I made do with … let’s just say “lower end” … waders for years. Didn’t see much reason to pick up a nicer pair, as I am historically really (really, really, really) hard on jeans, shoes, and other gear. I guess I just thought that even if I only got 2-3 years from a pair (yes, that’s WITH very heavy Aquaseal usage), they cost so little, in comparison, that I would somehow end up ahead.
This year … no. Those opening day boot seam fails really made an impact, so it was time to step up to the real thing.
I think I’m okay with calling this my Father’s Day present to myself.
Great help from Worley Bugger Fly Co., where Steve walked me through options and benefits of various models, and sorted out the proper sizing. I know I’ve said it, before, but that is a great shop. Highly recommend stopping in, if you are in or passing through/near Ellensburg, WA, and have even a passing interest in Fly Fishing and/or Fly Tying.
I picked mine up on a westward pass by town, and got to try them out heading back East, later in the week.
Love this spot, overall. Good access (even has picnic tables, in case the family agrees to let me play in the river on a Seattle drive, some days) and excellent looking waters. The week prior, there was rain and higher temperatures, so the river flow was well above anything I had previously seen (1200cfs+) and the water was a bit murky and choppy, as a result. This week, though…
Excellent visibility, and the flow had dropped to 550cfs, but maybe a bit more work needed on the temp?
Based on this, and my ongoing Dry Fly focus, I really didn’t count on connecting with anything on a “lunch hour fishing stop,” but it was a great chance to really put the new waders and my Korker boots to the test.
Final verdict: Simms Guide Classic Waders are amazingly comfortable, feel like they will be far more durable than the others (no, I won’t be bashing the brand. I got what I paid for, after all), and the proper sizing allowed me to have a bit of extra flex and leg movement, too. I have a habit of probably extending my stride too far (got to get to THAT rock, to keep my torso out of the water, you know), and these gave me the freedom to do so, when needed. Also impressive that my notoriously poor circulation, which on other waders prompted me to often “double-sock”, didn’t cause me significant issues in these, despite that water temp.
Of course, the true test will come with me putting these through the same use (abuse?) as it’s predecessors, but from the feel of the Gore-tex, and the reinforcement on the legs, I have high hopes.
To all the other Dads out there; Happy Father’s Day, this weekend!
I hope to get some good fishing in, if the weather provides the opportunity. Until then, I’ll leave you with this bit of relaxation.
Hopefully, I will have more to share in the next couple of days.
Tight lines…