Joe R

Thanks for replies guys. I missed checking back to this category. As far a wool, layering, etc I have that covered. Last year I would use wool socks and one or two pair of toe warmers and then tall neoprene socks over that (maybe 3mm or so). When it was in the 10s or 20s that is what I would use and in general I could do a 4-5hr outing with that combo of shore fishing wading. Not fond of the the rubber boot foots but that is what I used. What I will probably do is see how far I can get with the breathable stocking foot waders, wool socks, toe warmers. I have Cabelas light wading boots (both felt and lugged) that are size 10. I will play around with how much layering I can do with size 10. If things feel to cold that way I will just get heavy neoprene boot foot waders oversize for foor layering (or get size 11 wading boots that allow more layering). Really for very cold winter fishing the problem for me is hands but I survive that by bringing 2 or 3 pair of gloves and rotate them by putting them under the coat until they warm-up - and keep repeating the procedure as needed. Eric, for under 32deg fishing I use spinning reels with low guide counts. It makes a world of difference. I have old fiberglass rods and some graphite rods that are only 4 or 5 guide rods. I wouldn't fish a rod with more than 6 guides in winter. I'm talking garage sale, swap meet type rods with rugged guides - less guides means less icing hassles and longer casts. I spray guides and line to help condition them also.

Yes your memory serves you well Tom..B'day party we had was last March.... I mentioned to him tonight that you were associated with a Smallmouth fishing alliance...he is elderly and can be a little confused at times but if he mentions it to you now you won't be confused yourself why he brought it up. Of course I don't know you but I told him you were an expert fly fisherman.

Interesting topic as I'm in the market. I fish all winter which includes water crossings and shallow wading and my rubber winter waders (lugged ruber soles) finally died in March they are in a landfill now. I love my felt boots and warmer month waders but they are certainly a no-go soon. I wouldn't consider long treks in the snow with them and certainly nothing banked. If anyone has waders they really like for cold-cold months I'd like to hear about it. Something that could stand the tune of 3-4 hour sub-freezing outings.....

Well this is interesting. I may attend my first ISA meeting if I can clear that evening. Just a couple miles away and a favorite eatery. Hey Tom if you see a 91 year old spritely guy come in there by himself for lunch sometimes (named Joe)...well that's my pops it's a favorite of his..

Just did a real quick scan of this thread I will make some quick comments hopefully not dupes. I have done a lot of paddling and learning water dynamics helps. I paddle year round which includes winter river fishing if you paddle a lot upstream you get in shape which makes it easier. When going upstream the yak you are using makes a big difference (hull design/weight/etc). Some yaks perform better. Early spring/spring can mean higher flow rates and some real arm burns when going upriver. Suggest wearing waders to deal with shallows I would simply tie my anchor rope around my waist and pull my yak upstream in very shallow fast waters. I would simply cast when walking upriver pulling the yak. If you have an anchor trolly from bow to stern obviously you can anchor and hit your spots going upriver or downriver. For anchors I use collapsible 1.5lb grappling anchors or for faster water I use a 3lb grappling anchors. There are pros/cons to using grapplers versus chains and dumbells etc however what I like is that for most instances a 1.5lb grappling anchor is adequate and very light. Care needs to be taken with grappling anchors as you can get yourself in trouble in fast current. You need a knife attached to your pfd to cut anchor line if need be. I have done a lot of long upriver paddles, but I do those less often in warmer months, I often do my own shuttle via bicycle when I just want to do a one way paddle. Either ditch your yak upstream and ride a bike up and lock it or vice versa lock a bike up downstream and than ride back up to your vehicle.