RE: (semi) Secret Lake report- need to patch the waders

Tue, 31 May 2005 10:24:32 -0700

Title: Message
Wow, 10 years.  I don't think I have any 10 year old waders - I go through them too quickly.
 
As for patch, if it's a small leak (one you can't get the point of a pen through), just use a penny-sized drop of AquaSeal and let it dry well.  If it's bigger than a penpoint, you'll probably need some fabric that matches your waders, and glue that onto the outside of the hole with AquaSeal.  The wader manufacturer usually includes some in a pouch with the waders, but if you're missing that, you may need to go by a flyshop and pick up a wader repair kit.  Though now I'm starting to get out of my element, as I've never gone to a flyshop to buy a wader repair kit.
 
Are these waders breathables (Goretex or the like), or are they neoprenes?  AquaSeal works on either kind.
 
Anyone else on the board wanna throw in a suggestion?
 
S


-----Original Message-----
From: "Elderkin, Scott" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: May 31, 2005 12:32 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: (semi) Secret Lake report- need to patch the waders

Sean, (or anyone else)
 
I also managed to put a hole in my waders this weekend. what type of patch do you use? the waders are 10 years old but only used a few times (borrowed from a friend) so I'd assume they are not worn out.
 
scott
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Sean Grier
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 8:43 PM
Subject: (semi) Secret Lake report

Drove up through the gates to the trailhead of a semi-secret lake here on the Westside.  Weather was perfect and the hike was a good easy one to start getting me back into shape for the season.  The beavers have definitely been busy making more swamp, and the river was August-easy to cross.  I put in at the first camp spot after tethering the dog to a bush that kept him within cover and water distance.  Lots of BIG mayflies coming off.  Saw calibaetis to size 12, and some larger brown 2-tailed mayflies that I couldn't identify (almost seemed like small Hex's, but wrong color).  No wind, so the rises were slow and methodical by the larger fish, and loud and splashy by the smaller ones.
 
I went ahead and paddled out to the main part of the lake, and discovered I probably should have hike up to the second camp spot - less paddling, and that's where most of the fish were anyway.  Man it's been a while since I've been in a tube - casting is definitely more challenging that much closer to the water.  I started off by dragging a soft-hackle pheasant tail and a BH FB GRHE around and began picking up 9-11" fish right away.  I switched over to an Irresistible Adams and a black/white BH chironomid dropper.  Fish were coming to both.
 
After an hour or so, it seemed my butt was colder than it should have been (even for a float tube), so I paddled back to the dog and dry clothes to discover that I had indeed sprung a leak in the waders.  Funny how those breathables will get a crease in the seam of the leg, and then that crease gets a little rub abrasion, and poof - instant hole.
 
Nicest fish was a coastal cutt a hair over 14" in his late spawning colors.  Bright slash, dark body, big spots.  Fish are healthy and great fighters.  I'd planned on taking my 4wt pack rod when I was getting ready this morning, but decided on the 2pc 2wt.  Good choice, as the metal rod tube worked well as a wading staff while trying to navigate the swamp on the way in, as well as across the slippery rocks in the river.  Plus those smaller fish were quite sporting on the little 2wt noodle.
 
Happy Memorial Day, folks.
 
Sean

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