LAST EDITED ON Jul-13-00 AT 10:06 AM (PST)

Tree,

I have tried both waders and a wetsuit. I like the waders much better. It's nice being dry, warm, and comfortable. The hodgeman ones at Sportmart are pretty good (there is a style that is "for all uses" or something like that). I would also recommend getting some oversized diving booties (about 1 or 2 sizes bigger than your regular shoe size - try them on) to go over the feet of your waders. Not only do they protect the waders while you're in the water but you can also put your waders on at the car and walk to where you launch (not having to carry them). I didn't have the booties with my last pair and they didn't last very long once I started hitting the ocean. The waders/booties combo works great for surf fishing when it's a little cold also.

The one advantage to a wetsuit is when you have to relieve yourself. I have a method that works fine for me in the waders but most people that see me do it think I'm insane.

My brother-in-law recently bought the Pro-line from Cabela's (another u-boat converter). We searched around town first and didn't find anything. Watch out for Big 5 - I found some of the float tubes were not in the right boxes! Big 5 is pretty lame when it comes to fishing tackle anyway.

A thin pair of pants (like pajama pants - what my wife calls them) I have found to be the best thing to wear under waders. I used to wear shorts but after a few hot days my waders really started to stink. Sweat pants will work if it's not too hot out. They have these diving socks at the dive shop that I got recently (about $10) that are awesome. They are "fluffy" inside and slippery on the outside. Make the waders slide on and off really easily. Tuck the pants into the socks before putting on your waders (so they don't slide up).

I'm not totally satisfied with my fins. They are the "oversized fins" in the Bass Pro Shops catalog on page 109. They work fine but I think I could do better. What I would do if I were you is get the Caddis High Sierra (Deluxe) or Pro-line from Cabela's and try the free fins it comes with first. If they work for you - great! If not find something else.

Actually, I just noticed that Cabela's doesn't specify if the High Sierra comes with a truck tube or bladder. If it matters to you you might want to call them and check it out.

Also, the Caddis Rod Holder on the same page in the B.P.S. catalog is a waste of money. It sits too low and the reel touches the water. I believe Cabela's sells them also.

Here is another link to an on-line store that has Caddis float tubes. They claim they will match anyone's price. They have the Expert model which is in-between the Deluxe and Pro-line. I've talked to them on the phone and they seem pretty knowledgable.

http://www.mostlysports.com/

Pete

You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.