyday belt around our waist and head out. Over the past decade wading belts have improved 100 percent. They offer back support, a tackle box pouch with tackle box, a rod holder, a stringer clip, and a D-ring attachment point. Some of the belts allow accessories to be moved to different positions for easy customization. A belt with a back-support system improves comfort during long wades.
It’s the accessories that make a belt worth its cost. You definitely need a secure stringer holder. A 12-foot stringer is best, and the plastic coded ones are best for quick removal of fish. A tool pouch for a pair of needle nose pliers is mandatory. I like a wading belt that allows you to move the tackle box compartment around for easy access. The best wading belt I’ve ever used is the G2 Belt Kit made by Foreverlast. It comes rigged with all the accessories and has great back support.
Lately I’ve noticed that a lot of waders are wearing things like line clippers and hook-out pliers around their necks. And some even carry their Power Pole remote around their neck so they can let the boat drift with them.
A good lightweight waterproof parka to wear over your waders is mandatory. It’ll keep you warm and dry. It’s best to wear a wading belt around your parka. That way you’ll keep water from splashing up your backside. Also, if you take a dive it’ll keep water from filling up your waders.
Something else I’ve noticed is that waders are wearing inflatable life jackets over their parkas.
Of course, winter wading will require warm clothing. My advice is to wear the thinnest and warmest high-tech clothing you can afford. Also, use the layering technique so you can peel outside layers off as the day warms up.
Always buy the best wading gear you can afford. It’ll last for years and the comfort of quality fitting waders, boots and a parka are priceless.
