Agressive Wading

[Dejon Hamann]

Looking for some thoughts on "safe" vs "aggressive wading" from some of the more experienced comp anglers here.  What's your decision making process when it's time to get wet?  How do you assess risk? What hydrolic terrain will you tackle? What won't you?  How do you prepare gear wise for swimming?

I haven't heard of an angler drowning in competition, but I'm not a historian of the sport.  Of course, we should all take every precaution, but do many new anglers over dramatize the risks?

And specifically for Todd, what are you general thoughts when you head into situations like this:

[Loren Williams]

Risks?    I guess a substantial waterfall might get my attention.

At 2009 Nationals on fishing creek I was going to swim across but I just knew that I could not get a fish back to my controller within my beat boundaries--that was the only time I did not fish water on the far bank when I wanted to.  Trust me...I played billiards in my head for a long time...no way was the 8-ball (me) going in the corner on that beat.

[Chris Puchniak]

I'd like to add the question:  "Do you practice this on your home rivers, or is it something you leave till its needed?"

I could see practicing this just for the sake of being aware of what one is getting into during an event, rather than doing is for the first time during a competition.  On the other hand, practicing something like this isn't what you want to do alone.

I have definitely swam rivers to fish previously, but only wet wading- shorts and shirt in July.  Which isn't too far off from just swimming.  Being able to carry all your gear while wearing waders is a whole other thing. 

[Todd Oishi]

And specifically for Todd, what are you general thoughts when you head into situations like this:

What's that old saying... Taking one for the Team!?!  

In answer to your questions Dejon; I try to push myself beyond my limits during a major competition where I am hoping to qualify for a spot on our national team, and will swim if I feel that it is safe and will help to add another fish onto my Team or individual scorecard. I am a strong swimmer and feel quite confident in my swimming abilities, but I always make the necessary preparations before taking the plunge…

I first observed competitors swimming at the WFFC in Sweden (a Frenchman and Czech) and realized the level of commitment and danger that these competitors where willing to put themselves under in order to score a fish. Swimming is not forbidden under FIPS rules, and is sometimes necessary to allow a competitor to access both banks of their beat (to be on an equal playing field with the rest of the pack – who are able to wade across their beat while others can’t).

I have put myself at risk on quite a few occasions (several of my controllers had told me that what I was doing wasn’t safe and that they wouldn’t be able to rescue me if I got into trouble), but I have never felt that I was putting myself in a situation that I couldn’t get myself out of. If I am going to swim, I always stop to assess the situation and made sure that I felt confident that I could do it and prepared a backup plan should things should go wrong.

For all of times that I’ve swam a beat, the only time that I felt that I was in danger was the time that I misjudged the strength of the current and was swept over a very small waterfall and into a small plunge pool. I learnt from that experience, and paid for that poor decision, as I ruined the finish on my reel, as a result of throwing my fly rod onto the rocky bank just seconds before going over.

Much like Loren; I never cross near the bottom of my beat, as there is always a chance of being swept outside of the beat marker and disqualified. At our 2009 NFFC the competitor in the beat below me stood at the marker whenever I swam across with a fish in my net, as he was a real stickler for the rules and hadn’t caught many fish – even though he was able to safely wade across his beat. Each crossing (back and forth), as well as the time to reposition, consumed fifteen minutes, so I had to assess the time factor as well as the risks. I was fortunate as this strategy helped me to win that particular session and well as several others at that competition and past ones.

But in all seriousness, I would never advise anyone to swim or to push the limits if they aren't comfortable with the situation or feel that their life would be put in danger or at risk... PERIOD!

Life is far too precious and nothing is worth dying for - it's only fishing after all...

[Todd Oishi]

How do you prepare gear wise for swimming?

Missed this important question...

I always try to wear my kayak jacket (neoprene cuffs, waist and  neck), as it keeps water out of my waders.

I wear two wading belts, so water won't fill my waders and pull me under.

I make sure that all my pockets and gear are zipped and secured.

I check that my net tether is securely attached.

I clench my fly rod in my teeth, so my hands are free for swimming.

I wear boots that have have a flexible ankle support, so I'm able to properly kick while swimming.

In rare instances; I break down my fly rod and stash it in my Fish Pond vest's back storage area.

I take a couple of deep breaths (as you would before diving underwater without breathing apparatus).

I say a quick prayer and make sure that my controller is aware of what is happening...

[Dejon Hamann]

This is excellent stuff as I've seen over and over again that the competitors who can/will swim often end up winning their sessions.

Do you just wear the two belts right next to each other? 

I wear two wading belts, so water won't fill my waders and pull me under.

Also, have you ever utilized or tested any flotation devices?

[Todd Oishi]

One belt at the top (chest height) and the other at the waist.

I carry my CO2 vest for really crazy waters, as you can always blow it up manually if you feel that you need a little extra buoyancy. I personally don't, but it's a good safety measure if you can't get back...

[Jeremiah Hamilton]

Todd remember writing this:

"When I think back on Finland's World fly Fishing Championships, I think I shall always remember the tale told to me of one competitor having to be rescued by a boat, since he was unable to safely wade back across the deep and treacherous river. For most of us, this scenario pretty much summed-up the difficult conditions that we were all experiencing while wading in certain stretches of the Simojoki, and more importantly; symbolized how desperate we all were to search-out our beats and scour their waters in attempt to find fish and avoid the dreaded blank…"

[Randy Hanner Sr.]

I remember Michael Drinan wearing a wet suit to get to the other side of his beat on the Colorado to win his session and ultimately the 1st America Cup.

[Dejon Hamann]

What were the temps like?  I've thought about wearing my surfing wet suit sometimes. 

[Randy Hanner Sr.]

I don't remember the water temp being the problem. I think the wet suit gave him flotation and he was able to swim much easier than wearing waders and boots.

[Dejon Hamann]

I think some sort of wetsuit getup is the future of competitive fly fishing.  Classic waders don't fit the bill.

[Aaron Laing]

I think some sort of wetsuit getup is the future of competitive fly fishing.  Classic waders don't fit the bill.

This is one of the reasons the Czech juniors fished in old style neos during one of the recent worlds--extra buoyancy and easier wading in snotty water. I personally feel a wet-suit wouldn't be ideal (too much restriction of upper body movement), but whatever works.

Aaron

[Randy Hanner]

After nearly drowning at the cody qualifier, in april of 2007, I ALWAYS carry my guiding life jacket and daun it any time that I swim across. It helped me win the 2009 SE qualifier and helped me to get across the colorado in the 2010 america cup.

That being said I also dawn my simms surf jacket any time there is a chance I could get swept off my feet.

If I know that I will swim to the other side, I will only take one fly box, one spool of tippet and leave my pack on the current side with my other gear whilst tying my net to the keeper on my jacket. As Todd said...."Rod in the teeth so hands can swim.

As far as what I won't swim in, I won't swim in a class 5. Class 3's are a common occurance!

[Frank Muscente]

What some grown men will do to catch a fish 

[Aaron Laing]

What some grown men will do to catch a fish 

You bet.

Todd and I both swam across the same beat (in different sessions) during the 2009 Canadian Nationals to fish the water on the far bank. Ya gotta do what you gotta do in a competition--but you shouldn't be stupid about doing it.

Aaron

[Daniel Podobed]

I've done this in spring and summer. My waders popped a leak last week, so on wednesday when the stream looked amazing, i was chest deep regardless. I've swam across large pools before. I've also swam flooded waters with a large carp hooked....that was borderline for me. Thats about the limit I'll go to if need be, and it wasn't a competition either