If you want something cheap, I would recommend the canvas hodgman lace ups at academy. They look like something your grandfather might have worn when he was a kid, but they support your ankles, have a tough bottom, and are less than $40.

There are lots of good expensive boots out there, my favorite are the Patagonia Marlwalkers. They just redesigned them, so you might be able to get a good deal on the old ones.

On the mud, yeah its nasty, but can be very productive. The gooey mud is often caused by decaying plant matter, which feeds vey small stuff, which feeds bigger stuff, which feeds what we fish for. One of my best spots has mud that's at least knee deep. Yeah, the wading sucks, but that slough absolutely fills up with reds at high tide. I know there are fish in Lake Como in the cold months. Here's a link: [url=http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/pom/200403.htm:c550a]http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/pom/200403.htm[/url:c550a]