How to repair holes in fishing wader neoprene stockingfeet

If you have damage to your neoprene stockingfeet use these tips to find and repair the hole. Neoprene stockingfeet on fishing waders can get punctured by things such as stepping on sharp rocks or gravel or from using worn out boots causing puncures or abrasion. Old worn out boots will damage neoprene stockingfeet when the liner is worn down and sharp edges are exposed. This can lead to damage on the top, toe, or bottom of the stockingfoot. Repairs are fairly easy and will hold up well if done correctly.

What you’ll need:

Step by step instructions for repairing fishing wader neoprene stockingfeet

Find the hole. The first step is to look for differences in the area that seems to be letting water through. If you can see an indentation, or abrasion in the neoprene is a good indication that something is wrong in that spot. A surefire way to test the feet is to turn the waders inside out and fill the feet with water. Usually hanging the waders while doing this is the easiest way to control the flow of water when filling the inside. If there is a hole you’ll see water dripping out of it.

Water dripping out of a puncture hole. This is the inside of the stockingfoot (waders inside out) filled with water.
The outside of the toe. The hole can be visually seen as an indentation. These are the same waders as pictured alongside with water dripping through the hole. A sharp edge inside a worn out boot punctured this hole.

Next step; Fix the hole. Once the waders are dry this can be accomplished simply by rubbing a small amount of Aquaseal or Aquaseal NEO into the hole, making sure to rub it into the hole so that it fills the inside of the hole. We recommend backing the inside with some masking tape or Gearaid Tenacious Tape, and then filling the hole from the outside. Once it’s full and Aquaseal fills the hole apply a thin layer out to about 1/4-1/2″ on all sides of the hole. We like to apply a small piece of Tenacious Tape over the Aquaseal at this point, which will be removed later, to make a clean and smooth exterior to the patch.

Materials you will need: Aquaseal or Aquaseal NEO, tape such as clear Tenacious Tape, cardstock (packaging works well) and scissors.
Cut cardstock to a rounded point and apply small amount of Aquaseal.
Rub it in and use the point to get it inside the hole or tear.
Cover the area to 1/4″-1/2″ on all sides of the puncture.
We’re using clear Tenacious tape here to help the Aquaseal cure flat.
Apply the tape and rub out any air bubbles to the sides. This tape will be removed once dry in 24 hours.
Peeling tape 24 hours later.
Finished repair. The tape makes it finish flat.
Finished repair.

Final step; Go fishing!

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America’s Salmon Forest

The Tongass is the Nation’s largest national forest and supplies habitat for the fisheries and ample
recreation opportunities in the Southeast Alaska region. When you imagine yourself on a remote
fishing or hunting trip, a wild landscape where large trout, wild salmon and steelhead and big game
are plentiful, or breathtaking scenery where you can get away from it all, the odds are good you’re
thinking of a roadless area in the Tongass National Forest.

From the Situk River in the north to Prince of Wales Island in the south, the Tongass provides
hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationists some of the best and most diverse outdoor
opportunities available in North America.

Taking care of the land that takes care of Southeast Alaska businesses is just common sense.
Today, along with more than 60 outfitters and guides, tour operators, gear manufacturers and
retailers, sportsmen organizations, and conservation groups, we spoke up with this message.

We are very appreciative to join the following letter calling on the U.S. Forest Service to maintain
the protections for the Tongass National Forest by reinstating the national Roadless Rule on
America’s largest national forest, the Tongass.

Fisheries, recreation and tourism support 26% of jobs in Southeast Alaska. These business
supporters want to continue to grow this number and recognize that healthy fisheries and intact
habitat are needed to do so.

“The Tongass is world-renowned for its abundant salmon and steelhead, plentiful wildlife, and
outstanding scenic beauty. It is among the world’s richest wild salmon-producing regions,
contributing approximately 50 million fish annually to Alaska’s multi-billion-dollar commercial
salmon industry,” said more than 60 businesses who signed onto the letter.

We are happy to speak up for the Tongass and encourage everyone to follow their lead and
submit a comment supporting continued protections on wildlife and recreation habitat in
Southeast Alaska. To learn more, visit AmericanSalmonForest.org

Read More and Take Action
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Carplandia [video]

Carplandia is a short story about carp and smallmouth bass fly fishing on the dry side of Washington state. Stalking the flats and fishing from sunken roads cutting through the middle of bays is a unique experience. Check out Carplandia from Waist Deep Media.

Photos from the trip

Gear used in this video

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Stock update

Wednesday August 4th, 2021

We’re stocked up! Any item that is available to add to cart and purchase is in stock and will ship within 1-3 business days.

We can’t thank you enough for your patience and support.

-Nick & Sam (co-owners)

One in the net!
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10,000th Cast – Full film [video]

Steelhead fishing in the PNW is a lifetime pursuit. Swinging flies for steelhead is another endeavour entirely. Conditions rarely line up to film this type of unlikely connection from the air. After all, drones are noisy and who wants to take the blame for spooking the run with that jazz?

But if you are prepared and patient sometimes the cosmos throws you a bone and a magic moment is immortalized in a way once only pictured in our dreams. 

Friendships forged on the river while steelhead fishing seem to stand the tests of time. This story is no different. Three people, three friendships born out of the same waters and one fish that gave her all. 

A surprise season that rewarded the patient and an example of compromise between anglers and organizations in a movement towards a sustainable future, 

Thank you anglers, let’s continue to work together for the future of our fisheries united.

Please enjoy 10,000th Cast from Waist Deep Media.

Spring fly fishing for steelhead
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International Women’s Day

For us here at DRYFT this day is all about acceptance and inclusivity on the river and within the fishing activity and industry. We’re happy to now be offering women’s specific wading products, waders and jackets currently, with more products in the works for release soon. #choosetochallenge #IWD2021

We’re offering 10% off women’s waders, jackets and bundles through the end of the month with the code IWD2021. Simply enter that code at checkout.

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Women’s Primo Rain Jackets are available now

Rain, sleet, snow. Say hello to our little friend, the Women’s Primo Rain Jacket.

DRYFT women's Primo Rain Jacket front hood up - fly fishing

The Primo Rain Jacket for women excels at keeping you dry on those hardcore bad weather days, and has all of the features and stash pockets you need for a full day on the water. This full length fishing jacket is designed to be worn with chest waders, wading pants, rain pants,  or just by itself.

Constructed of strong yet breathable submersion rated 3 layer nylon fabrics, it is made to keep you dry and comfortable all day and features six large pockets to stash gear, along with water resistant pit zip openings to vent excess heat.

This is a top of the line rain jacket that excels at keeping you dry all day no matter the conditions. Recommended for all uses including with full waders, wading pants, rain pants, or just by itself.

You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy this jacket. Which is pretty much the same thing.

Scope out the details on the product page.

View Primo Rain Jacket – Women’s details

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That’s Deep | Hip hop and Fly Fishing by Mark Steudel [video]

Very entertaining short edit out of WA state from Mark Steudel (Mark Steudel Fly Fishing Stories on Youtube and @msteudel on Instagram). Highlights are from a quick trip with Leaf Seaburg of Methow Fishing Adventures. Eats on dries. #flyfishing #DRYFTculture

DRYFTculture fly fishing steelhead
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Ethan Parsons – Passion for the outdoors

Photo: Cayman Waughtel @cayman.waughtel web: www.caymanwaughtel.com

Ethan Parsons, a 19 year old from Idaho living with a rare condition called Chairi Malformation has lost the use of his legs, but not his desire or drive to get outdoors and do what his passion calls him to do.

John at Trsxtle is spearheading an effort to raise awareness, and give Ethan a means to get back outside and do what the loves. Donations from many different sources including a new offroad wheelchair from GRIT Freedom Chairs and many fly fishing accessories are on the way to Ethan now.

If you or someone you know is familiar Ethan’s condition and thinks they may be able to help Ethan with recovery, care, or treatment, please contact John Smigaj at john@trxstle.com – John will put you in touch with Ethan and his Mother, Brenda. We urge you to reach out if you think you or someone you know can help. Please share this incredible story and see if there’s someone out there that might be able to lend a helping hand for Ethan. 

Please read the full story on the Trsxtle.com website, https://www.trxstle.com/blogs/news/perseverance-ethan-parsons , and help find care for this young man in need.

Photo: Cayman Waughtel @cayman.waughtel web: www.caymanwaughtel.com
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