Just wondering what type or style of waders work well for
fishing the surf. Having never worn or used them I am totally
lost!! Any info will help. Thanks.

Best price availability is probably hodgeman wadelite I
breathable waders.  Buy a neoprene over-shoe to save wear and
tear on the booties.  I got my waders at sportmart 40% off
149, they often go on sale.  I got the booties at Sport chalet
for $9.99.   Don't buy them from the diving deptartment, look
out on the floor with the watersports stuff, cheaper and just
as good or better.

Neoprene waders are another option, but I find them very
uncomfortable, and most manufacturers are phasing them out in
favor of lightweight breathables.

quietman

I'd echo what quietman had to say. Get a pair of breathable
waders. Hodgman makes a good wader. If you want to buy online,
www.cabelas.com has plenty to choose from. I happen to use
high dollar Simms Goretex waders but that's because I already
had them to use and didn't want or need to buy a different
pair just for surf fishing.

I don't mean to jump all over this guys post, but I also had
some questions about waders, if anyone cares to chime in.

I am also in the dark about waders and have just recently
gotten hooked into surf fishing. I saw waterproof waders at
Turners for around $40. Have you guys ever used these? (Can't
remember the name brand) I'm just looking for something I can
wear while surf fishing in about knee deep water. I prefer
something waterproof and don't necessarily need anything
expensive. Are these breathable waders waterproof?

Ruben

Breathable waders are definately the way to go. Believe it or
not, you can get too hot and sweaty when the waders aren't
breathable, even in very cold water. What I like to do is wear
thermals or sweatpants underneath the breathable waders if I
need to stay warmer. I prefer that over wearing neoprene since
you'll be dry inside when you take the waders off. I have some
coupons that may get you a good deal on waders on my site
below (e.g., 20% off coupon for Sports Authority).

Tom
www.tacklethief.com

Ruben - the cheaper the waders the more likely they aren't
breathable. The breathable waders are definately waterproof
but they have special material that allows the small water
vapor molecules that are formed from evaporation off your skin
to pass thru from inside to outside. At the same time this
special fabric keeps the larger liquid water molecules on the
outside outside. In this way you stay warm and dry on the
inside. If the day is a bit warm or you work up a sweat by
walking around in the surf the water vapor from your sweat
doesn't collect on the inside of the waders and the layer of
clothes that you have on stays dry. The ultra cheap waterproof
waders may trap the sweat vapor on the inside of the waders
allowing the condensation to collect in your socks or on your
pants. 

When the water is cold, I put on a layer of fleece on my legs
and I keep warm dry and toasty. If you go waterproof try and
make sure that the waterproof material is breathable. The
label should make the claim. I know Goretex is both waterproof
and breathable but it costs big bucks. There are other cheaper
waterproof and breathable material out there.

Richard

Richard,

Thanks. That's the kind of information I was looking for. I
take it that some decent breathable waders will be in the $100
range? I guess I'll check out the local inventory before I
decide. Thanks again.

Ruben

Get breathable.  Worth it.  If money is really tight, wait
till sportmart puts the Hodgman's on sale, otherwise expect to
pay 120-150 for them depending on the version.  Mine are the
more expensive ones, but i bought them 40% off.  You can spend
more, but My belief, based upon the experiences of others, is
that the Hodgmans are nearly as good for a lot less.  You can
spend a lot more!

If worn mine nearly 100 times fishing, including float tube,
stream, surf and kayak, and they lok feel and work like new. 
Bone dry and comfy.  I love them, I TAKE CARE of them.

Picture is of me at Aliso Creek Today, hitting the surf for
BSP's...

quietman


http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/675.jpg

Hey there Errock2,

It's Hodgeman waders hands down!  I had a pair for ten years.
Left them is 100 temps or covered with snow all year. They've
never worn out but a seam did finlly give out because they
shrank (Ya right) right around the stomach area. Imagine That!
ha ha

Got a different pair/brand (bodyglove, no not a wetsuit)now
but still look longingly at my 'shrunk' ones.

I suggest you get the ones with the booties attached and buy a
pair of oversized tennis shoes at the thrift store.

JapanRon

Hodgeman's wadelite breathable waders are $99.99 at Sports
Authority. You can grab the 20% off coupon code off my site
below to get it for around $80. Another option is to get it at
Sportsman's Guide for $79.97 after using a $10 off coupon,
also on my site. I have the same waders and they work great!

Tom
www.tacklethief.com

Well it sounds like the Hodgman breathables are the way to go.
I appreciate the info, thanks guys. I'm gonna get a pair ASAP
and get after it!!! Thanks again.
                          Eric