What bib/waders to get for boat fishing and surf/creek fishing.

[keeslynch]

Hi,

I want to purchase a bib or waders that will work for surf fishing, creek fishing, and to wear on a boat. I already know that I want to get a pair that goes up to my chest. I just can't decide whether to get one with built-in boots. stocking feet, or ones that just cut off at the ankle. I don't really want to have wear waders with built-in boots on a boat. However, I think that if I just slide boots over the bib with no feet, water will come in after the tops of my boots go underwater, and I won't have as much versatility. Do y'all think that I could buy the bibs that just go to the ankles and then buy hip boots and an elastic belt to go around my waders that the hip boots strap onto? I would tuck the bib into the hip boots. Or should I just get a pair with built-in shoes and look kind of dumb on the boat? I don't own a boat so I only fish with my friends who have boats and charters, and I do most of my surf fishing in the summer but occasionally in the fall/spring. I don't want to spend too much; they don't have to be insulated, I just want them to last.

Thanks for the help.

Edited October 14, 2018 by keeslynch

[HighEndHooker]

Bibs and waders are two different products for two different applications. There is none that will be good for both

[pd07]

I wouldn’t wear waders on a boat.

[MakoMike]

Wearing waders on a boat is ridiculous and could be dangerous if you were to fall overboard. Bibs will do you no good at all for surf fishing. As someone else said, two different products for two different applications.

[Jay in the Bay]

Yes, definitely a no-go for one product for both purposes.  

Waders are for the surf and creeks.  IMO, bootfoot (built in boots) are the best, as no sand can get in them.

 

For bibs, I'm assuming you mean Grundens.  They are good for the boat, but I don't recommend tucking them in your boot, as if you fall over they can fill with water and take you under.

[keeslynch]

3 hours ago, Jay in the Bay said:

Yes, definitely a no-go for one product for both purposes.  

Waders are for the surf and creeks.  IMO, bootfoot (built in boots) are the best, as no sand can get in them.

 

For bibs, I'm assuming you mean Grundens.  They are good for the boat, but I don't recommend tucking them in your boot, as if you fall over they can fill with water and take you under.

I am thinking of Grundens. Do you know of any good bootfoot waders? I don't want to spend too much.

[nateD]

I don't see any problem with lightweight waders on a boat, just make sure you wear a belt, I do it on a kayak.

[WindAndWater]

Boot foot waders are good only if you have regular or narrow feet. I wear a EE and stocking foot waders are much better for me for that reason since I can wear a boot or shoe that I feel comfortable in. That’s pretty important when you might walk a couple of miles along the beach. 

 

The drawback is that yes, sand and stuff gets into the shoes. 

[OnTheFish]

3 hours ago, SoCalStripers said:

Boot foot waders are good only if you have regular or narrow feet. I wear a EE and stocking foot waders are much better for me for that reason since I can wear a boot or shoe that I feel comfortable in. That’s pretty important when you might walk a couple of miles along the beach. 

 

The drawback is that yes, sand and stuff gets into the shoes. 

I agree about the boot foot waders and much prefer the stocking foot if I take the time to lace boots up tight and attach the gravel guards i have very little sand get in definitely not enuff to go back to boot foot waders

[WindAndWater]

Wanted to add one more thing. 

 

For waders recommendation, check out Hodgman’s H3. They’re awesome. Only $110 for the stocking foot version with free shipping. 

 

I haven’t tried the insulated model but I would think it’s just as well made as the non insulated ones I have. Think those are $130-140 or something like that. 

 

[27conch]

Waders on a boat will be uncomfortable, plus there are really not made for this purpose.

 

I wear LLBean bootfoot breathable waders for surf fishing.

 

I wear BassPro Gortex Bibs on a boat.  I love these things as they are super comfortable and warm.  Would never go back to the Grudens.

[keeslynch]

3 hours ago, SoCalStripers said:

Wanted to add one more thing. 

 

For waders recommendation, check out Hodgman’s H3. They’re awesome. Only $110 for the stocking foot version with free shipping. 

 

I haven’t tried the insulated model but I would think it’s just as well made as the non insulated ones I have. Think those are $130-140 or something like that. 

 

Thanks so much for the input. What boots would I wear with that? I have a pair of LaCrosse Grange boots that are 18 inches. Would these work? Or do I need those wading boots that can strap to the bottom of waders?

[WindAndWater]

I went with this random $19 hiking boot from the Big 5 sporting goods chain here in SoCal. I ended up going 2 sizes bigger. 

 

Some people actually bring the waders into the store with them to get the best possible sizing. If you do that, I’d suggest doing so while the waders are still new.