Wader Question Cool Weather Fishing

[Hammy]

Looking for ideas, suggestions on staying dry / warm while kayak fishing now that the weather is getting cooler. I just joined the " Plastic Navy" and am looking forward to staying active this fall/ winter. I've canoed all my life kayaking is new to me.

Hammy

[Reel Tune]

I bought neoprene waders thinking they would keep me warm, well they kept me too warm and a was sweating a lot in them even in 20 deg temps at night. So txnative was wearing a nylon breathable waders with neoprene booties, and I got me a pair. They work very well, I layer up with fleece underneath and wear good wool socks, and it works great, and I'm able to move easier in the breathable waders than I am in the neoprene waders. Make sure to always wear your PFD, and practice re-entry in warmer water before going out in the cold. Pack a change of clothes, food, and plenty of drinking water.

[jad2t]

I'm about to make the same transition as I got my kayak in May and going out in the usual shorts and crocs won't cut it anymore. I have some thin waders that I'll wear with layers underneath. This allows me to get into the kayak staying dry and if I do get too hot, I can always pull ashore somewhere and lose the waders and store them in the dry well.

I personally will be reluctant to stand in my kayak during the Fall. It's just about impossible to flip the kayak I have but I could fall in. Hasn't happened yet but not taking the chance in the cold weather. I'll stay sitting and stay safe.

[Lester]

I don't own waders yet but I wanted to go out Sunday am. $19 boots from Tractor Supply and I wore my Army GoreTex over my normal clothes. I stayed dry the whole trip, Because of the boots and GoreTex I actually got less water in the boat. Wool socks and sweater. I also keep an Army neck gaiter and flight cap. A thermos of coffee helps keep you warm. Don't forget your hands. Keep em dry as best you can.

[Westwindmike]

Last winter I wore a farmer john wetsuit bottom and scuba booties. Worked pretty well and figured I'd float good if I fell in.

[Alphahawk]

I bought neoprene waders thinking they would keep me warm, well they kept me too warm and a was sweating a lot in them even in 20 deg temps at night. So txnative was wearing a nylon breathable waders with neoprene booties, and I got me a pair. They work very well, I layer up with fleece underneath and wear good wool socks, and it works great, and I'm able to move easier in the breathable waders than I am in the neoprene waders. Make sure to always wear your PFD, and practice re-entry in warmer water before going out in the cold. Pack a change of clothes, food, and plenty of drinking water.

X 2. Having flipped on the Caney in the month of December I can tell you it is no fun. Had I had a waterproof bag with change of clothes and shoes could have kept on going. Instead I had a miserable short walk to get back to car. I now have that bag and if I kayak in winter...or cold conditions....it goes with me.



Regards

[Hammy]

Lester, is this the boots from TSC? http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductsComparisonView?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&query=&sortBy=-1&filterValues=&pageSize=20&searchTermCompare=&searchTerm=&catentryId1=17696&catentryId2=17693&catentryId3=undefined&offerPrice1=undefined&offerPrice2=undefined&offerPrice3=undefined&numberOfProducts=2&categoryId=154

Hammy

[Reel Tune]

X 2. Having flipped on the Caney in the month of December I can tell you it is no fun. Had I had a waterproof bag with change of clothes and shoes could have kept on going. Instead I had a miserable short walk to get back to car. I now have that bag and if I kayak in winter...or cold conditions....it goes with me.



Regards

You are very lucky Alpha. The Caney can be very unforgiving, and adding cold weather onto the cold water makes it much more dangerous. I have a dry bag I keep extra clothes, and towels in, but this has me thinking about having something like a fire stick and survival knife. I already carry protein bars in the bag. Expect the unexpected.

[Lester]

Lester, is this the boots from TSC? http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductsComparisonView?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&query=&sortBy=-1&filterValues=&pageSize=20&searchTermCompare=&searchTerm=&catentryId1=17696&catentryId2=17693&catentryId3=undefined&offerPrice1=undefined&offerPrice2=undefined&offerPrice3=undefined&numberOfProducts=2&categoryId=154

Hammy

Yes, the Northerner Knee boot. Hard to beat $19 bucks. You are a sleuth. I also picked up a pack of Horse braid rubber bands for my wacky rigs. You have to double wrap them but you get a pack of 500 for 1.99.

[Lester]

You are very lucky Alpha. The Caney can be very unforgiving, and adding cold weather onto the cold water makes it much more dangerous. I have a dry bag I keep extra clothes, and towels in, but this has me thinking about having something like a fire stick and survival knife. I already carry protein bars in the bag. Expect the unexpected.

May I suggest in addition to those items a few pieces of kit.

A small can of sterno. - My go-to for emergency fire, 1 spark and you have true flame that won't go out and you can skip the tinder and go straight to larger kindling.
SOL brand emergency blanket(good)/SOL brand Escape Bivy(best)
Consider one of the Shamwow type towels, you can wring them out better than a cotton towel.


I keep a knife on my PFD. It goes where I go no matter what.

[bfish]

I would caution against wearing tall boots; if you take a swim, they are very hard to swim in.

In addition to the other safety gear mention, I always carry a pealess whistle. It is on my zipper on my pfd, only one hand is needed to get it to my mouth. It is very loud. I hope to never use it.

[Hammy]

Thanks Lester. I saw some where one guy packed a roll of toilet paper, a lighter & hand sanitizer ( w/alcohol) says it will start any fire.

wacky rigs ? new one on me, guess I'll google it.

Hammy

[Reel Tune]

Great suggestions guys, I like the Sterno fuel can idea, I actually have several in the garage. I always carry TB in the drybag. The pealess whistle is a must. I'll be putting together my winter bag soon.

Jeremy

[SAMBOLIE]

Thanks Lester. I saw some where one guy packed a roll of toilet paper, a lighter & hand sanitizer ( w/alcohol) says it will start any fire.

wacky rigs ? new one on me, guess I'll google it.

Hammy

Toilet paper is so versatile. Even in the warm months it is more beneficial than a leaf. Especially if you can't identify poison ivy.

[browntrout]

This is a good article related to that.

Roy

http://blog.austinkayak.com/2013/08/paddling-in-cold-weather/

[Hammy]

Thanks Roy, that was a useful link.

Hammy



This is a good article related to that.

Roy

http://blog.austinkayak.com/2013/08/paddling-in-cold-weather/