Photo: Frank Goncalves
Make sure you have the right soles for your surfcasting.
Rubber – For sandy beaches and sodbanks, rubber-soled boots are the perfect pick. They get a good grip on dry rocks, but for jetties or rocks that may be splashed or submerged, you’ll want soles with some bite.
Felt – Felt may offer some extra traction on wet, bare rocks, but on rocks with any vegetation, felt is useless. They have recently fallen out of favor with freshwater fishermen for their tendency to transport invasive aquatic species. Some states have gone so far as banning felt soles on their fresh waters, which is something to keep in mind if you are looking for boots to do double duty between surf and stream.
Carbide Spikes – These spikes bite into rocks and cut through vegetation providing the absolute best grip on slime-covered boulders. They are available in over-the-shoe sandals and as individual studs that can be screwed into a rubber-soled boot.
Aluminum – For a non-slip grip on dry or submerged rocks without vegetation, aluminum bars are tough to beat. Unlike the Carbide spike, aluminum actually conforms to the rock surface, providing a killer grip. It does, however, wear out over time, and may require one or two changes during the surf-fishing season depending on your weight and how frequently you fish.
Felt doesn’t transfer aquatic species. Stop spreading the same rumor. Most states who had banned them have no repealed the ban. http://digital.vpr.net/post/ban-felt-soled-waders-repealed-aquatic-invasive-species-still-concern#stream/0