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Experience
Finally got some gear and tied some flies. After going to some small (8-10 yards wide with sand bottom) local streams, I decided to go to a bigger one with faster moving current and of course more problems.
I had the worst time keeping my balance because of the big rocks and slime that was on them. Fell twice, by the way. I kept either losing my footing on the big (2 computer monitors combind and single) rocks or stepping into a deep pocket. I bought felt boots because I thought that was going to help. Most of my local stream are like this one.
I was very discouraged about my outting because I did not feel safe.
I need suggestion on what would help me with this problem. Either product (Something for Shoes/Staff(SP?) or just plain old more practice.
Thanks,
lkjh
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Some streams/rivers are much slipperier (is that spelled right) than others, to the point of being in danger without a wading staff.
I know, just one more thing, but they do work. The one which fold up are the best in my opinion. You might check out Folstaf on our Sponsor page.
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LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
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lkjh,
It is fact that at first you will will feel unsafe. There is no other "act" similar to wading in slime covered rocks. As LF suggests, a staff is a nice addition....as are cleated shoes. Shoes are available with cleats (some even removable) and there are also "add-on" cleats that slip over your existing boots via a strapped harness (Korkies sp? are just such an item).
Go slow, deliberately place your feet, and focus on stepping between the rock "tops". Stepping from one rock and trying to stay on the top of the next is sure to dump you every time. I personally just go slow and let my foot slip off the top (most of my weight is on the firmly planted foot, not the "feeler foot") of the rock into a nice resting spot, transfer my weight and do the same with the next foot/step.
Perhaps you can start off wading in rivers or lakes with less or smaller rocks? This will acclimate you to the current, water pressure on your legs, temperature, etc.
Good luck and don't do anything or get yourself in a situation that you are not comfortable with. I don't weigh much so my personal rule is not to wade past my inseam, as I'd surely be floating away http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/smile.gif
MikeC
[This message has been edited by MikeC (edited 11 June 2002).]
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I can really relate to this one as a newbie whose feet, though overly large, have also become rather numb for reasons my MD. cannot explain!
LF gave you some great advice. By all means get a collapsible wading staff, wear it's holster near your domainant hand, and whip it out whenever you are wading any stream. Tie the cord to your belt or vest so it doesn't float away when you need both hands.
Falling in deep water scares me much less than falling in shallow water where I might break a bone or get a concussion. My collapsible wadiing staff is as important to me as my rod. I won't leave home without it!
Last week I drove an hour to a new place I had found on the topo maps that seemed very interesting. There had been a big storm 2 days before and the current was high. I tried wading in and, even with the wading staff, it was too much for me. So, I drove to some "nearby" tailwaters where I felt safe.
Point of that last paragraph is that, as much as I am developing a passion for this sport, it is not worth giving up my life for a shot at some trout. The wading staff will help you a lot, but keep exercising that good judgment! If it feels scary, go elsewhere.
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I did as oldfrat did, checked out a river that last week was full and furious and left after 15 minutes to fish an easier quieter place.
I also have a SOSpender (inflatable life vest) that I use on those waters I do not feel comfortable with.
As for a staff. I cut a maple sapling and whipped a chord handle onto it. It took about an hour to make it and the price is right. Should I loose it, I can just replace it. I also use that when I feel shakey.
As for wading, some tips for you. Stay sideways to the current as you move. Less pressure against your body. Angle your direction slightly downstream. It allows the current to help your movement, rather than having to fight its full force. Link arms with a fishing buddy if your not alone. Two people are more stable than one. Lastly, you can use your rod if you start to fall. Slap it against the water (as oppossed to pointing it down and jamming it into the river bed) for support. It will bend and can be the difference between standing and swimming.
jed
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wading can be an entire operation in and of itself, worthy of practice and testing alone. Trying to learn to wade and fish at the same time might be a bit steep of a gradient.
If this place is convenient it might be prudent to get a wading staff and head out simply to practice moving safely through the water.
I built my own wading staff out of an industrial mop handle with a tip Goop glued onto the end. I put an eye in the top and have some nylon lanyard attached to keep it with me when I have to put it down to fish. Any sort of stout stick that gets the job done for you is best. Or spring the big bucks for one of the collapsible models.
Even with the staff, I use my feet like a monkey and feel my way forward step by step.
I humbly submit that you please don't give up on a fine sport until giving it another try bearing in mind all of the above posts to this thread.
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[email:8b31c]rrhyne56@attbi.com[/email:8b31c]
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Hi ikjh, RW here.
After fishing the salmon/steelhead rivers of the Great Lakes, there is no question in my mind. CLEATS! Wherever there is moss, slime
mud covered rocks, ledgerock or just walking down a slippery trail to the river in the rain, I want cleats on my feet. I've seen enough bad falls, including broken bones, to think any other way. Just my 2 cents. RW
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lkjh
Where do you hail from. Maybe someone on the board can give you a lead as to where an easier place to fish would be.
jed
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Hi,
I have a pair of L L Bean wading shoes with the titanium spikes on them. There is no slipping on slippery rocks with them. I use to just use the cheap rubber hip boots and almost broke my neck a few times. The streams up here in Northcentral PA are very slic. The boots are a little expensive but very well made and very comfortable on a long day hiking to or in a stream. I recommend them with out hesitation. Also I have their Gortex waders and they are very nice as well if anyone is looking for waders look into these. Just my 2 cents.
Pete
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Just another reminder: Please don't forget to wear a wading belt. If (when) you do fall your waders won't immidiately take on water, and take you down faster than a diving submarine!
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Screamin' Reels