Fishing Gear Maintenance 101: Keep Your Waders and Boots Lasting Longer
A few simple repairs can save you hundreds on replacements. Here's how to do it right.
When you're out fishing, staying dry is half the battle. Your waders and boots are your most important gear, but even the best kit won't last forever without care. The good news is that with some regular maintenance and the right products, you can keep your waders waterproof and your gear performing for years.
1. Clean After Every Trip
Mud, grit and salt can slowly wear down your gear. After each trip, rinse your waders and boots with fresh water to remove debris. Use a soft brush to clean seams and soles, and avoid strong detergents as they can damage waterproof coatings.
For tougher dirt, use a little mild soap or a specialist outdoor cleaner. Hang everything up to dry away from direct sunlight or heaters, which can weaken materials.
Pro tip: Roll or fold your waders and store them somewhere cool, dry and indoors if possible.
2. Check Soles and Seams
Small cracks or tears can quickly get worse if ignored. Check your waders and boots regularly for early signs of wear. Even with good preparation, a sharp rock or branch can cause a leak or tear. Keeping a Stormsure Boot, Shoe & Wader Repair Kit with you means you're ready for quick repairs when you're out on the water.
3. Stay on Top of Repairs with the Stormsure Boot, Shoe & Wader Repair Kit
Boots: Use Stormsure Flexible Repair Adhesive for cracked or broken soles
Clean and dry the area before you start. If needed, use the sandpaper in the repair kit to roughen the surface. Apply the adhesive directly to the damaged area, press the surfaces together and wipe away any excess. Let it cure for 24 to 48 hours depending on temperature and humidity.
Stormsure Flexible Repair Adhesive creates a strong, flexible and waterproof bond that lasts.
Waders: Use TUFF Tape® for instant patching
Make sure the area is clean and dry. If necessary, lightly roughen the surface with sandpaper before applying the patch. Stick the TUFF Tape® directly over the tear to seal it instantly. The tape is strong, highly tear-resistant and fully waterproof, making it ideal for quick repairs that hold up in any conditions.
Pro tip: Keep a few TUFF Tape® patches in your tackle box. They weigh almost nothing but can save an entire fishing trip when leaks or tears catch you off guard.
4. Store Your Gear Properly Between Trips
Damp gear encourages mould and weakens materials over time. Even a little moisture can cause odours and damage waterproof coatings. Always dry your gear completely before putting it away. Store it somewhere cool and sheltered, out of direct sunlight, to prevent UV damage.
Fishing gear isn't cheap, but keeping it in top condition doesn't need to be difficult or expensive. With regular cleaning and timely repairs using the Stormsure Boot, Shoe & Wader Repair Kit, your waders and boots can last season after season.
For more repair guides and waterproofing tips, visit our Help section or follow Stormsure on Instagram and Facebook.
Stormsure® and TUFF Tape® are trademarks of Stormsure Ltd. (UK) and Stormsure Europe B.V. (EU)