Waders: equipment for predator fishing

There are many different models to choose from. Comfort, size and even the composition of the structure can vary greatly. You'll find inexpensive rubber products, polyester models or even neoprene for better insulation from the cold.

If you're a keen wading enthusiast, you can opt to add wading boots. These provide protection for your feet during long walks, as well as excellent grip thanks to felt or studs, depending on the conditions.

To make the right choice, you'll need to pay attention to a number of aspects: ease of movement, the size of the inseam, any knee reinforcements and the right size of boot.

The biggest brands are sharing the fishing trousers market. Trout fishing brands often stand out from the crowd thanks to their extensive experience in the field and their almost constant usefulness.

What are fishing waders?

Waders are simply the best way of keeping you out of the water. When fishing, it's not uncommon to have to get into the lake or river to practise your technique in the best possible way.

You could compare this to big boots. Where waders stop at the upper thighs, this type of fishing trousers will take you up to under the arms. This will give you the opportunity to explore new horizons.

They can be made from a variety of materials. Their choice will depend directly on the use you intend to make of them and the budget you wish to invest. There's usually something for every angler.

The foot section is also highly variable. It can be made up of several structures depending on the type of bottom you'll be fishing, but also on your need to cover long distances.

A good product also means natural ease of movement. Too tight and you'll just have to take it off to breathe. On the other hand, too loose and you'll soon be annoyed by the rubbing noises.

As you can see, there are several aspects to consider. Weighing up the advantages of each model will guarantee comfort throughout your trout or predator sessions, but it's also a guarantee of safety, which is very important when you're in the middle of the water, and even more so in the current.

What points should you bear in mind?

Here are the main points to bear in mind when making your purchase. Depending on your needs, your regularity at the water's edge and the profile of your spots, you won't have the same projection.

The material is surely one of the most important points. It has a decisive influence on many things, including your well-being in terms of temperature and movement. First of all, you'll find neoprene. It's ideal for protecting you from the cold. It's a very popular product in winter.

Rubber is very economical, but has no breathability or insulation. So, depending on the weather, you'll be warm or cold in no time. Then there are the multi-layer series, which are more expensive, but will keep you comfortable for days on end in the water.

Footwear is also a special consideration. You can opt for more or less rigid booties already moulded with the trousers, or a sock. The latter will allow you to fit wading shoes.

More comfortable and with a better fit, they are ideal for long walks and protect all your joints, which are often put to the test. Depending on your spots, you can opt for soles with different grip levels.

Another point is the reinforcement, which can be found in the buttocks, legs and knees. They are there to prolong the life of your future investment. Positioned in the most fragile areas, it ensures that you can concentrate on your rod and casting.

The different manufacturers

There are many and varied. Everyone is jumping on this bandwagon, and the catalogues of the various suppliers are full of them. But to find a good wader, you need to do a bit of research.

Generalist brands are the first to offer them. These include Daiwa, Shimano and Berkley. They're not the experts, but they offer a high volume of production at a very competitive price. It's a sensible choice, and a wise one if your budget is limited. What's more, their after-sales service is guaranteed.

Cheap brands should be avoided. Even if the price is attractive, the models are generally of poor quality. They will only be of interest if you use them for a few days a year. Watch out for the after-sales service, which expires after 12 months.

Specialists, who are more expensive, are a guarantee of quality. Some brands have turned this into a real science, where ingenuity rivals each other from one series to the next, always in the angler's interest.

Hogdman is one of them, with a rare level of expertise. Its interchangeable soles have given it a strong following among all anglers. Other brands, which generally target trout or salmon, have also developed top-quality ranges with impeccable finishings.

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