I caught my first steelhead on December 2nd, 1978, but I'm learning so much from you, Barry, i really appreciate the time you take to make these gear reviews, and instructional videos. I bought my boots about 10 years ago, not sure which model, but they have the rubber soles and screw in cleats. It costs about 75 bucks a boot to re-clest those Simms, but they last for years. They have that wonderful twist wire laces like yours. Yours are far more versatile. I used to wear felts and corks doing stream surveys for WDFW, i really liked the combination. But im happy with these boots. I think i paid about 270 bucks at Sportco in Fife back then. I have the Simms waders, I'd of course have to look at them, but i think they are the base model, 3 years old now, got them brand new doing some horse trading with a friend. He got a float collar from me, to wear on his pontoon boat, and some soft beads. He is a good friend, huh? I love your wading jacket, the next stuff im getting is the wader pants from L.L. Bean, and by March I'll be able to afford the satilite rescue and text unit, because of my health and the fact I'm often alone fishing and hunting. Safety first, right? The staff is a good safety investment, too. I also love your chest pack, and after 45 years chasing steelhead with an old school vest, I'm more than ready for a change. That vest gets wet if i dont keep it under my rain jacket, sometimes even then. I tend to carry too much stuff because i have room for it. Those pliars are top notch, too, i put them on my list. I have just been carrying my lead punch pliars, but they don't last after getting wet so many times, but they do have the lanyard so I don't lose them. I want to get a go pro, too. So many nice fish ive caught alone, i never even got a pic, because my main concern was a quick and proper release, and most fish tend to be camera shy with me. Great video, comprehensive, with links that go into depth on the items you use. You have your act together, my friend! You have made me a better steelhead fisherman by watching how you set up, and how you fish. I'm grateful, truly! My buddy from Lewiston and I are planning a March trip to Oregon. He set up his fly fishing net with your system, and I'll text him about this video. He said he has been watching a lot of your videos and that he subbed you. This is by far and away my favorite channel, thanks for all the effort you have put into it! I just let another steelhead😅 buddy know about it, again, he forgot to check it out, but he said he has time tonight. Im hunting for my friend's missing dog right now, so i have to stop my break and keep searching. Thanks again, and thank you for what you do each day for the citizens of this country! Stay safe, and I'm looking forward to your scouting trip! Best of luck, tight lines!
Thank you for the detailed comment William. You’ve been there from the beginning! I’m so glad the videos have been helpful, I just share what I’ve learned. Good luck in March, let me know if I can be of any assistance. Take care and good luck finding the pup. 🙏🏼
Still waiting on some better weather to get it out! The Eugene area has been a mess the last couple weeks with ice and heavy rain. If the steelhead rivers don’t get into shape I might just take it out next week for a spin.
I like to use my drift boat AND studded boots,a pc of indoor/outdoor carpet goes where my feet do,it's polyolefin and drains easily and resists mold well...and keeps the boat from being scuffed
I ran cheap waders for years and had the same experience. They would last for 2-3 years at best and then fail, plus they were uncomfortable. My wife bought me a pair of freestone’s for my birthday (you can get them on sale under $300) and they are amazing. Incredibly comfortable and they’ve lasted three years already with no issues. Honestly I would have spent more replacing my cheap waders in that timeframe. Well worth the investment!
I feel poor now 😂 all my gear has cost less than your coat my most expensive single piece is the 40liter adx backpack i got for xmas great videos very informational 💛
To quote one of my favorite memes, “Don’t let my gear fool you, I’m broke.” 😁 Steelheading is my #1, I buy the best gear I can now, but it hasn’t always been that way. Thanks for the feedback. 👍🏻
I hear you Steve, I didn’t always have the money to buy the gear I do, which isn’t even the top end of what Simms’ has to offer, in fact it’s on the low end. However, after going through less expensive waders and wader jackets every few years I finally stepped up and bought the best I could afford. What I learned from that is the quality of those items are cheaper in the long run because they last much longer. Like I joked, ‘buy once, cry once.’ Buy the best gear you can afford and it will keep you on the river longer, it doesn’t have to be what I use. 🎣
How many people have money to buy all the tools they have collected through the years or hunting and fishing gear in one single purchase ?.. not me… You just have to buy one thing at a time and save a few bucks when you can to buy what you really want!… I feel he is providing good advice so you don’t waste money and as he said. Buy once cry once, rather than buying it twice and spending more. Great Video and Always Classy!