Wader Safety

Fishing is a great sport. It must be...nearly a million and a half Missourians fish. And if you've ever been at opening day of trout season, you probably thought every one of them was stream side! Since Missouri has great fishing streams, you don't have to have access to a boat. Unless you restrict your activities to the heat of the summer, you will need a good pair of waders. Here=s a few tips on how to be comfortable and safe in waders: Bootfoot waders are the most convenient, but stocking foot styles with wading shoes give you the best foot support for long days of fishing. Felt soles are a must in rocky rivers, but are completely useless on slick mud. Wade sideways in fast current and shuffle, don't lift, your feet. If the weather and water are warm, you can go bare-legged, but never go bare-footed. Just in case you unexpectedly find a deep hole and fill your waders with water, don't panic. As long as you're in the water, the water in your waders is essentially weightless, so they won't drag you down . Just don't try to take off your waders while you're still in the water. It's nearly impossible to do, and all you'll do is wear yourself out, and maybe endanger your life. If you're in shallow water, stand up, walk to shore and empty your waders when you're safely on dry land. If it's too deep to stand, swim. The waders are cumbersome, but it is possible. If you're in a current, put your feet up in front of you and ride the current until you reach calmer water. Don't attempt to stand up while you're in swift-moving water. You're foot could get caught under an obstacle and the current could trap you underwater. One of the best tips is to wear chest waders with a wader belt...which can be any kind of belt that won't stretch when wet, like webbing. The belt will help keep water from spilling down into the legs of the waders. Just a few safety measures will insure you return home from your fishing trip injury-free and with dinner in hand...even if it means a quick stop at the supermarket on the way!

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Howto & Style

Tags:

• Wader
• Safety
• water
• missouri
• conservation
• outdoors
• nature