Rock fishing is a demanding pastime that tests the angler and his attire to the limit. Safety is paramount and getting a good grip on potentially slippery rock and weed is vital.

Most of my rock fishing is undertaken along the North Devon coast and many of these marks involve long treks over rough terrain. Often in inclement conditions that test footwear to the limit so when I saw the latest Snowbee Rockhopper boots they immediately caught my eye with their stylish appearance and a name that inferred they would suit my needs.

My first outing with these boots was to Iceland to test the shore fishing potential for next years European Federation Of Sea Anglers Shore Championship. I had little idea of the terrain I would be fishing from but figured that these boots would be up to the task in hand.

These hand laminated rubber boots have a Neoprene Lining and upper that makes them extremely comfortable. The soles have hardened titanium steel spikes in the sole that are designed to cut through greasy and weedy surfaces to give a strong grip.

So having packed the boots into my suitcase I arrived in Iceland setting fourth onto a rocky breakwater. My companion on the trip EFSA Wales Chairman Phil Lustig warned me that the rocks were particularly slippery. I climbed onto the structure rod in hand to make my first cast. I was immediately impressed by the stability I felt as I strode from rock to rock. The steel spikes cut though the algal growth on the rocks giving a great grip.

They are not suitable for boat fishing, as the steel spikes would wreak havoc on fibreglass or wooded surfaces. Probably not a good idea to walk across the kitchen floor either!

Over the next few days in Iceland we fished numerous rock and beach marks and the boots performed extremely well. In temperatures down to minus three I had no issues with cold feet. In fact at times my feet became quite warm whilst moving around both beach and rocks.

To summarise my first impression is that these boots are ideally suited to rock fishing giving a superb grip. They are fully waterproof, comfortable and light to wear. Only time will tell how durable they are when used and abused on rocky shores. From what I have experienced so far I would not hesitate in recommending them for all rock fishing and most beach marks where wading is not required.

Snowbee Rockhoppers Boots are available in Black with a grey trim and a red lning in sizes 6 through to 11 priced at £79.99. For more information and for your nearest stockiest contact Snowbee (UK).

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