Wade and See

If you don’t fish often, perhaps you can get away with something like “economy vinyl stocking foot waders.”  After all, $7 sounds a lot better than a $120.  But $7 buys the bottom-half of a swamp creature novelty costume that may only last for one use, and provides no protection from icy waters.

Neoprene waders are worth the investment. Without their durability and warmth, you might miss out on some of the incredible steelhead fishing of Lake Erie tributaries in Ohio and Pennsylvania, for example.  I have a pair that has served well for 5 years.

Colder conditions mean less fishing pressure at many parts of the country as many fair-weather anglers may stay inside and sort tackle.   However, with an investment in neoprene waders, the fishing does not have to stop. When it gets cold, yet not cold enough to ice fish, these waders are a must.

Like the sign I saw in a tackle shop, “Good things come to those who wade.”   For anglers who must keep fishing, even when it is cold, neoprene waders would make a great Christmas gift. Might even make the ultimate stockings by the chimney!

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Andy Whitcomb

Andy Whitcomb is a columnist, outdoor humorist, and stressed-out Dad. He says there are “people who fish”… and there are “fishermen”.  One of the few things he knows is that he is a “fisherman”...  To the point it could be classified as borderline illness.  Sharing this obsession is rewarding, therapeutic. He likes to encourage people to “stop and smell the crappie."  Enjoys catching fish, but gets a greater thrill out of helping someone else hook up.
Born in Florida, but raised on the banks of Oklahoma farm ponds. Now relocated to western Pennsylvania. He has fished, worked, lived all around the US.  He has a B.S. in Zoology from Oklahoma State as well...
And he met his wife while electrofishing. He has been contributing weekly to www.takemefishing.org since 2011.