Mdc Felt Ban Info

[2sheds]

For those with questions concerning the precise wording of the regulation, please hit the link in Chief's original post, then the link under "Related Information" = "Felt-Soled Wader Ban". Alternately, here is a direct link to the wording of the regulation:

http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations/sport-fish-regulations/trout-regulations-and-permits/felt-soled-wader-ban

It states that "The use of shoes, boots or waders with porous soles incorporating or having felt, matted or woven fibrous materials is prohibited" and applies to trout parks (Maramec Spring Park, Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park) plus all MDC-regulated trout waters (A. Barren Fork Creek in Shannon County, B. Blue Springs Creek in Crawford County, C. Capps Creek in Barry and Newton counties, D. Crane Creek in Stone and Lawrence counties, E. Current River in Dent, Texas, and Shannon counties, F. Dry Fork Creek in Crawford and Phelps counties, G. Eleven Point River in Oregon County, H. Hickory Creek in Newton County, I. Lake Taneycomo in Taney County, J. Little Piney Creek in Phelps County, K. Meramec River in Crawford and Phelps counties, L. Mill Creek in Phelps County, M. North Fork of White River in Ozark County, N. Niangua River in Dallas and Laclede counties, O. Roaring River in Barry County, P. Roubidoux Creek in Pulaski County, Q. Spring Creek in Phelps County, R. Stone Mill Spring Branch in Pulaski County).

The discussion on this website and this forum concerning disinfecting related items is "good conservation practice" and should be strongly encouraged.

I read specifications and contracts for a living, yet remain confused concerning how this new regulation applies to items other than felt-soled waders, i.e., tennis shoes with drain holes in the soles, cotton socks worn under tennis shoes, aqua socks, etc. Many of us want to do the right thing, but also want to know that it is considered acceptable to continue to use and disinfect these items. The regulation wording "... porous soles ... incorporating ... fiberous materials ..." becomes inprecise. Rubber soled tennis shoes with drain holes are not prohibited, but aqua socks might be intended for prohibition - regardless of disinfecting.

Can anyone from MDC help sort out the requirement vs the guidance ?

[tippet7]

I was speaking to a conservation agent(not from around here) and he said "i doubt that there will be any felt shoes patrols. the first year of the regulation, we will probably educate the fisherman about the violation"

So I am really not going to worry too much about this regulation and continue to fish my NEW simms boots with felt until they wear down or until I get enough tickets to justify buying a new non felt pair.

How does the non felt boots grip on the slimy rocks around? do they work as well as felt?

[Idylwilde]

I have some information on getting your old boots with new soles. RMR 811 Oak Street Salida, CO 719.539-1455. RMR uses the Vibram Stream Tread Or Aqua Shealth Rubber. They are capable of resoling. The Stream read is $65.00 per pair and the Aqua Stealth $55.00. They have a 10% discount for more than 10 pair. You pay shipping going and coming. They did all of the Idaho Fish and Game departments for them and the Yellow Rangers boots for them. e-mail boots@rmresole.com. New boots will run you from $65.00 to over $300.00 so there you go.

[drew03cmc]

I was speaking to a conservation agent(not from around here) and he said "i doubt that there will be any felt shoes patrols. the first year of the regulation, we will probably educate the fisherman about the violation"

So I am really not going to worry too much about this regulation and continue to fish my NEW simms boots with felt until they wear down or until I get enough tickets to justify buying a new non felt pair.

How does the non felt boots grip on the slimy rocks around? do they work as well as felt?

Really? You are going to knowingly violate the regulations? Do you keep a sublegal fish because the odds of getting checked are slim to none? I can't believe someone on this site said this.

[ozark trout fisher]

Really? You are going to knowingly violate the regulations? Do you keep a sublegal fish because the odds of getting checked are slim to none? I can't believe someone on this site said this.

Couldn't agree more. It's possible to get away with a lot, most of the time. That's when you have to decide whether you're going to do the right thing when someone isn't looking over your shoulder. And Tippet, I'll bet you anything that there are going to be conservation agents out this coming year enforcing this regulation. You may well get caught.

Just do the right thing. Go out and buy a new pair of boots, or get some contact cement to treat your felt soles, and all will be well. You certainly have the right to disagree with the regulation, but it is the law (or will be in a few days) and it's just best to live with it. It's really not that hard to comply, and if absolutely nothing else, it just isn't worth having to get nervous every time you see a conservation agent.