Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Shmoke Shaman on October 20, 2011, 10:12:58 PM

Title: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: Shmoke Shaman on October 20, 2011, 10:12:58 PM
Are Felt-Sole wading boots banned in B.C?
I was looking to buy a pair when I noticed a warning label

ATTENTION: Please check your current local regulations on the use of felt-sole wading products.

I did some research and I haven't found any bans yet.... but one resource told me that it is possible for a ban to take place
in B.C, and not to purchase the products based on that info.

Would anyone have any info on this?

Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: holmes on October 20, 2011, 11:20:50 PM
as far as i know they arent banned here yet, alaska is either in the process of banning them or they are now banned there, the reason is because of tranporting parasites and what not, which is kinda silly as your laces of your boots or neoprene booties on your waders or neoprene waders or any number of other things could also transport said things....holmes*
Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: milo on October 21, 2011, 09:54:43 AM
No ban, nor is one in the works.
In fact, Simms is going back to felt sole boot production as of next year.

A bit of common sense seems to have eased the paranoia about invasive species being transported on felt soles. Sure, a nasty bug can stick to your felt and be transported from system to system. But it can do that on the laces, boat hull, rod tip...the list goes on.

FWIW, I just purchased TWO pairs of WJ's felt sole wading boots.
I will wear felt until it becomes illegal as keeping the boots clean is what matters

The ban is currently in place only in a couple of US states, with a couple others considering it.
Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: StillAqua on October 21, 2011, 10:55:18 AM
Didymo algae or "stream snot" is the big problem that's spreading in BC. Loves felt soles apparently. If you buy felt, try and follow the sterilization techniques after wading. The problem is that most people won't so........
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didymosphenia_geminata (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didymosphenia_geminata)
Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: cutthroat22 on October 21, 2011, 11:02:36 AM

I really don't think too many anglers will be partaking in the cleaning ritual.

Quote
Check: Before leaving the river, remove all obvious clumps of algae and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the site. If you find clumps later don't wash them down the drain, treat them with the approved methods below, dry them and soak them in bleach for at least 4 hours.

Clean: Soak and scrub all items for at least one minute in either hot (60°C) water, a 2% solution of household bleach, antiseptic hand cleaner, or dishwashing detergent.

Dry: If cleaning is not practical (e.g. livestock, pets), after the item is completely dry wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any other waterway.
Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: Shmoke Shaman on October 21, 2011, 10:13:49 PM
right on, ty for the advice. much appreciated
Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: Matt on October 22, 2011, 01:52:58 AM
Simms will have felt soles back on the shelves this winter or spring.  In the meantime, rubber *with* the star cleats is just as good, just dont step on your flyline.
Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: coho13 on October 22, 2011, 09:05:12 AM
if they do ban felt soles they will have alot of agry anglers and companies on there hand so i dont hink it will pass
Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: jacked55 on October 22, 2011, 03:57:20 PM
can someone explain the main differences and advantages to felt sole vs. non felt sole waders? i bought a pair of non felt sole ones and dont know.
thanks.
Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: BNF861 on October 22, 2011, 04:29:15 PM
the main differences and advantages to felt sole vs. non felt sole waders?

Felt soles grip wet rocks and non felt don't  ;D

Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: DanJohn on October 22, 2011, 05:06:44 PM
I thought it was Felt Sole for slippery rockey based wading, and non felt studded for muddy sandy conditions.
Title: Re: Felt-Sole Wading Boots
Post by: kingpin on October 22, 2011, 08:45:55 PM
Simms will have felt soles back on the shelves this winter or spring.  In the meantime, rubber *with* the star cleats is just as good, just dont step on your flyline.

vibram with cleats are not just as good...studded felt is far superior and simms decision to bring felt back in january reflects that.