Felt Shoes on Taneycomo

[Art]

I came down in July and walked around on the bedrock with my barefeet or in sandals and was fine. I'm taking a fly class now and my instructor insists you need felt shoes. I understand this for rivers but I dont remember Taneycomo being slippery.

Im a newby and have to buy a bunch of equipment for my trip there in Nov. Since im already spending too much I would prefer to save the shoe purchase for a later trip where they may be essential...thoughts?

[Danoinark]

Art

In my opinion felt soles are extremely important on Taneycomo and any of the other tailwaters in the White River system. There are slippery areas and felt grabs the algae and moss that collects on the rocks and streambed. It could mean the difference between a pleasant time or a dunking. You can purchase some felt soled wading boots (if you have stockingfoot waders) at reasonable prices. Granted these are not high end but will do in a pinch. On my felt soled boots I as an added safety measure will drill in 3/4 inch sheet metal screws. This gives more grip and has saved me on more than one occassion. If you don't use the felt and opt for just rubber cleats then I woundn't be without some form of wading staff, even if its just a solid limb I found on the ground along the shoreline. Just my dos centavos....Dano

[jdmidwest]

Wearing felt on the upper Taney lets you sneak up on the fish. Since most of the water is less than knee deep, you will be doing alot of wading unless the generators come on.

[NoBarb]

I agree with Dano.Felt soles with screws are the only way to go,especially if you find yourself having to chase a big fish!They could be the difference between staying on your feet,or taking a fall.

[Terry Beeson]

As many times as I have "slipped" with felts on, I would hate to think what would have happened without them....

Felt soles are essential for wading any rock bed river... I need to add the screws to mine...

[Don]

I spiked my Chota's with screws. They are starting to wear down and will need replaced soon. I can get away with regular felt soles at Taney, but I travel to many other waters and have been extremely glad that my soles were spiked. It also comes in handy if you have to walk up or down a muddy or icy path. Caveat emptor, you will void the warranty on the boot if wou spike a pair that is not predrilled for screws. Mine were not predrilled, but they hold up just fine. The same model is now made with predrilled holes.

Don

[Larry Murphy]

The carpet in my boat isn't slippery at all....

[Danoinark]

The carpet in my boat isn't slippery at all....

.....especially when those screws in the felt wading boots dig into that marine carpeting....

[davekeim]

I agree, that carpet in the is best

Signed,

Cardiac

[denjac]

The only place I have ever had a problem with slippery rocks is around the cable area. Guess I have been lucky, but I get along just fine without felt.