Dear Mr. Rainbow Trout,
I cannot wait to finally meet you! I’ve been looking forward to it, and counting down the days to March 1, for the opening day of trout season here in Missouri! I've spent all the time and preparations needed to ensure our first encounter is a memorable one!
Don’t forget to invite all your friends to join us on this joyous occasion.
Your friend,
The Fly Angler!
This is how every trout fisherman sounds like who’s excited with anticipation and counting down the days on the calendar to the approaching start of trout season. It truly is an annual event that takes place here in southwest Missouri. I live just a stone’s throw distance from Bennett Spring, Missouri State Park. I’ve taken it for granted how beautiful and special this spring is because of how close to home it is and how easy it is to visit any time I’d like to.
However, every March 1, you can see countless license plates from surrounding states that Tavel to come visit. There are fly fisherman coming here to and return annually to participate in our opening day. I know there are other state parks throughout Missouri with similar stocked springs as well!
But let's take a moment to talk about a few items of equipment that will help you be more successful on this coming opening day! What I'd like to talk about, particularly, goes hand-in-hand with the traditions of trout fishing along with the famous fly reels, and that's chest the wader! Today there are so many varying types of chest waders that it can be quite a daunting task for someone who is just coming into the sport to know what they need to purchase to be safe and successful.
Here are 10 Quick Tips on Choosing and Using Chest Waders:
So, here's 10 quick tips on how to determine what chest waders are best for you.
1.Budget!
I think for most of us outdoor enthusiasts, as high as our love for the outdoors goes, and how great our passion is for it. Sometimes our bank account doesn't quite feel the same way. Therefore, we do need to take it to account what set of chest waders is best for our budget and for the amount of time we will be spending doing what we love so much. As I mentioned before, about those who are new to the sport. It’s easy to search the bottom of the barrel for waders and get the bare minimum and think well, I will just get a cheap pair in case I don’t like it.
For someone who has been in the outdoor industry for many years, who does many different types of hunting and fishing, buying the cheapest set of equipment doesn’t always save you money. Typically, cheaper equipment needs to be replaced after just a season or two or you quickly realize after a few trips it would have been better to invest a little more and gotten one with features you now understand why they’re important and worth spending a little extra on. However, this is an understandable way to start a new Adventure like getting into the sport of Trout Fishing. But a good balance between quality and performance along with the best for the budget is key. You do want to get a Quality item in case you decide you are no longer interested, and you are able to recoup some of your investment.
2.Quality
A good quality set of chest waders is going to be ideal to remain comfortable and keep you coming back again and again season after season! What constitutes as a good quality piece may vary from individual to individual. Let's break down the needs and necessities of what equals a quality set of chest waders. There is a wide spectrum of Brands and features available out on the market today. This does go back to our first Tip about budget, and it is easy to go down the rabbit hole where the industry says you need this brand or that brand and this is what's new and "cool" at the time of your purchase.
As I mentioned before, we are located near Bennett Springs, I'm not sure where you are located and where you'll be doing most of your fishing. However, Bennett springs has very cold water even in the hot summer. That's my first thought when it comes to quality chest waders. They must have good insulation, keeping your warm body heat in and the cold water out is an absolute must, and I would prioritize this at the top of the list when looking for your next set of warders. Material that won't snag on every rock or split easily if you take a spill. Something with a good tread on the boots, comfortable straps for your shoulders and of course you want them to look "cool" as well.
3.Insulation
I know I have mentioned the quality of the waiters themselves, but here are the primary materials being used. Neoprene is great insulation for icy, cold water. Check for the thickness in the available sizes and configurations. The thickness could be 3mm, 5mm, or 7mm. The thicker the better for colder environments. But this will have an impact on the cost of the waders! Some may have Breathable material such as Gore-Tex or the option of a removable liner as well. You can look for waiters with material such as Thinsulate' fleece or other synthetic materials for insulation.
4.Boots
I think the boots are one of the most valuable parts of the waiters themselves, beyond the insulation to keep in your body heat. The Boots are without a doubt where the rubber meets the road and even if you’re not chest deep in water you need to be able to maneuver in all different types of terrain. When walking through swift current on slippery stones, be sure to angle upstream as this is the safest method no matter how well the boots are made. The boot needs to fit the bottom of your foot well, have good tread and thick soles! I know this sounds elementary however, after hours, being in the cold, brisk spring air standing on your feet, as you come back to shore, one of the first things you're going to want to do is get these boots off your feet!
5.Shoulder straps
I already mentioned these previously, and I did so because of their importance. I remember growing up and seeing my dad’s set of waiters hanging on a 6-inch nail by the straps in our garage. I know this because I tried to pull them down about 100 times by the straps, yanking and tugging as a small child on one of my dad's prized possessions. Today I do believe there are plenty of replacement straps you can purchase. But when you are dusting off the rod and reel, and looking for your waiters, just to find out that the straps have become frayed or decayed, they can be very difficult to replace, depending on your brand of waders. Not only durability of the straps themselves, but comfortability is of the utter most importance. You do not want it to feel like a hassle when it's time to put on or remove your set of waders. Especially after the strong coffee begins to hit from this morning's hour drive to the river. Take time to look at and notice the buckles and connectors and quick adjustment tabs on the straps to keep them from digging into your shoulders with little to no padding.
6.Padding and Fitting
You've been counting down the days and now that you're out on the stream with a fly rod and reel in your hand, you find yourself twisting and turning, searching for a position to get comfortable. Some good padding on the knees and on the inner thighs will help keep from chafing and minor bumps and bruises. You do want to be comfortable to give yourself a more enjoyable experience. Not all our body shapes are created equal nor are the shapes that you'll find when selecting your chest waders. You should consider what type of clothing you'll be wearing under your waiters to determine the size that you will purchase. You don't want them to be too tight or too loose, but you do want to consider the base layers you’ll be wearing under the waders.
7.Safety
Always Safety first! There could be an entire article written just on the single topic alone. With cold temperatures and swift moving waters, the potential for danger is omnipresent. However, if you are mindful about your surroundings and remember a few basic rules then you can fish and have fun without constantly worrying.
8.Fishing Buddy!
Here at Bennett Springs, in Southwest Missouri, opening day of trout season most times the fishing is basically shoulder to shoulder. If your neighbor was to have a slip, and they become entangled or in danger, a good Samaritan would not be too far off. However, we are blessed with many public state conservation areas in wild trout fishing within our state meaning you could be off by yourself with no one around and find yourself neck deep in trouble! The buddy system is the perfect way to ensure that in a time of need you have a close friend who will have your back and help you to safety. This is not always the case as we do have normal lives, jobs and bills to pay. We can't always have our schedules lineup with our fishing buddy. If that is the case, always send your location to a family member or friend with your whereabouts, and time of return.
9.Maintenance
Be sure to make a habit to clean your waders regularly, need to keep them free of debris or mud and grime. Rinse thoroughly after each use and hang up to dry, not in direct sunlight. Avoid sharp and rough surfaces such as rocks, branches, and any other hazards that may snag or damage the waiters causing leaks. This goes for when you're gearing up for the season give a thorough look at your waders as you pull them out of storage to make sure there's no damage that may have been undetected from the previous season.
10.Have Fun and Be safe!
I say this, knowing that you have a love for the outdoors and for whatever species of trout that you're looking to catch. Whether you're fishing from the bank or using waders, no matter if you’re fly fishing or using power bait. We've all experienced that moment when we were able to take a deep breath of air. Taking time to admire the fog that’s hovering over the water, put all our worries aside, while watching our line and waiting for that next big strike!
Remember that it is not a competition, and that we are out there to learn, grow and better ourselves after each trip. Hopefully there were a few tips in this list that will help guide you through the purchasing process and help you be able to spend a few more precious trips to the Spring and catch a few more Rainbow Trout this season.