FS Digest

What do I wear when it gets cold (down Southeast US so no hard water)? I don’t want to stop kayak fishing just because it gets cold, but I also don’t want to fall in the water and die from hypothermia or drown because my clothes/boots are weighing me down.

Help me survive if my own stupidity happens.

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by The_H_Noodle

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

If the temps are not too chilly, dress in loose layers of "Thinsulate" styled apparel...both on your legs and torso. You can also get gloves made of similar material. Stay away from cotton and other fabrics that absorb a ton of water...like jeans and tee shirts for instance. Practice getting back into your kayak in the event of a capsize (during nice weather!), and consider having a "paddle float" on board to use as an entry aid when in deep water.

Although expensive, you may also consider a loose fitting "dry suit" such as what scuba divers use. Ice fisherman don thermal survival suits when fishing on thin ice, so that could be a resource too.

A kayaking specialty brand named Kokotat offers a variety of cold weather gear and they would be worth looking into as well. It's hard to put a price tag on your life, so don't let cost get in your way if you are serious about being out in a kayak when the weather turns cold.

You have to ask yourself...is the risk worth the reward to kayak fish in cold weather. I think that the answer will change from season to season as you get older!

Good luck on your decision, but above all...play it safe and remember that you have a lot of people that love and care about you. Their desire to see you hanging around and not make bad choices!

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

I know a lot if guys that are into the wet suits for divers they swear by them in cold waters☺👍