Question on Waders

I am new to float fishing and new to waders.

I just bought my first (new to me) float tube, a SuperCat 60 with Force Fins. The water temps where I am going to be fishing is around 70 degrees currently. I am thinking of getting a pair of chest high breathable waders with attached neoprene booties rather than waders with boots.

My questions:

Obviously subjective but how cold of water are a set of say Frogg Toggs going to be comfortable in vs say neoprene waders? Trying to save some money by not buying neoprene.

Are the bootie type waders going to work okay? My Force Fins accommodate some of my tennis shoes but not all. Meaning I can't get my feet into the fins with all shoes so I'm pretty sure waders with boots will not fit.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Why don’t you just try fishing in board-shorts and not waste time or money with waders?!
70° waters are considered warm.
I fished year-round in board-shorts until the water temp dropped to below 55°.
It’s OK to get wet and it allows you to relieve yourself when they need arises.

SP Dan <“))><

You make a couple good points thanks Dan.

Being bare legged also helped me to where I was able to feel the thermal-plane changes in the water temperatures and I was always stayed on the cold side of the current rather than on the warm side of the current.
As we all know, a 1° change in water temperature can increase or decrease the bite. Fish stay where they are comfortable and this will help you to stay on the fish!
It helped me and I did pretty well with it.

SP Dan <“))><

I spend the summers in the White Mountains, AZ and winters in the valley so I'm thinking I may never need waders. I like the idea of being able to feel the temp changes. Thanks.

float2fish wrote:I spend the summers in the White Mountains, AZ and winters in the valley so I'm thinking I may never need waders. I like the idea of being able to feel the temp changes. Thanks.

I’m located in Chandler, AZ as of May of 2023.
The White mountains are east of me.
I haven’t been over in that area yet. I know that Pinetop is about three hours from me.
I heard that it’s really beautiful over there.

Waders are good in a few situations even if the water is warm. For instance, weed lines offer a varity of bugs that come to meet you. The waders keep the itchy stuff from rubbing on you. I use breathable stocking foot waders and use neoprene Flats Boots to protect the bottom. I used to wear shoes down to the water and take them off put the fins right over the stocking foot.

I did evolve to a couple of sets of Force Fins for fitting over booties and going without booties. And neoprene waders keep you very warm so unless it 50 degrees or less don't bother.

I hope this helps

Thanks Jerdon, I'll keep these thoughts in mind.

I am back.
I know that I told you that I don’t wear waders and that’s a true statement. But I used to!

I own (3) three (like new) pairs of waders that are stored hanging on hangers in my inside guest closet.

I own (1) breathable Simms G-4 boot-foot for surf fishing, (1) breathable Simms G-4 sock-foot waders for all around general fishing and float tube fishing and (1) pair of breathable Caddis Wadding Systems sock-foot waders for tube or surf   fishing.

I just don’t care to wear waders, they didn’t make me a better fisherman. I actually started catching more fish when not wearing them because I could feel the changes in the water temperatures more accurately.
And I’m not afraid of bugs. 🪳🪲🪰   Ha ha ha!!

But I was fearful of the seals during their mating season in the harbors!!
The mature bulls got to be very territorial about their girlfriends!! 🦭🦭

SP Dan <“))><

You should consider Wader Skins - either Leggings or Pants. Wader Skins are made with 3 MM Neoprene and conform to fit tight to your legs & body. SP Dan wears Wader Skins Leggings...so ask him what he thinks about them. Check them out at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I really enjoyed wearing my custom fits Wader-Skins.
I do highly recommend them to people who would like to have an alternative to wearing full waders.

SP Dan <“))><