Felt soled waders reversed in RI

[mconnole]

Not sure if this was already discussed on this board but here is the latest:

http://ristripedbass.blogspot.com/20...-sole-ban.html

[fly]

Walking must be hell.

[rabbit]

I always reverse my waders to give them a chance to dry.

[CasterOfFlies]

What was the point of the ban in the first place?

[mconnole]

Higher authorities claimed they spread invasive species of plants. It's actually a common and very real threat in fresh water but not so much in salt water.

[gseries69]

Felt soles carry didymo, along with other invasive plants and or disease, which has been spreading through out New England. VT has several streams that have been affected. So far the disastrous results seen in rivers and streams in New Zealand has not born out the same results in New England. Biologists theorize that the cold winters of the NE slow the spread and growth. It will be interesting to see what happens after such a mild winter.

VT outlawed felt a year or two ago. Rubber soles are an accident waiting to happen on moss covered streambeds. Spikes in rubber soles will take care of that. Felt is great for rocky bottoms but rubber with spikes works just as well. I have found felt in most other situations are not the best material, especially steelheading or walking in sand.

I support a ban on felt but would have grandfathered it over a few years or offer a buy back program for guys who bought new boots a year or two prior to the ban.

[Chasbidd]

OK. I am support of the issue to reduce / eliminate invasive species. Given the new law(s) I went and bought new (rubber, cleated) waders from a well known store in RI the other month. I spent $$$$$$'s of $. Now I learn that I did this for nought.

Anyone want to buy felt soled, boot waders from me? Used three seasons, no leaks, washed after every outing. 10.5 size. Send me a PM. Will basically give away for a song or something similar.

This really upsets me.

Chas.

[Dpollipo]

Hey, Charlie. Thanks to Steve Medeiros' efforts you can wear those felt soled waders in the salt. And if you want to switch them out for non-felts there are shops that will change felts to Vibram or equivalent for about $80; worthwhile if they are expensive boot foots. But you'll want to add cleats; the rubber soles, even the 'sticky' kind, are no match for felts.

Dave