Synthetics that defy time
Fishermen under high protection by synthetics
Riversides, wetlands, temperate or oceanic climates, the areas frequented by fishermen, regardless of the season, lead them to protect themselves from water, first and foremost. This makes him the ideal candidate for all waterproof and breathable textiles, i.e. those that are impermeable to rain but permeable to the water vapour released by perspiration or condensation. To achieve this, fishing gear manufacturers have a wide range of synthetic membranes modified by coating or lamination in order to make use of their hydrophilic or hydrophobic behaviour.
One of the best known in this regard is GoreTex, made from PTFE comprising 3.5 billion pores per square centimetre which enable water vapour to escape but, due to their small size, prevent rain from penetrating the material.
However, impermeability alone is not sufficient. It has to be ensured that the drops of water do not adhere to the fabric. To do this, the surface can be treated with fluorinated derivatives or, better yet, with silicones that provide a lasting water-repellent effect.
Retro waders versus tech waders
Anglers have long borrowed the waders used by professionals. A crucial piece of equipment for venturing out into streams. There are no miracles here, only polymers are able to guarantee perfect watertightness.
The most accessible, in all respects, are the PVC waders most often combined with rubber boots. Both robust and inexpensive, they are relatively flexible but is not very comfortable in cold waters. "Chilly" fishermen prefer the neoprene foam models that provide the best thermal insulation. However, their fragility to friction means that they cannot be used in scrub areas, particularly given that, unlike PVC, repairing damage on neoprene is a delicate operation.
Finally come the waders made from multi-layer synthetic fibres, developed for sports fishing in whitewater.
Most manufacturers use multi-layer constructions in order to improve breathability and resistance to abrasion. Patagonia opted for polyester membranes. More innovative, Rapala uses the Cerenol biosourced thermoplastic fibre from Du Pont, which is derived from corn.
The innovative materials are usually combined with various finishings: removable waterproof pockets, comfort reinforcements, neoprene slippers all of which firmly places wading in the category of a luxury pursuit.
Plastics never struggle against the current
For several years, anglers have started seeking out other ways of fishing, such as being carried along by the current rather than trudging along the middle of a stream. Their favourite craft for this is not the traditional flat-bottomed boat, but rather a type of floating armchair called the "float tube".
For several years, anglers have started seeking out other ways of fishing, such as being carried along by the current rather than trudging along the middle of a stream. Their favourite craft for this is not the traditional flat-bottomed boat, but rather a type of floating armchair called the "float tube".
Another popular practice, the fishing kayak has undergone many changes to meet anglers' specific requirements. The initial monolayer polyethylene models were replaced by multi-layered kayaks with an intermediate layer of foam insulation. The more resistant models are made from thermoformed high density polyethylene. In addition to the traditional paddles, they are equipped with new propulsion methods such as a crankset or an electric motor that leaves the hands free to fish.
