While there are times where waders might not be necessary, fishing is a year-round obsession for most, and the weather often doesn’t permit getting out in the surf with shorts and a t-shirt.

With the number of options that are available, there is a pair of waders that will let you get in the surf at any time during the year. And even in the warmer months, keeping dry increases comfort and reduces fatigue.

In this article, we will take a look at five pairs of waders of various designs that cover several weather and fishing situations that we think will serve you well out in the surf.

What are the best surf fishing waders?

Here is a quick look at the top 5 pairs of waders that are essential on your next beach fishing adventure. For more information on each pair, please continue reading below.

• Orvis Encounter Waders
• Frogg Toggs Amphib 3.5mm Neoprene Waders
• TideWe Bootfoot Chest Waders
• Frogg Toggs Pilot II Waders
• Duck and Fish Thinsulate Chest Waders

The first pair on our list of the best surf fishing waders are the Orvis Encounter Waders.

These stocking foot waders from Orvis are a great, breathable option for surf fishers. While some proper underclothing with these waders can provide some warmth, they may not be the best for freezing temps when you are getting hit with spray for several hours.

These waders are very durable and crafted with a four-layer nylon material that gives good tear resistant properties. The booties of these waders are made from neoprene and give a nice, natural form fit.

The Encounter waders have a Kangaroo style front pocket with a zippered compartment to keep the gear you want to get to quickly, and it also features a fleece lined hand warmer pocket.

These waders also have an integrated belt loop and comes with a wading belt which is a major safety feature you want to see on your waders. These waders also have gravel guards that clip to the laces of your wading boots, which will come in handy when stomping through the sand.

If you’re looking for a pair of waders to get you through near freezing temps, the Frogg Toggs Amphib 3.5mm Neoprene Waders might be more to your liking than breathable waders. These waders are pretty simplistic in their design, but they do feature a single kangaroo style front pocket that can serve as a nice hand warmer.

These are stocking foot design, so boots are not included in the purchase. These 3.5mm neoprene waders provide not only complete water-resistant but also heat retention. These are hi-back design waders so you can wade into fairly deep waters, but you will need to purchase a wading belt separately.

These waders feature wide, comfortable shoulder straps which help reduce fatigue from wearing these heavier waders for long periods of time. Especially when walking out of the water. You also get an added neoprene layer on the knees for some extra durability. The booties on the Amphib waders are also neoprene though a slightly higher density than other parts of the waders to keep your feet warmer.

Not everyone wants to drop some hard cash on the big name brand waders. If you’re one of these people who just want a pair of waders that are going to keep you dry in the surf, these waders are a good option. They are the TideWe Bootfoot Chest Waders.

These waders are incredibly lightweight and made from two layers of nylon. While it doesn’t give you the tear resistant properties of other waders on this list, it makes them convenient if you have to hike from one fishing spot to another.

These are boot foot design waders so if you’re not looking to budget for wading boots it’s another pro for these waders. The boots feature thick, rubber soles with heat welded seams between the boots and the nylon waders to give a water tight seal.

These waders feature elastic and adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt. They also have a built-in front pocket for a small amount of gear storage.

Another great pair for keeping your feet dry are the Frogg Toggs Pilot II Waders.

These breathable, stocking foot waders from Frogg Togg offer both quality and a lot of storage opportunities. They are crafted from a four-ply nylon material giving you excellent durability. These waders, when sized correctly are very maneuverable and give a great fit with their articulated knees. The high-density neoprene booties fit incredibly well and resist bunching once on. They also do a fantastic job at keeping your feet warm when in chilly water.

Perhaps one of the biggest draw to these waders is the amount of room you have in the chest pockets. It features the usual hand warmer pockets, but it also has two waterproof zippered chest pockets that you can keep a decent amount of gear stored.

The Pilot II waders have an integrated belt loop and wading belt with several accessory loop attachments. You also get the integrated elastic gravel guards that can be attached to your wading boots with a rust-resistant hook.

Let’s conclude our search for the best surf fishing waders by taking a closer look at the Duck and Fish Thinsulate Chest Waders.

These waders are boot foot and are made from 4mm neoprene and nylon. The rubber boots feature a cleated sole for a little more traction in the water and are also insulated making these excellent waders for colder weather. The stitching on these waders don’t look as clean as some other waders on this list, but they carry a guaranteed waterproof warranty.

The knees have reinforced double layer kneepads which will be useful for those who are going to be dealing with some structure rather than the open beach. These waders use elastic webbing suspenders that are easily adjustable though not the most comfortable straps out there.

As far as storage goes, these waders have a large handwarmer pocket for both hands. It also has a top access pocket that runs pretty deep and can hold a good amount of gear.

Final Thoughts….
Regardless of the water type or the season, waders for surf fishing provide you, the angler, a lot of advantages. You want quality, comfort, and durability in your surf fishing waders.

With the five waders we have examined in this article, there is a pair out there that are going to match up well with your surf fishing needs and keep you comfortable out in the water year round.

What have you found to be the best surf fishing waders? Share with us your experience in the comments below.