Spring Fishing is Coming—Time to Check Your Waders!

As the snow starts to melt and the rivers start calling, it’s that time of year when every fly fisherman starts thinking about the season ahead. The Madison River is calling, the Missouri River is prime for adventure, and spring fishing is just around the corner. But before you get your gear out and head to the water, there’s one important task you should tackle first: checking your waders.

Nothing ruins a great day of fishing like getting wet, and there’s no worse feeling than discovering a leak in your waders when you’re knee-deep in the river. But don’t worry—at The Tackle Shop, we’re here to help you make sure your waders are in tip-top shape for the upcoming fishing season.

Why Wader Maintenance is Essential Before Spring Fishing

Waders are one of the most important pieces of gear for any fly fisherman, and keeping them in good condition is crucial for your comfort and performance on the water. Over time, waders can develop leaks, lose their waterproofing, or simply show signs of wear and tear. With spring fishing approaching fast, there’s no better time to give your waders a thorough inspection.

Whether you’re a beginner learning to fish on the Madison River or an experienced angler preparing for your next big fly-fishing adventure, checking your waders is a task that shouldn’t be overlooked. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to find leaks in your waders and provide you with simple solutions to fix them so you can focus on catching fish, not fixing gear.

Step 1: Inspecting Your Waders for Leaks

The first step to getting your waders ready for the spring fishing season is finding any leaks. It’s easy for small holes or cracks to go unnoticed, so it’s important to inspect every inch of your gear.

Here are a few tips for finding leaks in your waders:

• Visual Inspection: Look over your waders carefully, especially around the seams, knees, and feet. These areas tend to get the most wear and tear.
• Water Test: One of the best ways to find small leaks is by submerging your waders in water. Fill them with air, then submerge them in a tub or use a hose to spray them down. Keep an eye out for any bubbles or signs of water coming through.
• Light Test: On sunny days, you can shine a flashlight inside your waders and look for light spots on the outside. This can reveal pinhole leaks that are hard to spot with the naked eye.
• Rubbing Alcohol Test: Turn your waders inside out and spray waders with spray bottle full of rubbing alcohol, turn them back inside out and you will notice dark spots penetrating through the waders. (Don’t be surprised on how many pinholes you will find doing this test)

 

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to detect leaks and identify areas of concern before you hit the water.

Step 2: Fixing Small Leaks with Aqua Seal

Once you’ve found a leak, it’s time to take action. The good news is, many minor leaks and cracks in your waders can be fixed right at home with the right tools. For small holes and tears, we recommend using the Aqua Seal Wader Repair Kit—an essential item in any fly fisherman’s toolkit.

The Aqua Seal kit comes with everything you need to make a waterproof seal that will last season after season. Here’s how to use it:

1. Clean the Area: Make sure the area around the leak is clean and dry before applying any repair material.
2. Apply the Aqua Seal: Squeeze a generous amount of Aqua Seal over the leak, spreading it evenly with the included applicator.
3. Let it Cure: Allow the Aqua Seal to cure for at least 12 hours, giving it ample time to bond to the fabric and create a waterproof seal.
4. Test: After it’s fully cured, perform the water test again to make sure the leak is sealed.

The Aqua Seal repair kit is perfect for small, localized repairs and will help extend the life of your waders, allowing you to keep fishing without worry.

Step 3: When to Call in the Pros

While Aqua Seal is a fantastic solution for minor repairs, some wader issues may require professional attention. If you find large tears, punctures, or leaks that Aqua Seal can’t handle, it may be time to contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement. Many manufacturers offer repair services, especially for high-end waders that are worth the investment.

Additionally, if your waders are still under warranty, the manufacturer might offer a replacement if they’re damaged beyond repair.

Bonus Tip: Wader Care and Maintenance for Longevity

To avoid wader issues in the future, it’s important to take proper care of them year-round. Here are a few tips to keep your waders in top shape:

• Dry Them Properly: After every fishing trip, make sure to rinse your waders with clean water and hang them up to dry. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for long periods, as UV rays can degrade the material.
• Store Them Correctly: When not in use, store your waders in a cool, dry place. Avoid folding or compressing them, as this can weaken the fabric over time.
• Inspect Regularly: Make it a habit to inspect your waders before and after every season to catch any potential issues early.

 Get Ready for Spring Fishing at The Tackle Shop

Spring fishing on the Madison River or Missouri River is a magical time of year, but only if you’re properly prepared. By checking your waders for leaks and performing basic maintenance, you can ensure your fishing experience goes off without a hitch.

And if you need help with repairs or gear advice, the experts at The Tackle Shop are here to guide you. With over 84 years of experience, we know a thing or two about keeping your fishing gear in top shape.

Stop by The Tackle Shop in Ennis, Montana, or visit us online to grab your Aqua Seal Wader Repair Kit and check out our spring fishing gear. Let us help you get your waders ready for the season, so you can focus on what you do best—fishing.