Thread: Foot Protection

Not to sound like a paranoid Lil' Old Granny, but the Gulf Coast is a totally different environment than we are accustomed to on the East Coast.

Is it recommended to wear some type of foot protection, water shoes..., when wade fishing or swimming in the surf? We will be staying over near Little Lagoon Pass. I just want to make sure the Grand-kids are okay, a sick or injured little one is a recipe for ruining a vacation.

I don't when surf fishing.
Unless you have tight fitting neoprene wading boots, most water shoes, sneakers, etc.., fill with sand from all the wave action and get really uncomfortable.

Wade fishing the bay/lagoon, its not as much of an issue.

The only time I consider it is when I go out to the dixie bar. There seems to be a lot more stuff the gets washed up on the shores or near shore. The beach in front of the houses are usually junk free and nothing but sand, with an occasional sea shell

Usually a foot injury isn't the problem with a youngster. It's sunburn. I'd make sure that they have THAT protection, for sure and still, limit the amount of overhead sun (middle of the day) exposure. Personally, I never go barefoot anymore. Wade-fishing, sand flea raking, ghost-shrimp slurping -- I have something on my feet. That's just my preference, though.

Pokenfish, What/where is the Dixie Bar, never been to GS before, of course you probably guessed that with all the dummy questions.

Witler, I have always struggled with the same issue, both for me when wade/surf fishing and for the kids. My kids have never worn anything in the water in the five years we have been going to Ft. Morgan (they are 7 and 3). BUT, there have been things stepped on. Generally just broken shells and hasn't resulted in anything serious. I tend to wade out to chest deep water to try and get my bait as far out as possible and when I do that, I like to have something on my feet (probably because I'm a scared child trapped in the body of man who looks like he's winning the cheeseburger race). However, for the past 3 years I have been wearing what I can only call cheap water shoes (like you would get at Dicks or Walmart for like $10-15) and they aren't worth a crap. As Carl noted, they will fill with sand and rub the heck out of your toes. One year I actually got an infection, which was probably worse than whatever would have happened to me had actually stepped on something. I was going to try Crocs this year, but I've heard they aren't much better. So that basically leaves either something expensive (not convenient) like the neoprene mentioned above, or flip flops, which are as comfortable in the water as bricks would be.

We've had more issues with jelly fish and the kids than stepping on things.

Nothing more miserable than sand in your shoes (wet or dry).
+1 on the sun screen; nothing burns quicker than the lily white top side of bare feet that spend their lives in shoes when out doors.

Dixie bar is at fort morgan, which is at the end of fort morgan rd. Just get out of the car and walk to the beach and take it to where the gulf meets the bay.

Originally Posted by witler

Pokenfish, What/where is the Dixie Bar, never been to GS before, of course you probably guessed that with all the dummy questions.

Careful with the little ones out on the bar. The currents can get pretty swift around there as the bay is emptying into the gulf and the tidal pull. It's fun fishing there though. We've gone every year, but be prepared for a decent walk in the sand. There is always interesting stuff washed up so the kids usually like it. Below is a link to an article about it.

What?s Biting Report: Fort Morgan?s Dixey Bar Known for Bull Redfish | The Beach is Calling Blog