jigfreak
08-17-2009, 06:40 PM
NY times 8-5-09
By CHRISTOPHER PERCY COLLIER
PEOPLE who fish in lakes and rivers have historically relied on boots with felt soles to help them keep their footing. But the felt on these shoes has been found to foster the spread of harmful parasites and algae that can sicken or kill fish and damage their environment.
So, despite the popularity of felt soles, manufacturers have been busy trying to devise good alternatives.
Indeed, fishing shoes with felt soles are already being phased out. New Zealand has outlawed them, and they will be banned in freshwater streams in southeast Alaska starting in 2011. Trout Unlimited, a conservation group based in Arlington, Va., last year called on the fishing equipment industry to phase out the use of felt by 2011, and some manufacturers have pledged to comply.
With new felt-free shoes arriving on the market, many fishermen are wondering how well they work. Alex Bell, owner of AB’s Fly Fishing Guide Service in Sylva, N.C., tested five pairs in the Tuckasegee River, where he leads fishing trips.
Before the test, Mr. Bell, above, said he had tried felt-free shoes and found them largely ineffective. But he said the new boots showed significant improvements. “They are getting closer and closer to felt,” he said. “I wasn’t concerned about my next step, which meant I could concentrate on the fishing.” He said all fishing equipment — with felt or without — must be cleaned thoroughly after use to reduce the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Rubber soles make the cleaning easier, but don’t eliminate the need for it.
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/08/05/style/20090806-phys-slideshow_index.html
By CHRISTOPHER PERCY COLLIER
PEOPLE who fish in lakes and rivers have historically relied on boots with felt soles to help them keep their footing. But the felt on these shoes has been found to foster the spread of harmful parasites and algae that can sicken or kill fish and damage their environment.
So, despite the popularity of felt soles, manufacturers have been busy trying to devise good alternatives.
Indeed, fishing shoes with felt soles are already being phased out. New Zealand has outlawed them, and they will be banned in freshwater streams in southeast Alaska starting in 2011. Trout Unlimited, a conservation group based in Arlington, Va., last year called on the fishing equipment industry to phase out the use of felt by 2011, and some manufacturers have pledged to comply.
With new felt-free shoes arriving on the market, many fishermen are wondering how well they work. Alex Bell, owner of AB’s Fly Fishing Guide Service in Sylva, N.C., tested five pairs in the Tuckasegee River, where he leads fishing trips.
Before the test, Mr. Bell, above, said he had tried felt-free shoes and found them largely ineffective. But he said the new boots showed significant improvements. “They are getting closer and closer to felt,” he said. “I wasn’t concerned about my next step, which meant I could concentrate on the fishing.” He said all fishing equipment — with felt or without — must be cleaned thoroughly after use to reduce the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Rubber soles make the cleaning easier, but don’t eliminate the need for it.
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/08/05/style/20090806-phys-slideshow_index.html