Enabling inshore fishers to catch greater numbers of larger fish, wade fishing is a technique that all anglers should master, enabling them to catch trophy trout, bull redfish, snook and other species. Almost every area has a nearshore fish that is easier to catch when you are waist deep.
Wade fishing doesn’t need to be expensive. You don’t need to invest in an expensive kayak or boat. In fact, besides your rod & reel setup, no new equipment is necessary for the angler to try their hand at wet wading, although investing in a few key items could make your first wading adventure go much more smoothly.
The key to a great day’s wade fishing is knowing which spot to head to and how to access it. Local knowledge is always the best feedback. Ask a local fly shop and support them. Buy the flies they are recommending for the season and your target. They will tell you what is going on.
Reliable Rod and Reel
Any angler is only as good as their gear, and this is particularly true for wade fishing. The first thing you need is a reliable rod and reel. In addition, you will also need the right fishing line. Gear up based upon your target and the conditions.
Transporting the gear can be a major challenge while you are out on the water. However, hauling back to the shore each time you need to redo your line will also be very cumbersome. It is therefore sensible to purchase a basic wade fishing belt to hold essential gear. Investing in a small waterproof tackle box to store different flies is a good idea. Experienced anglers recommend carrying a variety of weights, styles, and colors, enabling you to adjust to differences in current and clarity.
In the heat of summer, wade fishing can make even the hottest of days more comfortable. With the lower half of your body submerged in cool water, the blistering heat becomes more tolerable. Even when the air temperature hits the high 90s, thigh-high in cooler water, you can fish all afternoon without breaking a sweat. But you will get tired walking waist deep in a current or in any heat so hydrate and hydrate a lot.
Impact of Water Temperature, Fronts and Live Bait
Pay attention to the water temperature. At certain levels, activity will be low. Some species just won’t bite. At other temperatures, the actions will get really exciting.
Weather fronts play an important factor – not just on the wind or surf you might face but also the behavior of the fish. I have found that fishing just before or after a front is a good time.
Try to match your fly to what you are seeing in the water if there is live bait around. Shrimp patterns are always a fall back.
The tides will matter so look at the tide charts/time tables for the area you will fish.
Wading Boots and Neoprene Wading Socks
Although any angler with basic gear can try their hand at wade fishing without spending a penny, wading boots and neoprene wading socks are a sensible buy. Priced at anywhere from between $25 and $50, neoprene wading socks keep your feet comfortable and protected, filling up space, with inbuilt travel guards that fold down to keep pebbles and sand out of your boots.
Wading boots are a more practical alternative to wading sandals, which often let in sand and small rocks, making the experience extremely uncomfortable, providing poor traction, and leaving your feet unprotected and vulnerable. Instead, opt for a solid wading boot with good ankle support.
Lightweight, Quick-Drying Pants
In terms of clothing, polyester underwear is best, since cotton underwear takes longer to dry out. Wear lightweight, quick-drying pants that do not hold water. Otherwise, they weigh you in the water and on land. Although some anglers swear by shorts, most prefer protection both in the water and en route, with exposed calves leaving anglers vulnerable to ticks, insects, thorny bushes, and stinging nettles.
In colder weather and water, waist-waders can make a world of a difference on a fishing trip, providing not only warmth and comfort, but also access, enabling the angler to venture further from the shore at a variety of different venues, including rivers, reservoirs and lakes. Be safe. If you slip, your waders can fill up with water quick making it hard to move around or pushing you under. Gear up appropriately and pay attention to the depth you are in.