FS Digest

I'm looking for waders. Are there any specific attributes that are especially useful when kayak fishing that I should be looking for?

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by bassow

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Well, bassow, you will find that quality waders will get expensive in a hurry, no matter how well your wallet is stuffed.
Just Sayin...RJS

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

The only advice I have to offer is to make sure they’re breathable, especially in your locale. Cabelas has a reasonably priced breathable wader. I’m going on my 6th year with mine and do a good amount of trout fishing.

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

Waders on a kayak sounds like a tragedy waiting to happen should you capsize your waders are going to fill up and you’ll sink like a rock. JMHO.
You might want to look into a dry suit or wet suit.

TBRhino Loc: NC and FL

WhiteWater flyshop waders really light weight and have mid torso belt to help if do get wet from them filling up to bad. I always wear floatation vest in case go swimming.

Don Fischer

I had hip boots one time. Got a hole in them first time I wore them. Today I go wading I wear cutoff jeans and tennis shoes.

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

I was thinking the same thing FishDancer

Ibclyde Loc: Cloverleaf Lakes Wisconsin

Waders and Kayaks?
Are you trying out to be a Navy Seal?

bottomcoon Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma

I'm with Fishdancer on this. I've slipped & fell wadding in streams & waders fill up fast. A belt helps but even in 3 to 4 ft water it was a chore getting out. I'm sure you guys up north & east have a lot colder water than we do. I'd find an inflatable life jacket with a lot of flotation if I wore waders. Good luck!

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

That’s a myth that has been debunked hundreds of times. Check it out on YouTube. They actually trap air in and your legs float to surface. In some studies they purposely filled the vest waders with water and the guy still didn’t sink because the water in the waders doesn’t weigh any more than the water outside ( surrounding) the waders. A lot of guys wear breathable chest waders when fishing from a kayak. They keep you warm and dry. And should you fall out they help you float. It’s best if you wear water proof jacket over them and a belt cinched snugly around your waist.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Yes , CRKfish, you are right about that! I almost drownd is a story I posted some time ago on that very topic! You can go to SEARSH and read it! Being turned upside down because of your warders is a dangerous situation! Just Sayin…RjS

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

I have been knocked down by waves in the surf. A small amount of water gets in around my neck area and I stay mostly dry but I can’t get my legs under me they keep floating on the surface. I have to paddle and crawl onto the beach before I can stand up. I have also slipped off of a muddy bank into the drink wearing hip waders. Same thing, feet float and the rest of me totally soaked.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I posted a story about almost drowining after getting tipped over while tube float fishing with waders. You can find in by going to SEARCH, look for 'I almost drowned'. Just Sayin...RJS

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

I read your story Robert. I can see that things went bad for you on that outing. A “perfect storm” of factors resulted in a situation that could have been deadly. Hip waders, home made float tube , no life vest, tugging on tree , float tubing alone unaccompanied... you were fortunate . You were able to swim to safety but first swam to retrieve your lure. I’m happy you came away from that situation and were able to share your experience with us. Lessons learned.

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

I have been using Frogg Toggs Anura breathable stocking foot waders and am very happy with them . Got a good deal on them from Dicks sporting goods. Compare prices with other top brands and you’ll see why I think they’re the best bang for your buck.
As for kayaking fishing with waders …. It is becoming more and more popular in my area in saltwater bays and in the ocean . However I should point out and stress safety issues such as : 1. hypothermia - in colder seasons like the fall/ winter striper run a dry suit is recommended. But many use chest waders dry top over waders and belt around waist . neoprene gloves
2. Life vest- You should ALWAYS wear a life jacket of some type inflatables are most popular with kayakers.
3. Hand held vhf marine radio. I recommend one with GPS and DSC features . They automatically send your distress call and GPS position. Automatic monitoring channel 16. Weather alerts.
4. Sound and sight signaling devices-Whistle, air horn, strobe light, flare, orange flag.
5. It’s recommended to enjoy this type of fishing with another person.
Basically the safety devices used when motor boating apply here as well , especially on big water. You probably won’t need all of these things and be fine on a small lake or pond.I hope this helps you.