Kayak Fishing In Cold Weather

[aceman387]

I was wondering how late into the year do some of you go. I always vow to keep fishing late into the year but i always seem to switch back to shore fishing once the temps did below 45. I guess i could buy a pair of hip waders to keep from standing in the cold water when i am pushing off. What do the rest of you do? As far as colder weather apparel goes i own a bass pro shop qualifier outfit that i use for shore fishing in the cold how would something like this work for a kayak ? too bulky? What do you guys wear when your kayak fishing in the cold temps?

[Hanover_Yakker]

I fish year round, and find great joy in fishing out of my kayaks when the air temps sink below freezing.  A key point to remember is COTTON KILLS in cold water.  If you get wet from falling in, immediate dry clothes or ability to get warm is critical and can be a life or death situation if not taken seriously.  A general rule of thumb I use is the 120 degree rule.  That is the total temperature of the air and water temps at the time of launch and during your outing with neither value below 60 degrees.  Some argue that 50 degrees is the mark, but your can die from hypotermia exposure in 50 degree water if the air temp is low enough.  If either value is below 60 degrees, then you should be wearing some form of layers to help keep you warm.  At the early onset of colder temps, sometimes the waders and splash top approach are sufficient, but once the water temps drop down to 50 and below consistently, you need to use the full gammut of layers.

 

The proper approach is one of layering.  Now, depending upon your climate, the layers may vary, but here in the mid-Atlantic, the following is the bare minimum for most outings that I wear.....

 

Hands - wool gloves and a spare pair in case they get drenched.  I use a fingerless design with a protective palm and fingers.

Head - wool or fleece hat tha covers your ears.  Don't take the wind for granted.  The head is first place to lose heat in the winter.

Feet - wicking socks as a base layer and a pair of smart wool socks over top.

Body - base layer of wicking material (Thermax, Duofold, UnderArmour, etc.) covered with a fleece layer covered with a waterproof layer.

Face - some folks like face shields, but I personallly do not.  Your climate may dictate otherwise

 

Now, for the waterproof layer, opinions vary.  Some people prefer full body dry suits (Kokatat, NRS, etc.).  They are expensive ($600-1500) but worth every penny, just make sure you test fit it with a base layer on, and make sure you get one with a relief zipper.  Also keep in mind that the neck area is sometimes more restrictive in some brands than others.  Other options, I use a pair of breathable chest waders with neoprene booties, wading boots and a waterproof splash top with gasket seals at the neck and hands.  The water temps I fish in range in the high 30's to low 40's all winter long.

 

Hope this helps.

 

I am sure others will chime in.  Hopefully some of the folks from the NE area like Jfrancho who also fish out of yaks.

[J Francho]

I wear a semi dry suit, and keep a ditch bag with a spare set of clothes and a towel.

[moguy1973]

I wear my breathable chest waders with some warm wicking clothing underneath, and hope I don't tip...

[J Francho]

Make sure you wear a wading belt.  Breathables are deadly if they fill with water.

[Jim Mac]

I was wondering how late into the year do some of you go. I always vow to keep fishing late into the year but i always seem to switch back to shore fishing once the temps did below 45. I guess i could buy a pair of hip waders to keep from standing in the cold water when i am pushing off. What do the rest of you do? As far as colder weather apparel goes i own a bass pro shop qualifier outfit that i use for shore fishing in the cold how would something like this work for a kayak ? too bulky? What do you guys wear when your kayak fishing in the cold temps?

 

Fishing in 45 degree temps? Too cold for me.

[buzzed bait]

I go all year round.  Granted it doesn't get THAT cold down south, but I'll fish in 30 degree weather all day.  I tend to layer it up pretty good when it's that cold, but not to layer too hard until i've got the kayak in the water.  if you work up a bunch of sweat from all your layers and then sit down and paddle off you will freeze in no time, not to mention get sick quick.  For me the most important thing is ALWAYS bringing a spare set of warm clothes and full size towel in my dry bag when it's that cold outside.  like Hanover said it can be a life or death situation when it's that cold.  something else to think about if fishing when it's that cold is to keep some waterproof matches in your tackle bag.  if you're out in the middle of nowhere and have a spill you'd be more than happy to have those handy to start a fire!  most importantly is to ALWAYS have fun.  if it's kind of damp outside and that cold you may not have fun and it may be a miserable day.  just don't overdo it and be smart/safe.