Wading shoe chains

[Federico Boxaca]

We are beginning to operate a Fishing Lodge in Sourthern Chile. Some of the rivers we take fishermen are strewn with moss covered round boulders. Felt soles are not enough to prevent slippage and as some fishermen don't have studded shoes we are considering having sets of wading chains to lent. We have no experience on these attachments, how do they perform?, are they comfortable to use?, do they harm the waading shoes? Which are the best models?

[Drifter]

Buenos Noches Federico,

Lo siento. I can't offer any advice on the chains for the shoes, but I would like to know more about the fishing in Chile. Are you in the Chilean Patagonia?

Do you know Carlos Munoz? I understand he runs a top notch fishing operation in Coyhaique. Let us know if you have set your prices yet and how we can get more information. I've been told the brown trout grow quite large in your area.

Hasta,

The Drifter http://webpages.charter.net/skeeble/index.htm/Fishcamp.jpg

[THE EG]

Sorry to take so long to respond to your post. I don't know about chains but Korkers work great compared to felt soles. These are stream cleats that you strap to the bottom of any type of wading shoe. Here is a description I found on the net about cleats.
" Cleats are a necessity on the Salmon River. Korkers, Walt's Walkers, Stream Cleats, and Stabilicers are all popular. Korkers grip extremely well but have the inconvenience of having to lace them on. Walt's Walkers and Stream Cleats are pull-on rubbers, making them much easier to put on or take off. Stabilizers are attached with velcro, and are very light, making them most comfortable. Walt's and Stabilizers have replaceable spikes, while Stream Cleats use non-replaceable aluminum cleats."
I've only used Korkers and they run about $50.00 in the US. Shop around, I know they can be had for less ($35 to $40) during Salmon season on the Salmon River in upstate New York. A couple of net sites that I found that sell Korkers are www.lonekeep.com/srmo/index1/tacindex.html and www.magicalweb.com/gripit/korker.htm
Hope this helps.