HodgmanMackenzie Cleat Chest Bootfoot Fishing/Hunting Waders

I'm not a fly fisherman, I fish hard baits more or less exclusively -- crankbaits, spinners, spoons and the like. My basic philosophy of fishing is you can't catch fish unless you put the bait where the fish is. I usually fish from a canoe, but often I don't feel like bothering with the boat. Then I like to work my way along the shore of the pond or stream, hitting all the "fishy" looking spots. And when you do that, sometimes there's no substitute for getting right into the water, away from branches that will interfere with your cast, or to work a spot you can't quite reach from shore. These waders will get you to where you need to be to catch fish.A few words of common sense. First, if you don't swim, wading isn't for you, especially in streams. Lakes can often have mucky, quicksand like bottoms that will trap your feet. Don't panic, just carefully work your feet free, alternating each foot until you can walk again. If you trip (or rather WHEN you trip) these can fill up with water, so some kind of belt to cinch them in will slow that enough that you won't' be forced to bail out. A military surplus webbing belt works nicely, and you can use ammo pouches for tackle. I also made a duct tape sheath which holds a pair of kitchen sheers for cutting line and a pair of forceps for removing hooks; it's very handy. A magnet inside the duct tape sheath keeps the tools from falling out. The belt should have a quick release buckle, just in case you do have to bail out in a hurry. Also for that reason don't try to shove shoes into the boots either, even though it's tempting. The boots are pretty lightweight and don't really give you enough support if you have a long hike into your fishing spot.Second, if you do wade out, remember you're stalking your prey. Don't splash around because you'll scare the fish away, they're very sensitive to vibrations in the water. Like Elmer Fudd says, be vewy kwiet. When you get to your spot give the fish a minute to get used to you, then work your targets without any unnecessary motion or sound. Also remember also that fish can see you, so drab clothing might be a good idea. I've had fish follow my bait practically to where I'm standing, only to catch a glimpse of the bright yellow raincoat I was wearing and run away.Overall I'm pleased with this purchase, and have caught many fish in spots that would have been tricky to fish without waders. But you should have realistic expectations. At this price you aren't getting the kind of durability and quality you'd demand if you were a pro guide. This is more for the weekend warrior types, and you have to use a little care because they won't stand up to thoughtless treatment. I put a hole in mine the third time I used them clambering over a down tree -- which is kind of the point of something like this: to get to where the fish are! Fortunately it was quickly mended with a bicycle tire patch kit, and now they're good as new.I'd say if you are *thinking* about getting a pair of waders, but aren't sure you want to spend the money, these are just the thing. Just be careful, because they aren't bullet proof by a long shot. These are a great value, and they *will* help you catch more fish. I've probably paid for mine in the course of a season in lures I've been able to free from underwater snags by wading out where I can pull from a slightly different angle.If you definitely know you want to get a pair of waders, expect to give them really heavy use, and don't mind spending a lot of money, then invest in a more expensive but durable pair of waders. But that'll cost you a pretty penny.

These have come in very handy for wading out to launch or trailer our fishing boat. They seem well-constructed for a roughly $65 investment. I can really feel the coldness of the water, but do stay dry...I'm not sure I'd want to be hanging out in 50°F water for very long without thermal leggings of some kind, plus a few pairs of thick wool socks.I've worn the product several times already and remained dry. These are lightweight, and although my first pair of waders so I don't have a real benchmark, they seem pretty comfortable. They also do a nice job of shedding water due to the rubber composition, so by the time you get back to your vehicle, the exterior seems reasonably dry as well (so you don't get a bunch of salt water all over your seats and floor mats).Sizing: I originally ordered size 8, but had to return it as it was quite a bit oversized. I am 5-7" and about 150 lbs., and typically run a size 8 tennis shoe or boot. The size 7 product here is plenty large enough to comfortably fit my foot -- size 8 was very loose. They appear to be flexible enough in height to nicely fit someone up to 6 ft. tall, although they don't have a lot of give in front for someone who is, politely, wide of girth.

Needed a low cost pair of boot foot waders for beach fishing. These work great! I was expecting much less, but these perform - I'm dry, and the light weight is nice while strolling the beach in search of striped bass and bluefish. The "boot" part is pretty flimsy but I put on a pair of heavy smartwool socks and they do fine with the beach sand. The size 9 boot fit perfectly- I was afraid the top would be snug, there is not much room but they are comfortable - if you are over sized these would not be for you.

These are GREAT, LOVE them. They are thin yet strong, light and prefer them to other materials. They come way up your chest and can't be beat for the price. I own a fishery and will use these a lot. Look no further, these are the ones for you. I read the 1 star rating, the only thing I can think of was they had a bad batch. Used mine immediately with no leaks and water up to the top. Not a drop leaked. If you had that problem I would just get another pair. They are TALL, I wear size 10 shoe and they came up to high chest which was perfect, could go into really deep water and stayed dry.

Was a gift for my dad. It fit him good. So far so good with no leaking. Good material.

Good fit, well made, good value for the money.

as expecteda little pricey tho

Cheap and they last. Soles are fairly comfortable.

Amazing waders. Un beatable price. This is my first pair of waders. I have used them in a swamp and river. They got me through some really nasty stuff(chest deep swamp) with lots of sharp sticks and misc. Other nastyness. I even had to slide accross a tree trunk between my legs for 10 meters. They got me back to my car dry! ( from swamp and rivir anyway).I see alot of people complaining about leaks...unless they are torn i dont see them leaking, especially at the boot joint( they have an ugly by strong weld)They waders do collect condensation easily and at first i thought mine where leaking at tge boot joint. Turned out to be condensatio and sweat fro the waders not being breathable (who cares). It felt like water coming in but it was my bare skin feeling the cold water through the wader material, boot transfers cold less, so this fools you into thinking they are leaking. It was a hot day 21c and water was cold less than 10c. This caused sweat and condensation to collect in the waders and give the impression of a leak