Tackle, including fly rods, reels, lines and leaders, are not covered in this course.  There is a separate course for each of these topics.

Canvas/rubber . . .

Wading boots

Wading boots are used with stocking foot waders.  They go on last: first you put on socks, then the waders, then another sock, then the boots, and perhaps gravel guards.  Whew!

Wading boots are critical for several reasons:

1.  they provide stability and "foot feel" (like regular shoes or boots should);
2.  they provide sure-footedness on slippery surfaces both in and out of the water (like rocks, boulders, etc.);
3.  they protect your feet and ankles from rocks and punctures, etc.;
4.  they allow you to walk or wade over all the bad stuff: gravel, rocks, debris, weeds, mud, etc.,

Wading boots come in 3 basic styles: (a) "boots": traditional boot style that come up above the ankle, with regular lacing or "speed lacing"; composition is often leather, nylon and synthetics; (b) "shoes": designed more toward a "running" or "hiking" shoe format, lower profile, not as high on the ankle, also with normal lacing; (c) "booties": primarily for saltwater wading, and usually not worn with waders; mostly of neoprene and rubber, primarily protect feet, rather than provide traction.

An important factor in selecting wading boots is the type of bottom sole.  The most common substance has been felt, long recognized as being very hard to clean and dry.  With the increasing problem of transportation and introduction of aquatic nuisance species from one watershed to another, felt has been indicted as a major contributor.  A number of recent announcements make it likely that felt will be eliminated in wader manufacturing in coming years.  Some manufacturers have announced that they will stop selling felt before 2010.  At present, development of new sole material(s) to replace felt is underway.

Before deciding on purchase, be sure to coordinate and “size” your wading boots by trying them on with: (a) the waders you'll be wearing (be certain that you try them on with your waders) (b) the type of sock(s) you'll be wearing inside the boots (keep in mind, you may have bulky neoprene feet in the waders).

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Leather/nylon