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Fishing Tackle
Using breathable waders for bass fishing
15 December 2009
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The further you walk and the more you wade, the more bass you will catch. Most anglers love talking about rods, reels and lures, but in my mind, one of the most important tackle requirements for my mobile bass fishing is a good pair of breathable chest waders. I don’t mind admitting that I first came across them when out photographing around the fly fishing world, and almost immediately I saw their uses for a lot of UK saltwater shore based fishing. The most obvious use is for actually getting in the water (wading) and accessing more water to either fish lures or baits through. Once you start wearing breathable chest waders for your bass fishing, you will wonder how on earth you managed without them. Let’s be honest, there are not that many days when wet-wading in the UK seems that appealing !!
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Before you choose a pair of waders, think hard about your wading boots and the grip you might need. Personally I think that some kind of studded sole suits the majority of the terrain we might cover when out bass fishing. In one session we could be walking across sand, grass, rocks, sea weed and mud, and whilst no sole will work perfectly for everything, studs work the best over most of these particular surfaces. I am not completely sure if I prefer studded felt or rubber soles, but more and more I am leaning towards the studded rubber soles in the Greys Platinum and the Hardy EWS2 wading boots. Go walking about on the wet rocks and climb up and down the cliffs and you will be an immediate convert to studded soles.
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I reckon a lightweight pair of chest waders is as important to summer bass fishing as it is for spring, autumn and winter. Some of you I know will no doubt like wet wading in our cold waters, but one of the most useful thing about waders is that they are a permanent waterproof bottom three quarters. This might seem obvious, but they are so useful outside of just wading out and fishing. Not having to think about the repercussions of getting wet just makes fishing that bit more easier and effective. Hard to explain to a person who has never worn waders, but you need to trust me on it and give them a go. Layer up accordingly underneath during warmer weather and any of the Hardy or Greys breathable waders will work for bass fishing, whatever the weather and whatever the conditions throw at you.
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I simply can’t conceive going winter fishing for bass these days without a pair of waders. But forget all about wearing neoprene waders if you intend to walk any distance, for they are simply horrendous and you will end up soaking wet from sweat. They might seem appealing when the temperature plummets and the wind is howling in off the sea, but all you need to do is to wear a few thin layers underneath your breathables and you’ll happily fish in virtually anything. When it gets cold, the Hardy EWS fleece joggers work really well in keeping you warm and mobile. The trick is to retain a balance between warmth and mobility, and that is a big part of the reason why breathable chest waders mean everything to me for bass fishing.
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Bass love a bit of life to the sea. Give them a bit of chop and lift and they can really get turned on to your lures. But this “life” means you are going to have to get in amongst it and take the odd soaking. Just as I only want to have to carry one plugging rod, chest waders mean that we can wear one protective and waterproof three quarter layer, and then add or take away a waterproof top depending on conditions. I still hear from anglers who ask whether a decent pair of lightweight waders can really make that much difference to their shore based fishing. I just can’t work out how any angler does not see them as vital. I virtually live in mine.