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What To Look For
Buying fishing waders for occasional or heavy use requires careful planning. Price ranges vary greatly, and materials as well as workmanship are not standardized. Consider these basic features germane to fishing waders that will help you make an informed buying decision:
Material: Fishing waders are made of rubber, Gore-Tex or neoprene. Rubber insulates well, but it is not a breathable material, causing things to heat up considerably inside the waders. Gore-Tex breathes well, and neoprene is a perfect insulator. Since neoprene is the material that wet suits are made of, neoprene fishing waders are usually considered for cold-weather fishing.
Boot option: Opt for fishing waders that are either stocking footed or boot footed. The former requires the purchase of a boot to go with the waders, while the latter offers the already attached boot in a seamless connection.
Height: Fishing waders are divided into either chest height or waist height. Shoulder straps keep the waders in place.
Common Pitfalls
Do not underestimate the need for mobility and breathability. Rubber fishing waders are considered by many a great solution because of their low cost. On the flip side, their lack of breathability can make long-term use very uncomfortable, especially when you move around in a lake or stream and find that the buildup of sweat leads to considerable chafing. Another common fishing waders' pitfall involves the choice of stocking-footed waders; you need to purchase accessories---gravel guards in particular---to provide the seam between the wader and the boot you add. Forget the seam-sealing gravel guards, and you are likely to encounter water seepage.
Where To Buy
Buying fishing waders is best done at sports and athletics stores that feature a good-sized fishing accessories section and employ a knowledgeable staff. Online stores are another great option, especially when they also sell additional accessories, such as gravel guards, patch kits and wading belts.
Cost
Fishing waders made from Gore-Tex and related materials vary greatly in price. Usually the range lies between $350 and about $700. Rubber waders can cost between $50 and $120, while neoprene waders rate between $100 and $225. Remember that there is an added cost for the boots and gravel guards if you opt for the stocking-footed fishing waders.
Insider Tips
Add a wading belt to your fishing waders, no matter what material they are made of. This is a little added insurance against water seepage, especially if you fish in areas of uncertain footing and you may temporary go lower in the water than the top of your waders allows for. With the belt in place, you do not have to worry about the waders filling up with water because of your misstep.
