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Fishing in Alaska can be an expensive endeavor, not least
because the state’s fresh and saltwater angling environments demand the very
best in gear. Use a cheap rod and you can be almost certain a turbo-charged
sockeye will one day leave it in an odd amount of pieces. Use a cheap reel
and you’ll eventually hear gears grind to mush as your dream king barrels
out-of-sight around the bend. Use cheap waders and you’ll soon understand
why both of the above are referred to as coldwater gamefish.
Almost every
streamside location in Alaska requires at least some wading to get to the
fish. Couple less-than-inviting water temperatures with the often remote—and
raw—nature of the Last Frontier’s very best angling destinations, where
there’s no tackle shop to run to for repairs or replacements, and this is
one place where anglers can quickly come to regret putting off that
breathable wader purchase until next year.
In previous issues of Fish Alaska we’ve reviewed the best in chest waders
themselves, but here we’d like to highlight some supplementary products
designed with wading angler in mind.
WADING JACKETS
A relatively recent development within flyfishing
outerwear, wading jackets are often gone without by a majority of anglers,
who simply choose a standard rain jacket for their outermost layer. But
they are an excellent piece of multipurpose clothing to own and can pay
big dividends when fishing wet and windy Alaska.
The new generation of Gore-Tex wading jackets features a level of
waterproof-ness unmatched by almost any other type of waterproof or
water-resistant shell found on the market today. Plus, these jackets are
engineered for the fisherman, so the oversized and abundant pockets can
serve a function usually held by the flyfishing vest.
Simms
www.simmsfishing.com
It should come as no surprise that one of the very best
wading jackets currently on the market comes from the undisputed leader in
wader technology. As the only U.S. wader manufacturer licensed to use
Gore-Tex materials, the Simms Guide Jacket naturally features Gore-Tex XCR
fabric, which is 25% more breathable than classic three-layer Gore-Tex
fabric. This extra breathability allows perspiration vapor to travel right
through the membrane, reducing sweat buildup and extending anglers’
comfort. The Guide Jacket also features Simms’ patented built-in
retractors, which are great for keeping nippers, hemostats, hook files,
and the like handy but still secure. A large back pocket with a water
resistant zipper is ideal for storing anything from that shoreside lunch
to extra clothing and gear. A watertight stretch cuff minimizes water
entry, allowing anglers to cast or release that prize fish without
worrying about getting wet, and a roll-up adjustable storm hood provides
protection from wind and rain in Alaska’s nastiest spring and fall
temperatures. The Guide Jacket is available in forest and khaki and
retails for $350.
New for 2003 is another Simms wading jacket, the
Freestone Jacket. Constructed of two-layer Gore-Tex fabric, the Freestone
features two large hand-warmer pockets with zippered fly box pockets,
adjustable stretch cuffs, storm hood, and lightweight polyester mesh
lining. The Freestone comes in moss and retails for $189.
Cabela’s
www.cabelas.com
Also designed with Gore-Tex XCR fabric, like the Simms
Guide Jacket, Cabela’s new Deluxe Wading Jacket provides anglers with
extreme weather protection, the comfort to fish for long stretches of
time, and the durability required to withstand the toughest, most remote
locations—namely, Alaska.
Cabela’s Deluxe Wading Jacket is constructed with
innovative stretch panels across the back and under the arms and elbows to
enable anglers to cast or maneuver a boat without bunching or binding. The
Deluxe Wading Jacket also features front cargo pockets with waterproof
side-access zippers and Velcro flap-covered top zippers that let anglers
access the pocket or interior of the jacket. Cabela’s Deluxe Wading jacket
retails for $239.95-$249.95, depending on size.
Patagonia
www.patagonia.com
Since 1989, the SST Jacket has been Patagonia’s top
angling-specific outer shell. The SST is constructed of the company’s
three-layer H2No HB, a fabric package that is completely waterproof,
highly breathable, and very packable, with an advanced Deluge durable
water repellant finish and a lightweight, durable outer layer to provide
abrasion and tear resistance. SST Jackets come with outer elasticized
chest pockets that are oversized to accommodate most fly boxes, handwarmer
pockets, two inner, zippered chest pockets, a large elasticized back
storage pocket, an adjustable hood, hidden rod holder, and cuffs to keep
water out when casting in rain or releasing a fish. The SST Jacket retails
for $295.
FLYFISHING VESTS
When the weather is something less than nasty, or even
when it is, many anglers prefer the traditional flyfishing vest to be
their carryall on the stream. A product that has stood the test of time,
the flyfishing vest of today is not substantially different than the
versions marketed forty or fifty years ago. Lighter, more breathable,
water-resistant, improved and expanded pocket layout, built-in
retractors—but still a fishing vest, and still an angler’s best friend on
the water.
Simms
www.simmsfishing.com
Designed for maximum carrying capacity, the Simms Guide
Vest is lightweight, highly water-resistant, and features a balanced,
tailored fit to minimize the weight shifts that can become a hazard with a
fully loaded vest. The design of the vest features a horizontal “Guide”
pocket layout that holds up to four large fly boxes, as well as two
top-entry back pockets for maximum storage, and Simms’ patented built-in
retractors. Its two-layer mesh-lined construction stays cooler in warmer
weather, while its Nylon Supplex material features HT Teflon treatment for
water-resistance in stormier weather. The Simms Guide Vest is engineered
to fit both men and women and retails for $149.
Simms Freestone Vest, with high-quality construction, a
functional design, and a very reasonable price, is a great choice for the
entry-level angler. The Freestone features a horizontal pocket layout that
holds two large fly boxes and two medium fly boxes, a top-entry back
pocket, and the same material and treatment as the Guide Vest. The
Freestone retails for $79.
Cabela’s
www.cabelas.com
Cabela’s A.F.T. Fly-Fishing Vest has been designed with
a unique Lycra stretch mesh yoke to distribute the weight of the vest
evenly across an angler’s shoulders. A moisture control system provides
added wicking properties to move sweat away from the body, and the
“CoolMax” mesh liner aids in ventilation and quick drying. The A.F.T. vest
has 14 front pockets, including two interior pockets, two water bottle
pockets on the back, and a back zippered pocket for extra storage. The
vest comes in British tan and depending on size, retails for $89.95 to
$99.95.
Patagonia
www.patagonia.com
Patagonia’s Vertical Pocket Fishing Vest combines an
innovative fabric and field-tested design in a vest ideal for any weather
type—whether hot or cold, wet or dry. This vest features a padded collar,
a rod holder, hoops for polarized glasses, accessory D-rings, and an
inverted hemostat carrier to keep stats out of the way of fly lines. The
Patagonia Vertical vest contains 19 pockets in all, including piggyback
tool and reach-across zippered pockets. The vertical pocket configuration
allows this vest to accommodate larger fly boxes while not infringing on
the angler’s mobility. The Vertical Pocket Fishing Vest from Patagonia
retails for $155.
WADING BOOTS
Granted, anglers may choose to buy a simple rain jacket
and forgo the price tag usually associated with Gore-Tex, though they’ll
probably be a little wetter and a little chillier by the end of the day.
They can also prefer to lug a dry bag filled with the necessary gear or
instead of donning a fly vest. But the one thing no Alaska angler can’t go
without for very long is a quality pair of wading boots. Here are a few of
the best we’ve tried and liked.
Simms
www.simmsfishing.com
The Simms Guide Boot, designed for the hardcore angler’s
use, is an extremely durable leather boot featuring outstanding traction,
protection, and stability. The Guide Boot features water-repellent
full-grain Nubuck leather uppers and double-layer mesh quarter panels that
minimize shrinking and provide superior drainage. They are triple stitched
for longer wear and have a contoured speed lacing system and tough Cordura
nylon laces. PVC welt, stitched with super-dense felt for added
durability, and EVA midsoles provide maximum protection from sharp rocks.
The felt-bottomed Guide Boot retails for $139, while a studded version of
the same boot, with carbide-tipped steel spikes, retails for $159. A third
version of the Guide Boot, with AquaStealth rubber soles for added
durability when hiking, reduced water absorption, and minimized snow and
mud build-up, also with carbide-tipped steel spikes, retails for $169.
The Freestone Boot is the newest model of Simms wading
boot. With tough vinyl uppers, a triple-stitched instep hiking boot
design, a padded Cordura collar and tongue for comfort, and a roomy toe
box, the Freestone offers Simms quality, protection, and comfort at an
economical price. The Freestone also features an EVA midsole for
protection from rocks and a tough Goodyear welt that secures the upper to
the mid-sole. The Freestone retails for $79, with a studded model priced
at $99.
Cabela’s
www.cabelas.com
Cabela’s Backcountry Wading Boots are designed with
superior ankle support and polyurethane midsoles for increased stability
and shock absorption. They’re also available with either high-density felt
soles or with rubber cleated outsoles to help achieve maximum traction on
just about any surface. Heavy-duty nylon and synthetic uppers help keep
weight down, while the toes and heels are reinforced with Cabela’s Wade
Guard for added durability. The mesh side panels reduce the boot’s overall
weight while allowing water to drain and still keeping sediment and rocks
out. The felt sole model retails for $59.95 and the Backcountry Wading
Boot with a rubber-cleated sole for $54.95.
Patagonia
www.patagonia.com
Patagonia’s Beefy Wading Shoe is the top-of-the-line
product for this noted flyfishing gear and clothing manufacturer. The
Beefy Wading Shoe employs tungsten-carbide-tipped steel studs for extra
traction, stiffer synthetic leather cuffs and uppers for critical
reinforcement, and a torsionally rigid midsole for extra support. Each
pair also comes with grit-repelling knit mesh upper reinforced with
quick-drying synthetic leather, a stout toe box and heel counter, and a
nylon/spandex neoprene tongue. The Beefy Wading Shoe retails for $160.
Jim Teeny
www.jimteeny.com
For something a little bit different in a boot, anglers
might consider the Jim Teeny Wading Shoe. The significant difference
between these and traditional wading boots is the fact there are no
bothersome laces to tighten or inevitably, break. The lightweight,
felt-bottomed Jim Teeny Wading Shoe comes with a comfortable neoprene
insert on the instep that allows for easy on/off and a comfortable range
of motion for wading anglers. Some other features are a rear entry zipper,
a hard, rubberized toe and specialized heel support for excellent
stability and protection, and tough synthetic leather and Cordura
construction for durability. The Jim Teeny Wading Shoe retails for $79.95.
Korkers
www.korkers.com
If there is an identifiable trend in the wading boot
market today, it’s the interchangeable sole. And here the Korkers
Konvertible Wading Boot is leading the way.
Made from leather and Cordura nylon, the lightweight
Korkers Konvertible is the company’s first product that features their new
OmniTrax Sole Technology. Instead of needing screws or tools for inserts,
the Korkers’ soles slide into a toe recess and are secured by a strap at
the back of the ankle. Anglers can change from the rubber lug trail soles
used on the hike in to felt bottoms in a matter of seconds.
The Korkers Konvertible retails for $129.95, with extra
soles ranging from $19.95 to $29.95. Soles available are the rubber lug
trail, felt, studded rubber, felt studded, AquaStealth, and a soft,
non-marking rubber boat sole.
WADING BELTS
Aggressive waders and anglers who fish deep and heavy
flows already know that a wading belt is a must.Pliers and other tools can
be clipped to belts for carrying ease, but the primary reason for wearing
a belt has been safety. Now the concept of the traditional wading belt has
been taken one step further.
Jim Teeny
www.jimteeny.com
Designed with angler confort in mind, the Jim Teeny
wading belt featuers a newly designed reversible rod holder, accessory
pockets for organizing gear, a water bottle carrier, pockets for pliers,
fly boxes, and leaders, and two d-rings for retractors. The Jim Teeny
Wading Belt is lightweight, fully adjustable, and comes in either sage or
taupe. Retail price: $55. A simplified version of the belt without all the
pockets and carriers—its major function is to hold a flyrod while you tie
your fly or release a fish is available for only $25.
Be sure to watch for
Fish Alaska’s special
Gear Review issue next month. Our field editors are testing and reviewing
just about everything a fisherman needs against the rigors of the Alaska
wild. |
