My name is Dave Callies. I am going out fishing with Bob this weekend and need to get somne waders. I guess I am looking at a quality pair that are Goretex-based, high quality and durable. I have heard great things about the Simms brand but want to hear your opinions.

I appreciate your valuable recommendations.

Dave

If you do a search on waders using the "search" function, you will find a tremendous amount of information. This is a popular question. I have owned most of the brands out there and am just breaking in a pair of cabelas gold-medals their "toughest" pair. Two holes already, but no worse than any others I've owned. The Simms G-3's are arguably the best waders you can buy at $425.
Good luck this weekend!

You can't go wrong with Simms.
Super durable and breathes better then the others,(Guide wt) I am sure the new G3 is even better.
Dan Baileys are good with excellent customer service and Patagonias are right up there with the Simms.

Ask Sparky.

I have a set of sim's gore-tex that are almost 9yrs old and love them no leaks they have been used and very abused

love my simms

From what I can tell the Simms G-3's are a good bet. The price tag at $425 seems expensive, but I figure if I can wear them for a number of years the initial expense will be well worth it. I think I'm going to match these waders with the Simms guide boot. With this pair, I should be set. I can't wait to get out on the water this weekend and try them out.

I'm a little embarassed to say this but I have never caught a steelhead despite many attempts this season. I hope that my trip with Bob this weekend will change all of that.

I appreciate all of your feedback and recommendations. I'll let you know how the weekend turns out and my impressions of the Simms.

Dave

Dave,

If you buy Simms waders, you won't be disappointed. I feel the dough I laid down for mine was some of the best money I ever spent on fishing gear.

That being said, the Dan Baileys waders are a very good lower-cost alternative.

Do a Google search on both and see what you think.

Hate to go against the grain...but a less expensive option is a pair of dan bailey's. I have abused mine for years, never a problem.

Simms Lightweights, Classic Guides or G3's
Dan Bailey's Lightweights or Yellowstone
Patagonia SST+

I have first had experience with the Classic Guides, G3's and Patagonia's as I've used them and loved all 3 pairs.

I've sold the Bailey's for years and have had very very few issues with them.

Do a search for waders on this BB and you will come up with a wealth of info and opinions but IMHO, you can not go wrong if you stick with my aforementioned waders.

While I do not have a pair of their breathable light weights, we have had excellent results with Bare waders. Cost less than Simms and are another option. Your making a good call to spend some money on quality waders. Can't tell you how many times I have fished with people who have a 700 dollar pole and 49 dollar waders. I feel that if you spend much time fishing the rivers, your wading gear is more importaint than your rod.. its hard to fish if your wet and cold.. no matter what kind of rod you have.

I have had a pair of Baileys for the last three years, and those thing are industructable. A great buy for the money.

So far the Baileys are going strong

I think the fish are more attracted to me when I'm wearing my Dan Bailey's.

what does everybody think about their boots? I just bought a pair of them Korkers I like the Idea about the replacements they are comfortable but there doesn't seem to be much ankle support but I am kinda large

I have a pair of L. L. Bean wading boots that are similar to hiking boots. I really like them and they've lasted four years now in perfect condition but they were a gift.

I have a pair of the new Simms G3 waders an I absolutley love them! One of the best purchases ever. I had to buy Simms because they were the only company to make a pair to fit my size 15 feet.

THere you go.

Later

Ryan

Had a great trip this past weekend with Bob. It was a huge thrill as I caught my first steelhead! It was a trip that I will remember for years to come.

I was hugely impressed with Bob's knowlege about the rivers and techniques used in fishing for thes stunning fish. Although I made a lot of amature mistakes, he remained positive and encourageing throughout the two-day trip. I have a long way to go to becoming an expert angler but I feel that, after thsi trip, I have a great start along that road. Thanks, Bob!

In terms of the waders, I used the Simms G3 waders and Simms Guide boots and remained completely dry despite heavy rains. I'm impressed with the quality and the comfortable weight of these waders. I'm now looking at the Simms guide jacket to complete this combination.

Best of luck to all and thanks again for your recommendations. I'll see you on the river.

Dave Callies

Hey David ... Glad we got a chance to find that first one for you

A few pix of the President's Day Week-end Rubber Ducky hideaway

That first one got away Try number 2



Successful! David's first steelhead! I think that was the first of five he landed his first day



Another innocent soul lost to the addiction we call steelheading

Great photos, Bob! I'll send this link out to freinds and family. I can't stop talking about that experiance.

Thanks again for a memorable weekend!

Dave

Hey Bob-
Did you get new oars for the Puma?? Is there a spare now??