What Is The Best Footwear For Fishing?

Getting your footwear right when you’re fishing will not only make you more comfortable but it will also hugely improve your safety. Getting it wrong on the other hand could cause serious trouble so it’s always worth thinking about what you’re going to put on your feet before you pack the car for a days sport. Jansen Teakle takes a look at the options. 

I recall fishing from the rocks in the dark as a young lad wearing trainers when it started raining. The rocks soon became greasy to say the least and it was probably then that I started to take footwear more seriously. Dry rocks are one thing, but rain and sea spray can really change the chances of staying on your feet. So what should we be wearing?

Ankle support is one thing that has long been preached when it comes to safety, but the reality is that by keeping your feet relatively flexible you will be more agile on the rocks. Good tread and grip trumps ankle support in my opinion and if rock ledges are your chosen playground I would be looking for a good pair of walking boots (or trekking shoes) with a tread that would take screw in studs. These are a real game changer and will improve your confidence dramatically. 

Boots that are tailor made for this style of fishing such as the Snowbee Rockhoppers offer fantastic grip and are good value for money. 

If you opt for lace up style boots, consider just how close to the water you might be fishing. Saltwater and boot eyelets do not go together well and cheap boots are often fitted with poor quality eyelets that will deteriorate over a very short space of time. If you are going to be fishing close to the water rather than from a ledge some way above it, a better choice would be a well style of boot free of metal wear that can be studded to create additional grip. 

Not everyone fishes from rocks though, so what might you choose to wear on your feet should you opt to fish from a regular sand/shingle or pebble beach?

Trainers are actually fine in this environment but again, only if you plan to stay back from the water. This isn’t always practical though and moments such as landing or releasing fish could see you getting wet feet. Wet, cold feet at the start of a session are definitely not fun and you probably should consider an alternative that could take a splash or two. Some of the purpose made angling boots from company’s such as Vass are perfect for the beach angler who might want to walk a long distance in the comfort that a set of waders might not offer. 

Chest waders are highly effective at keeping you clean and dry, offering full frontal protection against the elements, mud and fish slime. If a big walk in not required to reach your mark then they are highly practical. Worn in conjunction with a waterproof smock, they offer a fully waterproof layer to combat the worst the weather can throw at you. Look after your chest waders and they will last for years, so always give them a hose down with fresh water at the end of every session to remove sand, mud and salt, but most importantly to prolong their lifespan. 

If you find Chest waders a little restrictive, thigh waders that fully cover your legs and are secured on the belt line are a comfier alternative and in conjunction with a set of water proof salopettes offer almost as much protection as Chest waders at a fraction of the cost.