New to the Site, No Kayak Yet

Hi Everyone,

I'm excited to learn more about kayak fishing and hope to have what I need over the next several months. Thanks for all the information.

About me: I'm based in Corvallis OR and until a couple of years ago mainly fished in the local lakes for mushy stockers. I started crabbing off the docks in Newport and fishing from shore and from there have graduated to taking my canoe out in Yaquina Bay and crabbing and fishing for rock fish in the channel. I love not having to deal with a proper boat and engine, but with a canoe I have to rely on the tides to help me get to my fishing area and definitely can't leave the channel. If you see me out there in my baby blue gun, make sure to say howdy!

I have a couple of questions for you veterans:

Is it possible/acceptable to wear a wetsuit when fishing from a kayak, or should I really look into a dry suit?

What is the best place on the Central Coast to test out a kayak and have a productive day? I saw mention of renting out of Lincoln City, but appreciate other suggestions.

Thanks!
             Erich

Hi my name is James and I am from Corvallis too. Welcome, you will have fun. I wear a wetsuit when I go out in the ocean, but my 7mm wetsuit feels like I am paddling with an exercise resistance band across my back, but I warm. But that is my opinion. When I lake fish I wear normal clothes. But that is in summer and early fall. I will be trying a drysuit out soon with layering underneath.

Welcome to NWKA!

As I got started, I found there are two answers to the question "Is it possible/acceptable to wear a wetsuit when fishing from a kayak, or should I really look into a dry suit?"

Yes, and yes.

Yes, a wetsuit will keep you warmer and more safe than street clothes if you roll out of the kayak, but neoprene exhibits a significant amount of evaporative cooling when  it's wet and you're out of the water.  You can minimize that chill with light nylon rainwear to keep the splashes off of the neoprene and cut the wind-cooling if the wetsuit still manages to get wet.

An improvement over a wetsuit is a pair of paddling pants or breathable fishing waders, and a dry top.  If you shop for alternate fabrics, other than Gore-Tex, this outfit might be nearly as economical as a wetsuit/rainwear combination, and will be more comfortable in any weather.  The problem with this combination is that it isn't what I'd count on if you find yourself in the water for a long time waiting for a rescue; the pants/waders can fill with water if they are not well-sealed around your waist.

And yes, a kayaking drysuit is the pinnacle of protection and safety, and if it's in your budget, definitely get one.
 
After trying all three options, above, I switched to a drysuit and I'm not looking back.