Wadding Boot recommendations?

[hondo]

I have finally gotten back serious into fly and I ned to replace a set of canvas Hodgeman wading boots. The shoes have felt soled. They don't offer a lot of support and I have to say I had a hell of a time trying to keep my balance especially when you get moss on the rocks ( took my first bath in the stream in over 15 years).

The things I am looking for are added traction, comfort, support and ease of putting them on. I was looking at getting some studded boots and I came across a number of reviews and information of the Chota "STL" Plus Wading Boots.

Does anyone any experience with these and studded boots in particular and do you have some other recommendations.

Thanks

 

[JOE.T]

I have been using Patagonia beefy wading boots now for three years.

First I will start by saying that I have tryed them all;Hodgeman,orvis,Simms,etc.These are the first boots that have lasted me just about three seasons which is a testament in itself.No boots ever made a second season with me.(I fish a lot).

The boots feature a felt/stud combo.They also provide excellent ankle support.The boot comes up higher to the shin than most other boots.Theyare light and great for long hikes in.The tounge is neoprene and they are very easy to put on.

Not sure of the price but they where 158.00 when they first came out.

 

[Ahab]

My Chota boots are the best I have ever owned in 40 years of fly fishing. Without a doubt far superior to the hodgeman, orvis and simms boots I previously wore. I was in a motor vehicle accident 20 years ago the broke most of the bones in my right foot and resulted in the loss of a toe. I need a boot that gives great, not just good, support for the foot, is tough and comfortable to wear all day. The Chota fits this description completely. The studs are removable ( I leave mine in) and the "felt" sole material is extremetly durable. These boots are fantastic. Another plus is that they are $30 to $40 less than the Pantagoria boots.

 

[bjmiller]

I have a pair of Danner's and they're also great. My main fishing partner has a pair of Patagonia's like Joe and he's also extremely happy with them.

 

[WB Catechumen]

You guys fish with studs too? I also wear studs mostly because I bought them for wading and crossing in fast water up in Pulaski. I was fishing the WB one day with a friend that fishes about as much as you Joe ;-) and he said I should leave them home because they spook the fish. I haven't noticed a difference by continuing to wear them, but when I am stalking fish in slow to slack water I do move very slowly.
Anyone else think they spook fish?

 

[JOE.T]

Spook fish?

I have never had a problem spooking fish wearing these boots.

I fish the slooooow pools of the Neversink,East branch and the Missouri river and always get myself close enough to the fish without spooking them.

Ahab a friend of mine has a pair of the chotas and swears by them as well.

 

[fcch]

One more vote for the Chotas.

My wife uses the "Classic wader" and I have the STL Plus.

http://www.chotaoutdoorgear.com/

I use the cleats and also cleated her's.

A friend who works with fish said the cleat noise is less spooky to fish than the lower fequency noises of splashing and thumping. Go figure ??

Chris

 

[WB Catechumen]

Thanks for the replies
You've saved me some $$$ by not having to buy an extra pair of felt soled boots. I thought felt soles would be the way to go especially since I have to climb on the fishes back to catch one. Those who can make 75 foot casts don't have to worry about being stealth like. ;-)
Those Chotas do look good and will be my next pair.
I like that the spikes are replaceable.

 

[CR]

Here's another way to save a buck....go to Home Depot and buy a package of #8, half-inch or 5/8 long hex head screws for 69 cents, instead of the 7 dollar bag of the same exact thing from the fly shop.

 

[WB Catechumen]

Is that what they are - screws? They will wear out fast. No worries though I have hundreds of screws that size. Stainless and zinc so if anyone needs some let me know. My Simms boots have carbide tips which last just about forever. The only problem with the Simms boots is that there aren't enough spikes to ensure solid footing in fast water.

 

[hondo]

Thanks guys

It was between the Patagonia's and the Chotas. I based on what I have read and been told, I think I will go the route of the Chota "STL" Plus. I found out where I can get them for 115.00 with no shipping and no tax.

 

[willowhead]

I have the Simms guide model and i love 'em. They are the kind that have removeable studs. AND, (and this is VERY important) they are the kind with Aquastealth soles. NEVER and i repeat, NEVER, buy felt. There have been studies done which PROVE that whirling disease can be spread by felt. The spores that cause the disease can live in the felt for up to three years dry. And as soon as they get wet again, wam, bam, thank you mam, they are right back in the river. And you can transport the disease from river to river that way. NEVER buy felt soled wading boots. Aquastealth holds/grips just as well if not BETTER than felt anyway. I've used nothing but Aquastealth since 1995 or so, whenever the first L.L.Beans came out, and they ARE, WHERE'S IT'S AT! The new Simms model is very light too, great for all day long. But don't worry, the toe is pretty rugged/sturdy. So, in the immortal words of Marshall McCloud from Taos, New Mexico, "there you go." mark