Alaska Bans Felt Soles

The Alaska Board of Fisheries announced that it will outlaw felt soled wading shoes starting in 2012. Trout Unlimited made the request and their blog has news of the decision.

"The board on Friday, March 19, passed the proposal unanimously after hearing testimony earlier in the week from anglers, lodge owners and others who warned that unless Alaska takes action to protect its freshwater rivers, lakes and streams, they risk becoming infected as in other parts of the world. Alaska is now the first state to enact a complete statewide ban on felt sole wading gear."

While we understand the motivation, of interest to some is the lack of a ban on boot laces or nooks and crannies on vibram boot soles and other fishing gear. There is however no ban on slipping and falling on your hindquarters. Seriously though, can't someone come up with felt impregnated with something that will kill the nasties and keep us dry? We can put a man on the moon....

Tip 0'the hat to Moldy Chum