Wearing Waders, etc..

I’ll hold the beer!

This is an interesting thread…

-Lewis

Well said Lewis!

It started out as such a simple question. Or so I thought.

It was (and is) a simple question. I’ll use the 120 degree rule always and forever. Then, I’ll err on the side of caution (like last Saturday) and wear my waders and semi dry top during fall, winter, and early spring when we’re flirting with a combined total of 120 degrees.

I’ll be the old guy who goes looking for your body when you don’t return from a trip. (Assuming you filed a float plan and we know where to start the search)

Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com

Tommy,
I agree with erring on the side of caution. I think the issue with this string is the contradictory statements from a poster. If safety is a concern, “most of you folks” need learn to paddle, but don’t wear a PFD. Discussing paddling to near shore reef’s, but only being run down by a Boston Whaler in 3 feet of water. Which is it, near shore or 3ft?
Possibly a few of us can’t paddle at a “remarkable pace” is because 2 1/2 decades of service to our country have made that impracticable, physically speaking, and maybe it’s because we enjoy the pace of what we individually are doing.
I’m not against a beer or no PFD, but I am just a “two legged turtle” that doesn’t venture far from home.
Just my .02 cents.
TB2
BTW: insulting the “ladies” is not a great way in introduce yourself to the community!
TB2

TimBuck2
Wilderness Systems Ride 135

Too Busy, it was raining when I got to boat ramp on Sat, so I wore my chest waders all day, and probably didn’t need them. But did get out of the boat a few times, just cuz I had the option. What is a semi-dry top? Do you have pics? I just had a shell jacket for rain, but would not do well in the river.

Many go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

Toobusy knows a lot more than me but what I found was a paddling (splash) jacket made by Stohloquist. It is waterproof and has neoprene cuffs and a neck. Put that on after waders and stay nice and dry. It is a pullover type jacket.

Ah, paddle jacket. Thanks Dfreedom, found this link with your help
http://seakayakcarolina.com/paddle-jackets.html
Local shop and the splashdown is only $59

Many go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

I am a lazy paddler
Plan /plan/plan and plan your trip some more let incoming + outgoing tides do most of the work and hide from the wind RIDE THE TIDE
Waders work for me I like to stay warm when needed
Life Jacket always ware it when on the water alone
Capt Dave

I really like this from Mountainman 1

Many go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

Capt Dvae

quote:
Originally posted by Mountainman1

Ah, paddle jacket. Thanks Dfreedom, found this link with your help
http://seakayakcarolina.com/paddle-jackets.html
Local shop and the splashdown is only $59

Many go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.


Mine is the Splashdown. It won’t keep out all the water when you swim, but it keep enough out that you; A. AREN’T DEAD and B. Haven’t ruined your day.

I can wear mine either under or over my PFD. I wear it on top most of the time in case I want to take it off. So sometimes you’ll see me on the water and think I’m not wearing a PFD… I am.

Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com

I believe that is the one I have. I like it so far. Big enough to layer under it.

Capt Dave, I are not a smart guy. Stole that from Henry David Thoreau. Had a trout fishing calendar with that quote.

Too Busy, Aren’t Dead is always a good thing. Gives you a chance to look back and laugh at your swim, for whatever unexpected reason.

Many go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to test the pre-production version of the new Ride 135. We put it through it’s paces on a COLD December day. Part of testing included surfing it. Air temp 36, water temp 48. I turtled 3 times getting used to the new boat and learning what it could and couldn’t do. Splash jacket, waders with belt, pfd and a fleece cap.

I got a little wet and had the time of my life playing in the surf with the rest of the test team.

Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com

Ah, you live to tell the tale. Bet you lost the fleece cap with 3 eskimo roles. Not gonna ask why you attempted such feats in December with such balmy conditions.

Many go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

I have never worn waders but they don’t look too comfortable. I am an avid surfer so I have several old wetsuits. I just throw on an old 3/2 wetsuit and old neoprene booties. The wetsuit is as warm as it gets and cools easily too (unzip the back and pour water down your neck). You can probably buy a used wetsuit cheap at a pawn shop, otherwise you can get a cheap new one for around 200$ They make really nice ones for around 500$ but you don’t need it for fishing. The booties are the real treat. mine are over 10 years old and i can walk on any oyster beds (just don’t fall!). I am sure everyone is partial to their own equipment, and I have found my favorite cold water clothing to be old wetsuits for winter fishing in the kayak. Hope this can help someone who is nervous about kayak fishing in the cold weather. PS-The wetsuit motivates you to stay hydrated bc there is nothing warmer than going in your suit. It sounds gross but its def one of surfing’s most perverse pleasures. if you are disgusted by the idea of your own urine than get in the water and rinse it out!

I don’t recommend peeing your pants in chest waders :). Actually a wet suit is probably the safer, smarter way to go. But I brought my chest waders from Colorado, and I don’t own a wet suit … yet.

Many go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

haha yeah i don’t think peeing in your waders s a good idea