Kayak fishing apparel during cold months
 

Since I just started this in the Summer, I know shorts and crocs aren't going to cut it for much longer. Fall is creeping in, we can all feel it and I'm sure we are all excited for that Fall bass bite! What do you typically wear during Fall and Winter? I was thinking of wearing my waders since they're really thin and I can just wear clothing underneath to keep warm but I'm not sure how comfortable that will be. I get about knee deep when launching then get in the yak so I need something waterproof.

try hip boots, freedom of movement and dry!

Been kayaking a long time, I would not recommend hip boots. In a kayak, you should always be prepared for a swim, hip boots (and old rubber boot foot waders) are nearly impossible to swim in. Especially in a deeper river or lake. Now if you just want something to keep your feet dry in these shoulder months while boarding the kayak, in shallow water, then hippers are fine.

Stockingfoot waders (especially the "tight" fitting breathable kind) will work pretty good. Neoprene tends to get too hot when paddling (sweat) then you get real cold when sitting to fish. Lots of layers of quick drying (wicking synthetics) works well with the waders.

Kayak specific splash pants and tops work well and offer the most range of motion (and better longevity). The ultimate in winter wear is a drysuit, but they are costly.

Also always keep a change of warm and dry clothes with you (in a dry bag). I even sometimes go as far as keep a third set in the vehicle.

Now if you just want something to keep your feet dry in these shoulder months while boarding the kayak, in shallow water, then hippers are fine

+1... that is exactly what i use them for.. small shallow creeks in the shoulder months..

Couple shots and a beer or three Jimmy you won't get too cold. :D

True but then I'd cast too many lures into trees and lose them!

LOL, i dont need booze for that to happen! There are many a crankbait and top water poppers in the trees around JPP from this guy! and some WAY up in the tree's where ya cant even get mad at yourself, you just laugh and break the line to re-tie something else on!

Same here. I guess we need to get out there as soon as the water levels drop to replace some of the cranks we lost with the ones we'll find on the exposed rocks!

A late relative of mine used to be great at finding them. To the point he made a tool to help retrieve them from back in trees. While fishing the banks at Percy or OH, he'd swing in and pluck one then go back to fishing.

I would bet he never bought a lure he fished with.

This thread made me daydream about a startup Scuba business retrieving gear on the weekends and putting on eBay.

I bet, in a place like Tennessee with rivers/lakes everywhere, you could actually make some money, and have really awesome gear!

Billy

There was a river near where i lived in Michigan that was great for Steelhead in the early spring. Well the river ran thru a Disc Golf Course and everytime i would make my way to the water in my waders, somebody would always offer me $5 per frisbee that i collected for them. Back then a few frisbees would cover my gas and some bugers after fishing. Not a bad deal! Steelhead and cash in my pocket! LOL.
Ive found some old reels in the rocks at Old Hickory Dam, one of them i was able to clean up and is now my catfish reel. You can find some decent stuff if your lucky!

I grew up in California. Wading for disc golf Frisbees fed many a hippy!

Billy

Hey, nothin' wrong with disc golf.

As for fall apparrel I wear waterproof pants, and waterproof shoes. I'm very careful when entering and exiting the kayak, I can do it without getting in the water. I usually wear a fleece blase layer.

As for winter 40 deg and below I have a pair of breathable waders with neoprene booties, and wear wading boots. I layer with fleece under that. I can layer comfortably until the temps get down into the low to mid 20's, and I just won't go out when it hits the teens, but fourtanately we don't see many of those days.

The 1st year I bought a pair of neoprene waders and even in the low 30's you start to sweat after paddling for a few minutes, and like bfish said once you stop, it gets really cold.

With your luck someone will snag you and then brag about the big one that got away LOL.............WOODY

Or I could just slowly surface next to their boat and give them a real thrill!

Billy

+1 for everything Jeremy said...except that I love the days when the high is in the teens. I would also add a balaclava to keep your head covered/warm. You lose a lot of body heat thru your head. I also like to keep the head opening of my shirt covered with either a balaclava or by using a thick headband around my neck.


Chris Bryant