[tarheelflyfishing]

Just the thought of DIDYMO in a NC watershed sends chills down my spine...Out in Montana, Whirling Disease hit the Madison River HARD back in the early 90's. It spreads very quickly, and kills without limits...

[waterboy1981]

I just bought a new pair of the simms aqua stealth headwater boots from the great guys at curtis wright and all i can say is that i love them to have a rubber sole i havent slipped anymore that with my felts and talk about great grip on the banks those vibram soles makers have it figured out

[Jason Baker]

I am ALWAYS open to doing what's best for our watersheds, but last night at L&T, we had an interesting conversation. As didymo, as well as other infestations like whirling disease, as microscopic in nature; aren't they going to hold in the boots material like just easily as in the felt? It seems like the only real solution would be chemical treatments to have a chance at really stopping transfer between watersheds. Thought?

[wvyou]

Originally Posted by Jason Baker

I am ALWAYS open to doing what's best for our watersheds, but last night at L&T, we had an interesting conversation. As didymo, as well as other infestations like whirling disease, as microscopic in nature; aren't they going to hold in the boots material like just easily as in the felt? It seems like the only real solution would be chemical treatments to have a chance at really stopping transfer between watersheds. Thought?

It seems to me that encouraging individuals to use drying mechanisms (I have a heater in my garage that I use to dry my boots in the winter) could also be effective.

[waterboy1981]

The rubber sole boots dont have as much of a chance of holding the little micros yes the boot material will but it is easier to clean and dry than the felt is or atleast that is what they say but either way the simms aqua stealths do work pretty well

[Streamer77]

Good article in Flyfishing and Flytying Journal Mag. Winter 2010 edition on rubber soled boots.

[Rod Champion]

tarheel- it likes cold, clear water without shade-- thus tailraces..
you will be alright.

[Scud]

It is nasty stuff that is for sure. One thing I have not seen is what effect does the bleach procedure have on the various breathable waders? I'd hate to wreck a pair of waders. Anyone know ? Thanks. Scud

[GoatBoy]

I see where Alaska has banned felt soles beginning in 2012.

I also saw this post:
Here is a method, now sanctioned by NZ Fish & Game, to transform your felt sole boots into eco-friendly boots that will hold the bottom as well as any felt sole ever did. You can do this at home!!
Using contact or rubber cement, and the solvent for that substance, treat the felt sole part of the boots only, like so:
1. Apply a well stiired dilute mix of 1 part glue to 2 parts solvent, saturating the felt as much as possible, allow to dry.
2. Apply a mix of 50-50 glue and solvent, saturating well, allow to dry.
3. If desired add screw-in studs at this point.
4. apply a coat of glue only, and sprinkle on silicone carbide grit, shake off excess
5. Apply final coat of glue only. Avoid sticking your boots together until after a use or two. As the boot wears, the small fiber ends protrude from the bottom to give you the traction you need.