Wader protection from float tube fins?

[Jim Curlee]

Dug my float tube out, planning on doin a little bobbin around. lol
Just wondered if you guy’s that use these float tubes on a regular basis, do anything to protect your waders from chaffing from the fins?
Jim

[Shrimpman]

All of my tubing is done in cold lakes, so I always wear a high neoprene sock over the stocking foot. As improbable as it sounds, silicone smeared thickly over the bottom of the sock makes a pretty good protective sole.

[mrampant]

I always use wetsuit booties, as they also protect the stocking foot from damage while walking around without the flippers on.

[Brooks]

Fins go over your wading boots.
If you’ve got the right fins.

[Jim Curlee]

Thanks guy's.
I have absolutely no experience with these things at all.
I just figured once you got in the water they would be better without boots, goes to show what I know, which is not much! LOL
Although it does appear that I'm not the only guy thinkin along those lines.
I'll try it both ways, then I'll do what I want. LOL
Jim

[thegubster]

Jim,

I don't think you need worry about your waders.

After reading that last post, if I may suggest something. Get fully ready, fins on too, close to where you drop in and....WALK BACKWARDS as you enter the lake with your tube. Trust that!! Ask me how I know...

Keep it fun ... and safe! Wear a wader belt.

[oddsnrods]

If the bladder is vinyl you may want to check to see if it is still sound. I had a Caddis from years ago but did not want to risk it.
I moved to inflatable pontoons and the urathane bladders warranty for ten years, vinyl, of the same make warranty for five.

[Jim Curlee]

Pumped her up about a week ago, still full of air.
I'm ready to go.

Jeremy;
Was out on Vermillion on Saturday, surface water temps are in the low 50s, yes you do have to think about waders unless you want to freeze to death. LOL
Actually we've hit 4 different lakes since Thursday, other than the 18"-20" smallies the oldlady caught the other day, not much action for us yet.
Checked out all of my favorite panfish spots, nuthin goin yet, reeds are still brown.
Need to see some green reeds before the sunnies/crappys come in.
Lots of folks out wailing around on Vermillion, imagine that, I thought all you tourists are supposed to stay home. LOL

Jim

[Diamond Dan]

I slip my boots on loose to walk to the water, put my flippers on at the bank and stash my boots on the tube. I’ve never worn anything over my wader feet, and have never had any issues. I have my boots available in case I need to walk back to my launch point.

[Jim Curlee]

Finally got the float tube out, took me about 5 minutes to get used to it. lol
I like it, I can see plenty of places it can be useful.
Did the same as Dan, wore my boots to the shore, slipped-em off, went out with just the fins on, worked just fine.
Turning was tough, any hints?
Jim