Clothing choices? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Argentcroix · 10-20-2010, 01:51 PM

Total newb here so as I contemplate the myriad choices of yaks, gear, rigging, and such I thought I would get some input on clothing choices for yak fishing. I am aiming for la jolla (while we still can) and mission bay. Dry tops? Wet suits? Paddle pants? Camo paint and a coat of break-free? What recommendations do you guys have for a beginner?

flydigital · 10-20-2010, 02:11 PM

Welcome..

Lots of choices but if you want to be warm, dry and comfortable I would really recommend breathable stockingfoot waders with a paddle jacket over the top... layer up underneith as needed (non-cotton is best). Works all year 'round even in the heat of summer (just take off the jacket and wear shorts under the waders). Protects from the sun too. If you get waders make sure to get some shoes to go over the wader's booties to protect them from ripping (I use thin diving shoes).

If you're not into waders then your can do paddle pants (but your back/butt will get wet and cold), or a full wetsuit (can get really cold if its windy). In the summers (if the water ever warms up) you can get away with shorts and t-shirt (and lots of sunscreen).

If you stick with kayak fishing you are going to get the wader setup eventually so might as well start off with it from the get go and save some money! There is a good deal on hodgman zipper waders right now.

ful-rac · 10-20-2010, 02:28 PM

I would go with the hodgman waders with the zipper. I love mine and I couldn't fish as hard without them, because I'm not worried about getting wet. I agree with flydigital start off with em'.

lamb · 10-20-2010, 05:14 PM

the key is in layers. You've got to stay warm to be comfortable, yet you don't want to be cooking out there when the sun is out. You need sun protection, good hat is a must, plus sunscreen all the time.

I know some guys still like 'em, but I think wet suite is not for colder months. You're better of dry. You'll get splashed on a lot, so count on that. Waders are more and more popular, and that solves your problem for lower 2/3rds of the body - good splash jacket on the top, multiple layers underneath, and you're good. Waders are nice as you can wear whatever you want under them. When it gets hot, you splash water over them to cool off. Do wear you PFD all the time, you may end up in the water. Think safety first when picking out what to wear when out on the water.

Welcome to BWE

GregAndrew · 10-20-2010, 08:53 PM

What they all said plus, don't buy a cheap paddle jacket either. You want one that is very breathable like GoreTex or similar with cuffs neck and waist that form a good seal. It is aggravating as hell to reach into your bait tank and have the water run up your sleeve and soak your clothing layers. And in warmer weather, a jacket that does not breathe well will keep you as wet as nothing at all.

Argentcroix · 10-21-2010, 01:18 AM

Greg, I guess I am still fighting somantics. When you say paddle jacket, I think in terms of http://www.outdoorplay.com/Kokatat-T...7&category=177

But you are talking sealed neck and wrists which I thn is more like a dry top. http://www.outdoorplay.com/Stohlquis...7&category=176
Is the drytop the better choice? Thanks all for the welcome and the input!

Fiskadoro · 10-20-2010, 08:45 PM

Breathable zip waders, Kokatat Pac lite Goretex top, and some fleece...

10-20-2010, 01:51 PM	#1
Argentcroix Junior Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 18	Clothing choices? Total newb here so as I contemplate the myriad choices of yaks, gear, rigging, and such I thought I would get some input on clothing choices for yak fishing. I am aiming for la jolla (while we still can) and mission bay. Dry tops? Wet suits? Paddle pants? Camo paint and a coat of break-free? What recommendations do you guys have for a beginner?

10-20-2010, 05:14 PM	#4
lamb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,563	the key is in layers. You've got to stay warm to be comfortable, yet you don't want to be cooking out there when the sun is out. You need sun protection, good hat is a must, plus sunscreen all the time. I know some guys still like 'em, but I think wet suite is not for colder months. You're better of dry. You'll get splashed on a lot, so count on that. Waders are more and more popular, and that solves your problem for lower 2/3rds of the body - good splash jacket on the top, multiple layers underneath, and you're good. Waders are nice as you can wear whatever you want under them. When it gets hot, you splash water over them to cool off. Do wear you PFD all the time, you may end up in the water. Think safety first when picking out what to wear when out on the water. Welcome to BWE __________________ [------------------------ <)))< ....b-a-a-a-a

10-20-2010, 02:11 PM	#2
flydigital Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 192	Welcome.. Lots of choices but if you want to be warm, dry and comfortable I would really recommend breathable stockingfoot waders with a paddle jacket over the top... layer up underneith as needed (non-cotton is best). Works all year 'round even in the heat of summer (just take off the jacket and wear shorts under the waders). Protects from the sun too. If you get waders make sure to get some shoes to go over the wader's booties to protect them from ripping (I use thin diving shoes). If you're not into waders then your can do paddle pants (but your back/butt will get wet and cold), or a full wetsuit (can get really cold if its windy). In the summers (if the water ever warms up) you can get away with shorts and t-shirt (and lots of sunscreen). If you stick with kayak fishing you are going to get the wader setup eventually so might as well start off with it from the get go and save some money! There is a good deal on hodgman zipper waders right now.

10-20-2010, 02:28 PM	#3
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	I would go with the hodgman waders with the zipper. I love mine and I couldn't fish as hard without them, because I'm not worried about getting wet. I agree with flydigital start off with em'.

10-20-2010, 08:53 PM	#5
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	What they all said plus, don't buy a cheap paddle jacket either. You want one that is very breathable like GoreTex or similar with cuffs neck and waist that form a good seal. It is aggravating as hell to reach into your bait tank and have the water run up your sleeve and soak your clothing layers. And in warmer weather, a jacket that does not breathe well will keep you as wet as nothing at all.

10-21-2010, 01:18 AM	#6
Argentcroix Junior Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 18	Greg, I guess I am still fighting somantics. When you say paddle jacket, I think in terms of http://www.outdoorplay.com/Kokatat-T...7&category=177 But you are talking sealed neck and wrists which I thn is more like a dry top. http://www.outdoorplay.com/Stohlquis...7&category=176 Is the drytop the better choice? Thanks all for the welcome and the input!

10-20-2010, 08:45 PM	#7
Fiskadoro ....... Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,509	Breathable zip waders, Kokatat Pac lite Goretex top, and some fleece...