Don't wade in the surf just because you have waders on. Fish in the area will most likely be spooked by your appearing as they hear very well and can pick you up within a long distance. First cast in the direction of the oncoming surf and let the fly or jig ride in the longshore current (more on this later). When wading, have respect for other anglers (not easy as some have no respect for you) as your presence can effect the fishing as it can disturb the surroundings by stirring up bottom/rocky areas are a crunching sound reverberating in water spooking fish and just plain inconsiderate overall. You should shuffle your feet and feel the floor of the area you are wading in as to keep from stepping in soft mud/drop-offs/tires/pilings/etc. Especially at night when you can;t see in water below you. Remember, if you hit a soft spot and lean your weight into your step you can't readily back off once you are committed. And this leads me to your wading belt. Probably the most important item you have. a strobe/.flare/all these items for added safety go out the window when you are in over your head and panic to stay afloat (will touch on this in a minute) You have a wading belt but it is around your waist correct? Well it should be higher around your chest area to let the least amount of water into them as possible should you go down, as you are in most cases always up to your chest in water at one point or another for any given outing (which is a bad idea but we are invincible remember?) phew! run on sentence! A belt up on your chest is goofy looking yes" but bear in mind when you venture out on your own you need every advantage for safety at your disposal. Many a life has been lost to vanity and ignorance. Can you say KORKERS? what>? no safety footwear? better get some!
Know the limits to fast water and turbulent surf. Once you are above the knees in water you run the risk of getting jammed up. You become more buoyant and have considerably less traction here. Keep your body sideways to the current or surf, you don't want the force of waves hitting you directly face forward and especially facing the beach with your back to the surf. There is a point where you will know your limits so adhere to your instincts and not at the prospect of an "oh so close body of fish". Lean into current or surf a bit as if you lose your balance the surf or current will push you upright instead of OFF YOUR FEET but this is a balance issue which will vary with each set of circumstance and individual height/weight/ and coordination factor. leaning forward into anything is just as bad if you are not in a good position to begin with.
as the day wears on you think you are ready for anything when truth be told your anything but. You could be more fatigued and are most suceptable(?) to accident or injury or both. Fighting current and surf all day can take it;s toll (especially on us older folks) yea, i am gettin there. Plan your routes to avoid obstacles that are here in this thread and be safe. Any areas that have less strenuous wading and footing can still be hazardous.
Practice swimming with your waders on in a pool (with a friend). If you ever get turned on your keester you will know that you are prepared for a self rescue. If you fall in or swept off your feet, turn on your back and make like a drift boat - your feet become the bow - your head the stern - your arms the oars. backstroke into the current and stroke towards shoreline in a straight line and wait till your close enough to try and stand. Get out of the cold water as soon as possible. It won't take long for hypothermia to set in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothermia
Remember, don;t lose or (almost lose) your life for your tackle!!! If your rod/reel should be separated from you in the event of a fall don't be foolish and try and retrieve it if it means a dunking as you could wind up a statistic. Be safe out there this season folks and a phenomenal season to you all, Zim
Know the limits to fast water and turbulent surf. Once you are above the knees in water you run the risk of getting jammed up. You become more buoyant and have considerably less traction here. Keep your body sideways to the current or surf, you don't want the force of waves hitting you directly face forward and especially facing the beach with your back to the surf. There is a point where you will know your limits so adhere to your instincts and not at the prospect of an "oh so close body of fish". Lean into current or surf a bit as if you lose your balance the surf or current will push you upright instead of OFF YOUR FEET but this is a balance issue which will vary with each set of circumstance and individual height/weight/ and coordination factor. leaning forward into anything is just as bad if you are not in a good position to begin with.
as the day wears on you think you are ready for anything when truth be told your anything but. You could be more fatigued and are most suceptable(?) to accident or injury or both. Fighting current and surf all day can take it;s toll (especially on us older folks) yea, i am gettin there. Plan your routes to avoid obstacles that are here in this thread and be safe. Any areas that have less strenuous wading and footing can still be hazardous.
Practice swimming with your waders on in a pool (with a friend). If you ever get turned on your keester you will know that you are prepared for a self rescue. If you fall in or swept off your feet, turn on your back and make like a drift boat - your feet become the bow - your head the stern - your arms the oars. backstroke into the current and stroke towards shoreline in a straight line and wait till your close enough to try and stand. Get out of the cold water as soon as possible. It won't take long for hypothermia to set in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothermia
Remember, don;t lose or (almost lose) your life for your tackle!!! If your rod/reel should be separated from you in the event of a fall don't be foolish and try and retrieve it if it means a dunking as you could wind up a statistic. Be safe out there this season folks and a phenomenal season to you all, Zim