Footwear on a Guided Float

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Mwo10mwo

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Hi Everyone,

I am going on my very first guided trip tomorrow on the WB and it’s a float. I am very excited, have been practicing my cast and loading out the fly box. I was wondering what footwear and clothes you would recommend. Do I wear my waders? Do I wear flip flops? Do I go barefoot? Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you!
 
I'd wear water shoes. I wouldn't wear waders unless you'll be in the water quite a bit. In waders, you'll be hot in the boat. You'll be cold wet wading for prolonged periods of time but I imagine you'll spend most of the day in the boat. It would be best to ask your guide.

I've worn wading boots without waders while floating but don't feel it is necessary on the WB.
 
I always wear Simms Pursuit wet wading shoes with appropriate socks. Either shorts (with sunscreen) or long pants like Wrangler Outdoor quick drying pants. I prefer a wide brimmed ventilated hat with a chin strap. Don't forget chapstick.
 
I use a pair of Orvis Approach wet wedding shoes. no studs. I screwed up early on not using socks and getting some bad blisters. Whatever you do test drive your footwear and be prepared with some wading socks. I use alpaca wool socks. Some people don't need socks and have seen the guides use open toed adjustable sandals, not for me, but just be prepared as mentioned already.
 
Yeah, no studs if you wear boots, but otherwise wear anything you want really. In summer when I am in my boat it is either Crocs or Flip Flops. I usually take either off when casting since the line usually gets caught in my footwear. Wear shorts if it is hot and be sure to have sunblock. Maybe bring a hooded sun shirt and quick dry long pants if you have them. Helps to keep sun off your neck and knees which get burned 1st in a boat. A hat and polarized sunglasses a must too.
 
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I would suggest closed-toe sandals like Merrells or Keens, wading shoes, or even Crocs over flip-flops, just in case you ever want/need to hop out of the boat. Protect those toes.

Please don't wear waders in a boat for an 80 degree day on the Delaware. I've wet waded the West Branch as early as May and as late as November, and, without fail, I see a bunch of dudes geared up like they are going on a space expedition just to sit in a boat in moderate weather all day. Do your part to combat how embarrassing fly fishing wants to be. The cold water feels good.
 
If you know you won't be wading a pair of old sneakers will be fine. I've worn the same 25-year-old New Balance sneakers for everything from tuna charters to river drift boat trips with no issues.

If you have lightweight pants like Columbia or Patagonia convertible pants wear them. For a shirt I have a couple of very light weight long sleeved Columbia PFG pullovers that I wear mostly for sun protection. If it is cooler I wear a light-weight fishing shirt over it.

You'll probably want a broad brimmed hat, a baseball cap will work to shade your eyes, but your ears may get a little crispy.

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂
 
Did this and he said whatever is comfortable. So it seems it’s dealers choice, just wanted to get some different opinions. I’ll probably end up with flip flops and a pair of old sneakers in case wet wading happens
 
I get something to cover your feet never know what’s under the water. I wet waded with sandals until I cut my toe up really bad now I use old shoes or a good pair of water shoes. Or even go buy a cheap pair of those washable skechers shoes.
 
You are probably floating Stilesville to somewhere on the lower WB like Balls Eddy. All the action is high on the system at this time of year. If you expect to get out of the boat and wade I suggest you wear waders. Water temps will be in the low to mid 50s. It’s probably in the 40s coming out of the dam. I think you’re getting advice from some people that have never dipped a toe in the West Branch and think it’s July so wet wading must be comfortable. You can freeze your a$$ off on that river on a warm day. If you are fishing from the boat the entire time you won’t need waders but if you’re getting out of that boat at all to fish suggest you stay dry in a pair of waders.
 
McSneek said:
You are probably floating Stilesville to somewhere on the lower WB like Balls Eddy. All the action is high on the system at this time of year. If you expect to get out of the boat and wade I suggest you wear waders. Water temps will be in the low to mid 50s. It’s probably in the 40s coming out of the dam. I think you’re getting advice from some people that have never dipped a toe in the West Branch and think it’s July so wet wading must be comfortable. You can freeze your a$$ off on that river on a warm day. If you are fishing from the boat the entire time you won’t need waders but if you’re getting out of that boat at all to fish suggest you stay dry in a pair of waders.
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Advice appreciated. I will for sure bring my waders!
 
McSneek said:
You are probably floating Stilesville to somewhere on the lower WB like Balls Eddy. All the action is high on the system at this time of year. If you expect to get out of the boat and wade I suggest you wear waders. Water temps will be in the low to mid 50s. It’s probably in the 40s coming out of the dam. I think you’re getting advice from some people that have never dipped a toe in the West Branch and think it’s July so wet wading must be comfortable. You can freeze your a$$ off on that river on a warm day. If you are fishing from the boat the entire time you won’t need waders but if you’re getting out of that boat at all to fish suggest you stay dry in a pair of waders.
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It's a crazy sensation to be wearing waders and have numb toes in July while sweat is dripping from your forehead.
 
McSneek said:
Oh you’re cool. You wet wade the West Branch.
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If not needing a full body condom to go swimming in July is cool, then consider me Miles Davis.

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I wouldn’t recommend waders on any boat or float trips. They fill with water you going to have a heck of a time getting out especially in the stronger currents.
If worried about cold and wet. Neoprene socks and just pants should work.
 
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