A Fall Fishing Jacket

[Mobasser]

For the last 15 yrs or so, I've worn a thin ( single layer) Carhart duck jacket with a hood for fishing in the fall.                                                          This jacket also doubled as a cool weather work jacket. After so many years and washings, it's pretty much worn out.                                                             I'm in need of a new jacket for fishing , and I'm interested in a fleece jacket. If I buy one a little big, I can layer up first, and remove it if need be.                                     My main criteria is good freedom of movement, and a zip up style ( non pullover) type. A hood would be a plus also.                         I plan on fishing this fall until the lakes freeze up, so this one would be a cool weather jacket, and I have heavier coats should I need them.                                   The thing is, if you get out there and get uncomfortable because your too cold, it's hard to focus on your fishing.                             If you've tried a fleece jacket, how has it worked out? Are they good in wind, with layers underneath? Any recommendations on a good jacket for fall fishing?

[Spankey]

Mo, I have to strip myself down in layers because I might be starting out at 38-40 degrees but but the time I wrap up it might be 68 deg. this weekend supposedly.

 

Bottom side: gym shorts, sweatpants over that, Carhartt insulated bib overalls on top. 
 

Top side: Tee shirt, Carhartt mid-weight hood, BPS hooded Tourney Jacket. 
 

I just strip down to the combination that works. Can cast just fine in all that garb. Pretty sure when I leave that lake I’ll be down to the gym shorts and tee shirt. 
 

 

[the reel ess]

I just wear hoodies and layer up until it gets COLD. That way I can peel the layers as the day goes on. Until it gets really COLD. Then I wear a couple layers and a Cabela's Guidewear hooded jacket I got a few years ago. Much colder than 45 and I just won't fish. I know that "cold" means different things to you and me.

[purpurite]

As a base layer, I have been using an American Giant hoodie for a few years now, and I pretty much spend at least 70% of my life in it between October 1 and May 1. Thick, durable hoodie that is invaluable to someone who is always cold, and even more so in midwest winters. I pair it with a lined North Face Apex Chromium jacket or a Patagonia Nano Puff jacket in all but Chicago snowstorms. 

[HaydenS]

Bottom: Gym shorts, sweats, Frogg Togg men's pilot pro bibs.  Regular or wool socks.

Top:  Huk sun shirt, Huk Hoodie, Reel Life Submariner Jacket, gaiter, some kinda hat.  Might wear a coat once it gets a little colder. 

And a pair of long johns for the really bad stuff. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I layer up. 

Top: silk/lightweight polyester thermal, tee shirt, henley, heavy hooded sweatshirt, parka. 

Bottom: silk/lightweight polyester thermal, jeans, bibs and midweight wool socks.   

Fleece is good but I'm not too crazy about it as an outer layer if its really windy and cold or if I'm likely to get wet.  It works pretty good as a 2nd layer with a water/wind proof parka shell over the top of it.  There are a few full zip fleece jackets with hoods that are purpose made for waterfowl, but they're camo.  The outside is treated to be more wind and water resistant then normal fleece, whether it is I'm not sure but I like the hoodies and jackets I have that they make.  https://www.rogerssportinggoods.com/Apparel/Mens-Clothing-and-Footwear?brand=Banded

  

[PotatoLake]

This is my fave. I got mine 50% off at Academy two years ago. They are pretty steep full price. But I’m always feeling not too hot/not too cold in it. Lots of pockets for holding items you need.

 

https://www.simmsfishing.com/rogue-hoody

[Craig P]

I like Aftco clothing.  I use the Reaper Windproof Pullover when the mornings start at around 45 to 60 degrees.  If above 60, I use the Reaper Technical Sweatshirt.  It is not cheap stuff but I bought them both at the same time and got a pretty good discount.  I only wear a t-shirt under either of them.

[Bass Rutten]

Sorry for the wall of text, I’ve geeked out a bit with cool/cold weather fishing clothing. From the low 60’s on down the following system hasn’t let me down yet.

 

Forget heavy, light is key, three layers gets it done; base, middle, and outer if you buy quality and proper fit. Pick your base layer of choice, most brands offer a light, middle, and heavy, light weight has sufficed for most weather for myself, maybe use middle weight as you approach 40° or windier conditions? I’m in canoe or kayak so I’m usually making a beeline for the nearest bowl of hot soup by this point anyhow.

 

For the mid layer, and my secret weapon, a fairly tight fitting fleece or down vest (NO sleeves!) significantly reduces bulkiness and gives your arms and shoulders all day casting mobility and general comfort even under a form fitting outer jacket layer.

 

For the outer (and most expensive) layer settle for no less than a lightweight jacket with goretex windstopper which is full goretex minus the waterproof qualities but more breathable. Keeping that wind at bay is of utmost importance, just this feature of blocking wind in a very light jacket was a game changer for me, yes it might cost you $100-$200, suck it up, you can go cheap on the first two layers but not here. Armpit zips and a cinch-able waist band allow body temp control, highly recommended. I go with a hoodless jacket combined with a wool or wool blend beanie and a neck gaiter or scarf so that a rain jacket, if needed, will fit over everything comfortably if the skies should open up, goretex for the win here too.

 

Snug-ish fit on everything is key to keeping  warm air in, cold air out and the good times rollin’. Haven’t put as much thought into lower body (yet). Full disclosure, I may or may not have loosely borrowed this layer system from hikers. One thing for sure it has 100% helped keep my head in the game for longer on the water.

[Columbia Craw]

At one Reaper oft shell hoodie and layer underneath.??

[Catt]

September through March I carry a Magellan hooded waterproof jacket, not so much about cold but wet.

[Spankey]

Often thought about going to a ski shop and checking out those bibs those guys use. Might be a decent trade off to the Carhartt bibs. Can only assume they are lighter and have a decent insulation value to them. Carhartt bibs do work fine. Seems like I shed them as soon as the sun is truly up. 

[Jig Man]

I hate cold so I layer up.  I normally run 3-7 miles from the launch and prefer to be warm when I get there.  I wear a long sleeved fishing shirt with a hoodie over it.  On top of that I want a nylon windbreaker with  a hood.  I can peel all day if I need to.

 

BTW:  When it gets cold I pull out my down bibs which I got from Duluth Trading Co.  They are super warm.

[Spankey]

Often thought about going to a ski shop and checking out those bibs those guys use. Might be a decent trade off to the Carhartt bibs. Can only assume they are lighter and have a decent insulation value to them. Carhartt bibs do work fine. Seems like I shed them as soon as the sun is truly up. 

Geographically were are so spread apart that fall and going toward winter is so different. How you have to dress and the temperature swings between states by is unreal. And we all are basically trying to get the same fish to bite. 

[Kev-mo]

There's several types of fleece. The softer stuff is great at insulating but doesn't do much to block the wind. The hard face fleece or wind block stuff does a good job of blocking the wind but i feel it doesn't have the same lofty insulating properties. You'd probably want to go with a hard shell fleece along with some water resistance coating.

 

Can't really give you a recommendation on a single coat as a i do the layer thing and that depends on the temperature, precipitation etc. Breathable base layer, loose insulating layer and loose wind blocking layer that may or may not be waterproof. Not so loose that a breeze blows up your back but loose so you have a pocket of insulated air under that outer layer.

 

Also I wade so way different than being on a lake. It could be 45 but with no wind and full sun I'll almost want to be in a t-shirt at this one spot because it's so protected.

[Brett's_daddy]

23 hours ago, Mobasser said:

For the last 15 yrs or so, I've worn a thin ( single layer) Carhart duck jacket with a hood for fishing in the fall.                                                          This jacket also doubled as a cool weather work jacket. After so many years and washings, it's pretty much worn out.                                                             I'm in need of a new jacket for fishing , and I'm interested in a fleece jacket. If I buy one a little big, I can layer up first, and remove it if need be.                                     My main criteria is good freedom of movement, and a zip up style ( non pullover) type. A hood would be a plus also.                         I plan on fishing this fall until the lakes freeze up, so this one would be a cool weather jacket, and I have heavier coats should I need them.                                   The thing is, if you get out there and get uncomfortable because your too cold, it's hard to focus on your fishing.                             If you've tried a fleece jacket, how has it worked out? Are they good in wind, with layers underneath? Any recommendations on a good jacket for fall fishing?

Stick with Carhartt!!! This is what I have and LOVE it...https://dungarees.com/carhartt-101444-quick-duck-camo-traditional-jacket-quilt-lined?&cs=RTX_4&size=LRGREG&cid=35. It's warm, keeps you dry and is still very comfortable and won't restrict your movements. If you're thinking about cool weather fishing you should also be thinking about a nice pair of neoprene lined gloves too.

[Krux5506]

I really like Simms clothing. You'll probably spend a bit more than Carhartt but all of my Simms stuff has lasted forever. If you want a good step up from that even, look into Filson gear as a "buy once cry once" type of option. 

[Junk Fisherman]

I have a polar fleece Cabela's lightweight jacket and a Marmot soft shell jacket and both have windstopper technology.  They are both fantastic for 50ish degree weather.  I primarily wear the Marmot jacket and will layer underneath and wear bibs for all my cold weather, open water fishing.  That windstopper technology is a must for me.  Neither of those jackets have a hood but I wear a hooded sweatshirt and often wear a stocking hat.  If it is in the 30s to start the day I'll wear 2 Under Armor style, fitted tops, a hooded sweatshirt, a Columbia relatively-tight fitting vest with the Omni-Heat and then the Marmot shell on top.  With a couple layers, pants and bibs on the bottom, I am never cold in late fall/early spring fishing.  I bring a puffer-style jacket that I might wear at the launch and then on my first run but that comes off when I start fishing.  Thin layers and flexibility is crucial for casting and I definitely have that in what I wear.  Good luck.  

[ThatFishingGuy]

I have a nice light Legendary Whitetails coat that I like

[bulldog1935]

Wind'/weather shell and layers, so I can peel and adjust as the sun warms. 

 

[newapti5]

Just $1 for a nice rain coat, still pretty new. Yard sale sometimes can do wonders. 

[Spankey]

Mo, was blowing through BPS site and seen the liner jackets for the 100mph or 200mph coats and they look like they would work. But they are a bit steep. I still prefer the fleece line Tourny. More practical in my opinion.