How often do you "sneak" up on a fishing site

[stikrz]

I'm still deciding on what I need for waders. I'm stuck at the point of extra protection in the seat and knees for kneeling on gravel in low water and/or sneaking up on the fish.

So, how many times do you really need to kneel on gravel for whatever reason. Do you really catch more fish if they don't see you coming? I've not been Fly Fishing long and haven't even seen anyone doing this, but it is about an extra 125.00 for this feature!

Any comments?

[Greg]

I don't think I've ever kneeled when fly fishing in my waders here in MO. I think that this is more common in the spring creeks in some parts of the country where the fish are super spooky. I also think most breathable waders have at least double material at the knees which would be adaquate in my opinion.

Greg

[stikrz]

Thanks Greg! I'm about to overdose on all this research....

[SilverMallard]

You don't have to "sneak" up on park trout. LOL

You don't even have to sneak up on Crane Creek trout. You just have to be a little gentle with your approach. The smaller and clearer the water is...and the brighter the sunshine...the more slowly and gently you should approach. But you certainly don't need to belly crawl up to the stream around here!

[stikrz]

Thanks SilverMallard! I'm heading for the San Juan River in New Mexico in late September and heard about people crawling up to the bank which I thought was a little extreme, but hey, if you catch more fish... Ever been there?

[John Berry]

The extra protection on waders is most useful when you are doing a little bushwhacking to get to more remote sites. This is something that I do. As far as getting on my knees, the only time I do this is when I am fishing up in the Smokies. I have fished the San Juan and it is incredible. Possibly the only place that I have fished that I thought was as good if not better than the Norfork.

[stikrz]

Thanks John,

I'm really looking forward to it. A friend of mine on this board, Don, invited me to go. It should be a blast!

So, for education sake (if you don't mind) why would one want to do that other than the obvious of splashing through the water and making a mess with lots of noise! I mean if these trout see you even if you're quiet does that run some of them off? I'm really trying to learn the fine aspects of this sport! I have this problem of trying to be the best I can at what I try to do.

Thanks again,

Chuck

[Guest flyfishBDS]

Hey Stikrz, read your other post as well, and Ill try to put a few things into perspective.

All breathable waders will leak at some point in the future. Generally as a rule what you are paying for is how many fishing trips you get in before that occurs _ barring catastophic events like barbed wire

Cheaper models are fine if you going to go 10-20 times a year, and with good care you might get 2-3 out of them. If your 50+ times a yera I'd step up to something more durable/expensive. If your a 100 day a year person you need high end or be prepared to toss out your waders every year _ or less.

Now leaks _ pinpricks are common. These aren't going to let in a flood of water but get enough of them and you will get cold. My previous pair of waders had 80 pinprick leaks repaired when I sent them into the factory. Flies and sharp undergrowth are common causes. A good reason for the extra layer on the front of the leg. You might not be crawling much but you will be kicking stuff every time you take a step.

Seam leaks are the major worry and they will let in a bunch of water _ look for taped seams at least an inch and a half wide.

Look at the addons _ I love attached gravel guards and belts, having left the unattached versions on rivers across this country. A xipper pocket is better than the velcro versions _ especially if you have bad habit like mine of putting flies in them _ and later tipped aforesaid flies into your waders.

Be careful with fit _ take your heavy sock and fleece with you. Your not going to be standing in the white with cotton anklets and shorts.

Remember there is no give in beathables so you need a baggy fit to allow you to stretch. Squat down _ if your voice doesn't go up an octave or two you are probably ok

Hope this helps

Steve

[John Berry]

There are some situations where you have wild trout that will be easily spooked if the detect any movement. I do not feel that is the case around here because we have so much pressure they are accustomed to seeing a lot of anglers. While they may be spooked at first, after a while you become part of the scenery. In fact around here in the catch and release areas some surprisingly large trout will hold just down stream of you and wait for you to kick up some food. The San Juan shuffle or Taney shuffle is a killer technique but not very sporting. What you are talking about is wild remote streams like those in the Smokey mountains where very skittish wild trout will disappear for hours if they see you. The locals up there wear camo and crouch behind rocks to make a presentation. The San Juan gets plenty of pressure and the only time you will be on your knees is when you are praying for some cooler temperatures.

[motroutbum]

Let me tell you that you dont have to get on your knees to fish the juan.... there are more people that fish from texas hole up on any given day, the the whole weekend combined on taney. those fish are not shy by any means. I agree with john on the temps. even in september you will feel a heat with a vengance. and be prepared for people and more people and more people. we have better quality fish back home on the white river chain that the juan could ever dream of having.