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Roofish · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2013 12:13 pm Post subject: Wading, Waders & Rays???

I don't make it to the coast very often, & am wondering when you wade can you just wear waders or do you guys wear ray guards as well?????

I have Breathable waders & admire those of you that wade fish, but wouldn't want to put on my waders & start fishing & get surprised by a Ray, so any info is greatly appreciated in advance Smile

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TexGator · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 22 May 2012 Posts: 429

Tough question to answer and I am sure you will get some different ones. Basically whatever you are comfortable with. Of course it is safer to wear the ray guards but not as comfortable as going without. I have known two people who got hit by rays and they will never wade without them again. For me visabilty plays a big part in my decision to wear them or not. If I can see the bottom I may choose not to. Also carefully walking with a shuffle style some people say helps but who really knows? I'm sure this does not help to answer your question but if you are concerned and the worry may take away from your enjoyment of the experience them put them on.

hickroots07 · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2013 12:53 pm Post subject:

I don't wear waders or ray guards. I also have not been stuck by a ray nor do I want to but I feel relatively comfortable shuffling my feet and walking cautiously.
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lifeaquatic · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2013 1:10 pm Post subject:

In general, during cooler months when waders are necessary the ray activity is lower. As the water warms I see more rays in the bay. It is never a bad idea to play it safe and put on guards, particularly when you are unfamiliar with the environment. Wearing waders alone will not protect you from a barb.

Now that it is getting warmer people vulnerable to Vibrio infections should take caution and learn about that danger as well.

ziacatcher · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2013 1:56 pm Post subject:

Good point on thd vibrio. Mix up a small spray bottle with bleach solution and spray it on any break in the skin. Will help in preventing infection.

AcousTennis · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 13 Sep 2010 Posts: 1319

Right now there are a LOT of big rays in the bay...my ray Gards have saved me a few times in Baffin and 5+ times here in cc over the past 4 months ....I definitely don't want to risk a hit from a ray they are nasty things....watch your step
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Johninaustin · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 1113

One of the main reasons I went to a kayak. I'm terrified of rays and I haven't been stuck since 1979. Embarassed

CROAKERSOAKER · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 16 Jan 2012 Posts: 491

Been wading for about 7 years and never been hit. It an automatic for me to shuffle and I have waded in areas where I've seen dozens of rays so I'm either lucky or the shuffling works. If I was ever hit I'm sure I would go to wearing guards though!
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TomP · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 433

Wear both waders and Guards trust me you won't regret it. It's all about protecting yourself.
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workinbird · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:26 am Post subject:

Were the boots! A little discomfort with the boots is alot easier to deal with than a sting ray barb in your lower leg. Never been hit, but ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS shuffle your feet! <*/)))><

Coach · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 9:05 am Post subject:

I have 2 pair of Rayguards and a pair of Reef boots. Depending on conditions and what I am wading determine the type.

I use Neoprene socks and sometimes an Neoprene shin guard so my boots won't rub my skin raw.

Muddy and low visability - Always Rayguards
Clear, har pack and below knee deep water - Reef boots (These are ray gurads without the shinn guard)

TIP: get a much larger size for your waders
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Coach

Member of Team Stingray

shallowsport · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 9:58 am Post subject:

Being proactive, and wearing protection, is never a bad idea. But I am with Croakersoaker, been wading over 30 yrs., been around many a ray, and never been hit. That said, I my have now broke my good luck charm, hope not. Shuffle along.

Bay Grinder · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 10:37 am Post subject:

I don't wear ray guards, but am probably going to purchase some in the future and see if I like them.

I wear waders in cool water, up to about 70 degrees or so. And warmer I wear pants in the water when I wade wet. Keep in mind jellyfish can't always be seen and are another foe to worry about other than stingrays!

CC Bug Man · Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 6:59 pm Post subject:

Roofish,

I like your dog. A picture of a dog that happy tells me a lot about the owner.

When I wade an area full of rays I wear the boots. Never did like two piece boots and shiin guards. You have to get two sizes for bare and waders. Be sure to wear your waders when you try on the boots.get the big ones for "with the waders" first.

Most dangerous time is when you take that little back step when you set the hook. They follow your mud trail to see what you turn up to eat.

Other dangerous times:
1. When you step out of your yak.
2. When you step over an obstruction.
3. When you stumble a little.

I would rather be thinking about fishing.
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huntnetime · Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:30 pm Post subject:

Got hit by a ray two summers ago...that chitty chitty bang bang hurts!!!! I do wear ray guards now. Just not interested in going through that again.