Newbie Question: Am i crazy going out in the Puget sound with waders on?

I am new to kayak fishing and i have a sit on top kayak.  I generally fish in the puget sound launching out of golden gardens.  As the weather is about to turn colder i have started thinking about what i should wear through Autumn and winter.  I am tempted to wear my neoprene waders, a wading belt and a jacket.  The sit on top kayak i have is very stable and i feel like i could scramble back onto it if i went in the water.  In addition i think the belt will stop it filling up with water and sending me to the bottom of the sound.

does anyone else fish like this or am i crazy for not shelling out $600 for a dry suit?

Welcome to NWKA,

That's how i fish all winter long, have since the beginning. Suits my comfort level just fine. I don't use a  wading belt as a PFD snuggly fit over a splash top over the chest waders does the same thing.

Don't be comfortable with thinking you can get back in your kayak, make sure you CAN by practicing self rescues in a safe environment.

I am new to kayak fishing and i have a sit on top kayak.  I generally fish in the puget sound launching out of golden gardens.  As the weather is about to turn colder i have started thinking about what i should wear through Autumn and winter.  I am tempted to wear my neoprene waders, a wading belt and a jacket.  The sit on top kayak i have is very stable and i feel like i could scramble back onto it if i went in the water.  In addition i think the belt will stop it filling up with water and sending me to the bottom of the sound.

does anyone else fish like this or am i crazy for not shelling out $600 for a dry suit?

First, welcome to the forum!  There are a lot of VERY experienced and knowledgeable folks here.  Suck up the wealth of knowledge.   How have you been dressing on the water this summer?

One of the common themes of the people involved and throughout the site is safety.  Here are two of the immutable laws of kayak angling in the cold waters of the GPNW.

1.  You are not dressing for the weather, you are dressing for immersion, i.e., the water temperature.  The water is cold in the summer.  It is damned cold in the winter. 

2. Practice re-entry to your kayak BEFORE your life depends on it.  And, it is not so much a scramble, it is more of a lunge.  Get into cold, shallow, protected water, fully dressed in your preferred fishing garb, and practice re-entry.  Then decide if you want  a dry or semi-dry suit.

It is a myth that waders filled with water will drag you down.  I think this got started by fly fisherman in rivers and streams which is a very different environment than a lake or Puget Sound.  The water in your waders weighs the same as the water outside your waders.  It will reduce your mobility, the additional weight may make it difficult or impossible to re-enter your kayak, but it won't suck you to the bottom.  Your PFD will still keep you afloat. 

Welcome to the site. 

Thanks for the replies.

You have convinced me to practice an actual self rescue rather than just assuming i can do it.  My wife and kids are looking forward to watching me flounder around in the water down at golden gardens some time this week.   

Welcome aboard English.

You should be just fine in your waders and jacket.  Contrary to what CBY said, wear your wading belt.  PFD's climb up as you fish and swim.  Even if you're just mitigating a 3% chance that your waders will flood, it's worth it.  (Ya hear me Roy?  )

As for the self rescue..... Do it wearing exactly what you'd be wearing while fishing.  Also, have your wife take some video so we can make fun of you.   

-Spot-

It is a myth that waders filled with water will drag you down.  I think this got started by fly fisherman in rivers and streams which is a very different environment than a lake or Puget Sound.  The water in your waders weighs the same as the water outside your waders.  It will reduce your mobility, the additional weight may make it difficult or impossible to re-enter your kayak, but it won't suck you to the bottom.  Your PFD will still keep you afloat. 

Welcome to the site.

That is very true.  And also, neoprene is a buoyant material.  After all, survival/immersion suits are made out of it, and I can tell you from experience they float just fine, even when filled with water.  PFD, neoprenes, wading belt, dry top- you're good to go

In my opinion, after being out with guys in dry suits in cooler temps in spring, neoprene has the advantage at least until immersion, an extra layer of good insulation!  I have only been cold once, on a day with temps that started in the high 30's.  I layer well in colder weather, have accidentally taken a pre-fishing plunge in oct. paddled for 4 hours somewhat wet, temps in the high 50's and not had a problem.  Still, I worry about my eventual unplanned immersion.  I like my Neoprene even if I get a little to warm on those nice days.

I think the issues that river fishermen have with waders filling with water is as you start to walk out of the water.    I have found myself walking in 2 feet of water with the water in my waders at the 5 foot mark after stepping into a river bottom pot hole.
 

My concern if my waders fill with water is trying to pull that water up with me when trying to get back on the Kayak above the waters surface.   

me & my Nephew took a swim in the river from a canoe when we hit a rock wrong on a classII, both wearing neoprene waders & PFD's, his waders were loose fitting with boots attached, mine were tight fit stocking waders with canvas boots. the difference was night & day, he filled with water, & the heavy boots made it hard to keep his feet up, I stayed positive buoyant, & was actually still dry in the socks, & plenty warm, 4hrs later, when we reached the pull out.
With that experience, I would recommend tighter neoprene stocking waders, I would even wear some type of water shoe, for launching & go shoeless on the water.
Always wear your PFD, stay rigged to flip, & your number one piece of safety equipment is in that skull of yours, use it!

I'm sad to say, we did loose a half full can of energy drink to the river, he did not have it tied down, but after that rush, it wasn't really needed

Also,  by keeping an eye on on-line auctions, it is amazing the deals out there for dry gear.   I have picked up 2 Kakatat Drytops "including a GoreTex version" and a BARE Drysuit for around $350 total.   All used, but it good to great condition.    The more and more I read  regarding dressing for immersion from the veteran members here,  the more I feel dry gear will be worth investing in, even if on a shoestring budget

... The more and more I read  regarding dressing for immersion from the veteran members here,  the more I feel dry gear will be worth investing in, even if on a shoestring budget

I agree with you Craig, and your approach to collecting used gear is a good one.  My semi-dry Kokatat suit is basically a waterproof membrane.  It offers some insulation value, but not much, so the wearer can adjust what they wear under to remain cool or warm.  In cold weather I load up on fleece including a bunny suit plus another fleece top and bottom.  I've even stuffed toe warmers in my neoprene boots.