The Joy of Fly Fishing in New Brunswick

A Brief Introduction

It is often easy to find a bargain pair of wading shoes on Amazon, eBay or in Wal-Mart:  in anyones’ eyes $50 or whatever must seem a snip.  However, such ‘bargains’ are illusory, little more than a false economy.  Don’t forget these words of wisdom, “You get what you pay for”.  An anglers’ wading boot is as vital a piece of kit as is his rod, reel, or fly: with the wrong kit, fishing can be so much less enjoyable.  Bear in mind as well, that plunging into a river in a pair of standard hiking boots, sneakers or whatever else is not advised and conversely, using your fishing boots to hike trails and so on will do them no good either: wading shoes as the name implies, are a specialist piece of kit, designed especially for one purpose.

Felt Soled Boots?

For some time it has been held that felt soled wading boots are the best, providing the greatest flexibility and traction.  However, recent technological advances, coupled with a greater awareness of the need to ameliorate the introduction of environmentally-unfriendly micro-organisms (aquatic nuisance species, or ANS) into our waterways, have led to the introduction of a new style of angling footwear that whilst providing the necessary grip, and ankle support, but also lessen the conditions liked by micro-organisms and are easier to clean and keep clean.  A fine example are Simms G4 Guide Boots, complete with new ‘Cleanstream’ technology; well worth checking these out.

The wading shoe you buy should be comfortable and have the proper foot support when walking through water, and your choice may be influenced by the conditions you’ll be fishing in – speed of water current, type of terrain underfoot, and the like.  When fly fishing these types of rivers, river talons or studded cleats are highly recommended.  River talons and cleats fit around a standard wading shoe and have small, metal spikes on the bottom.  These spikes, in combination with the metal it is attached to, provide the ultimate in footing.  River talons are highly recommended for the angler who will be fishing in rivers that are extremely rocky, deep and have fast-flowing currents.

Does Size Matter?

One point to be aware of is that due to differences in the systems of foot measurement, buyers in the USA & Canada are advised to purchase wading boots a size one greater than their actual shoe size, whereas in the UK for example, boot sizes equate more accurately to ones’ shoe size.  Most good stores that sell items such as the Simms G4 will have size charts and in some cases, written advice.  Further, most will stock suitable socks designed to go with the boots, as well as cleats previously mentioned.

To Sum Up

A good quality wading boot or shoe provides purchase in slippery, fast moving water courses – leading to more enjoyable and safer wading.  In general look for boots that principally offer:

• Good ankle support
• Ease of cleaning
• A solid grip

An angler wading in a river using just sandals, sneakers or a pair of standard gum boots on their feet will find themselves sliding around, constantly at risk of falling with consequences possibly more painful than simple wounded pride.