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[Plshelpnoobhere]

So, I already have a really nice Patagucci wetsuit + booties (I use it for freediving and surfing). I thought about getting waders for fishing specifically, but why not use my wetsuit? From my thinking:

• Waders can fill up and drag me down if I slip - wetsuit will not and is designed to help float
• Wetsuit will get me wet (at least my lower half) but will still keep me super warm (this is a 0°C-rated wetsuit), I can just wear a hoodie/jacket on my top half and be warm
• Booties are way more comfy than any hiking/wading boots
• I don't need to buy/store extra stuff

Thoughts? Also, I kind of don't feel like shelling out $$$ for a nice pair of waders and the Hodgman Mackenzies for $100 that I'm looking at don't inspire me with confidence

[clarki]

I totally get it. You don’t want more stuff or unnecessary expense and wonder if you can make it work with what you already have. Sure, a wetsuit and booties might double as a pair of waders, in the same way that you could frame a house and drive nails with a pipe wrench instead of a hammer. It will get the job done but not near as easily or efficiently or enjoyably.

My thoughts:
With a properly fitted wading belt, waders offer buoyancy and will not completely fill with water
It’s nice to be dry after a day of fishing and not wet
Waders are easier to get in and out of than a full body wet suit
A good pair of wading boots offers  a higher degree of support and safety when wading than booties.
Waders are good in all seasons. I don’t see wetsuits being practical for fishing when the temps are mild/warm
If your style of fishing is standing in one spot all day, then a wetsuit might work. If your style of fishing involves a lot of hiking and movement, then the breathability and fit of modern Gortex waders shines.

Cheers

[fic]

I'd say bite the bullet and get breathable waders. It's much more comfortable throughout the day especially on a hot sunny day. If the high end ones on is too much, look for well reviewed ones that accommodates your wallet better. 

[jim]

you would not want to get athletes foot skin condition all over your lower body.

[RalphH]

A generation ago closed cell neoprene was the state of the art wader material. The insulating properties and body fit were superior to any material in use today. It was safer to wade in because of the fit and it's buoyancy. Today it's hard to find quality makers of neoprene waders. Some of the best were BC based such as SeaTux in Lantzville. I don't know if they are still in business but the last I heard (more than 10 years ago ) they only made waders on a custom order basis.

I also know there were a few anglers who fished in neoprene suits with a light kayak style PFD and literally swam rivers.

I can't comment on the practicality of fishing wearing a wetsuit and booties. You have to try it yourself. In particular you would want some better foot gear than booties. You are on your own I think so decide the pros and cons such as possible wear and damage to your existing diving gear suit.

[psd1179]

You can do whatever you want. But I am not going to wear wetsuit fishing.

[JBB]

  If my old mind remembers correctly, I recall seeing videos of a fisherman jumping into a swimming pool wearing waders and no belt and he did NOT sink. the waders filled and he swam to the edge of the pool .

[clarki]

But the pool doesn’t have current…

[RalphH]

Certainly true and I have seen that demo as well. The water in your waders is the same density as the water outside them. However getting out of the pool wasn't all that easy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtlG4tjV0R8

Falling in, filling your waders with your only egress up a steep bank may mean death by drowning. Same story for someone with a pound or even less of something like lead weights or just about anything else that is significantly denser than water.