I used to wade fish a lot, but that was 15 years ago when I was a younger man. We used to simply jump out of the boat in old sneakers.

Well, the kids are all old enough to wade fish now as well… So it's time we (me, wife and kids) get out of the boat and wade together. In addition to the obvious wade boots, fishing pole, net, bait bucket, stringer… What do you guys take with you that are good additions? Just curious to see what others bring along for their wade… especially if wading with the kids.

I used to go fully geared up! Minimal is much much better. I have a simple back supporting wade belt, stringer (or catch bag designed for wading), pliers/hookout, and whatever one or two lures will fit in my shirt pocket. Wade belt has a rod holder if I need to put it but usually never use it.

If I'm using something with treble hooks I also have a lip gripper to be able to handle those fish better.

Less is way more while wading. Net and bait bucket will for sure get in the way. Might as well stay in the boat if you plan to bring all that.

http://jecosoutdoors.com/sharkbanz-fishing-zeppelin

I am not afraid of sharks, gators, lightning, water spouts, giant meteors or anything else but after seeing McBride's leg I do wear ray guards. It's my own personal phobia.

I carry boga grips and pliers in addition to what you listed. Hard head hook remover might be of value. Would trade the bait bucket for mesh bait bag

If you're using braid, make sure your pliers can cut it or carry a set of stainless steel scissors or something similar that will cut it.

Many thanks guys.

2 years ago we were fishing in early March .. I put my waders and boots in the boat and we headed out. We got to the ramp and all my crap flew out on the road .. water was still pretty cold that day .. jumped in the water in my fishing pants and kept the jewels out of the water …. I caught something like 35 reds that day in 2-3 hours on plastics .. sometimes it's just luck .. my gear sucked that day but I had the right plastics.. sometimes blue jeans and sneakers and a piece of rope w a nail in it will catch more fish than all that fancy gear

Belt
Pliers
Fish grip
Stringer
Plano waterproof box
Clippers and pick on my neck
I'll put a couple precut leaders in my shirt pocket plus a zip lock with extra soft plastics.

I've got a belt built by Hook-Set, one of his stringers, and a pair of hook-set pliers (I'm sure they're built by Danco or someone). I also carry a Everlast net and I've got a Hook-Set tackle box with shoulder strap that I can put around my neck and toss it around onto my back. It's got a bunch of holes drilled in it so it's not floating around. I just wash it real good when I was the boat.

Now, I suck at wade fishing. Still trying to get the hang of it. Have the boat for it! Just suck if I'm not soaking bait somewhere.

As others have said - go as minimal as you can.
I've moved from a wade belt to a sling box setup that holds my lures, pliers, clippers, boga, etc.

I stopped using a stringer years ago. switched to a floating basket. Less issues with sharks and the stringer.

Got a Fish-N-Net a year or so ago. Really like it. They are out of Victoria

Fish-N-Net

We use it to keep from feeding undersize/release trout to the porpoises.
Keep the fish in the basket until we get back to the boat/away from the trout snatchers...
Release them away from the porpoise's..

Minimal is best.

Get a belt that is comfortable and supports your back. I really don't have much on my belt, but the built in loops on the belt are great for tying off my wade donut / net. I have a dry box on top of my donut with extra tackle.

I have a clippers with a pick around my neck.

My best piece of equipment is my Costas with 2.5 Magnification readers. Game Changer! NOT CHEAP!

Not having to carry my readers with me and switch them out to do stuff is AWESOME!

Getting your kids involved is the best thing ever. There's nothing better than wading and watching the Lord's work as the sun rises. Except when doing it with your family...

Strongwind86 said:

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As others have said - go as minimal as you can.
I've moved from a wade belt to a sling box setup that holds my lures, pliers, clippers, boga, etc.

I stopped using a stringer years ago. switched to a floating basket. Less issues with sharks and the stringer.

Got a Fish-N-Net a year or so ago. Really like it. They are out of Victoria

Fish-N-Net

We use it to keep from feeding undersize/release trout to the porpoises.
Keep the fish in the basket until we get back to the boat/away from the trout snatchers...
Release them away from the porpoise's..

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Although great intentions....it is illegal to retain undersized fish. Alive to be released or not. Game Wardens do not have creativity.

No porpoises in Texas. Zip zero nada. They are all dolphin.

That pick tool is a great idea for back lashes! I usually try and use a hook but the barb screws that up… I mean, the very FEW times I get a backlash

I wear Barts Bay Armor boots and so do my kids. They are comfortable, durable, and offer protection from Rays without being bulky and in the way. I've owned every belt known to man and am currently using a Bay Devil. They are lightweight and supportive while still offering some buoyancy. I also got a Bay Devil fish bag.

I have bought and used a variety of water shoes. Under Armour Kilchis are hands down the best.

Travel tooth picks. Cheap and really handy for backlashes.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Doctor-s-OraPik-Traveler-Interdental-Pick-2-ea/10292682

Correct on both accounts. All good.

Porpoise…. Fished offshore California w an uncle when I was a kid… first time I saw one I was probably 8 years old… funny what memories stick with you. They are dolphins in the gulf.

Also on the keeping fish in basket to release (possession). Agree it's not legal. I'll take my chances w warden. Won't argue if they write it up. I'll talk to the judge. Dolphin are smart…. They know when we are done fishing and walking back to boat… start releasing the "culls" on the walk back.

Sorry to derail the topic. Back to wade gear discussion!

ATX_AG_08 said:

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I'll put a couple precut leaders in my shirt pocket plus a zip lock with extra soft plastics.

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This x100. I put a plastic sleeve with a couple extra weights, leaders, swivels and hooks (if shrimp fishing) as well as a couple of strawberry tails with heads in my front shirt pocket. Has saved a long walk back to the boat more times than I care to remember.

Other than that, less is more.

Non salt water fisherman here (time and proximity)… curious about anyone's experience with devil rays while wearing the protective boots

Another vote for Bart's Boots. Really comfortable. I like Hook Set belts. They hold up well and I can snug it up tight when my back starts hurting.

Can't believe nobody has posted the most essential piece of wadefishing gear for the Texas Coast. Functional, cost effective, and proof positive that you are a card carrying member of the old school wade fishing club. Style? Fashion? Pfffft. This item screams "I don't give a crap about any of that. I'm here to fish". My dad owns two, in case one blows off on the boat ride (honest truth).

I give you, the Elmer Fudd wade fishing hat in all its glory…..