kayak fishing in the winter

Hello all,

does anyone take their yaks out in the winter time?  maybe chasing black mouth or such?  other than the "dry gear" mentioned else where, waders and water proof jacket or dry suit,  what do you carry in the winter? 

Carl

HuntinHick-
I have gone after blackmouth the past few years (although I only got out ONCE last year.  Need to rectify that one this year.)  I have trolled for them mostly but there are some guys that have success mootching herring on a slug weight. 

What to wear?  Bundle up!  Its cold!  I would, however, strongly councel you against waders.  They are designed for fishing from the shore- they keep water from below out.  If you fall in (which is possible even from a SOT kayak- ask Jeremy about that one  ) the water has no problem flowing in the top of the waders and you end up with very heavy feet and a very tough time getting  back into your boat.

If you can spend the money, I would think a dry suit would be the most comfortable.  I don't have one yet but there are a few posts
describing the best ones, etc.  The Kokotat paddling suit sounds like the ticket.  I go out with a farmer john wet suit with Mysterioso fleece long undies under.  A couple fleece tops and rain gear finishes it off.  I also have a couple pair of gloves to choose from but, my favorite hand gear is a pair of pogies (sp?)  If you don't know what those are, they are these fleece lined covers that velcro to your paddle shaft and keep the wind and cold from freezing your fingers but keep your hands bare on the paddle and for netting and handling fish. I have been very comfortable dressed this way even in oddly cold, soggy early January mornings.

Cheers!
Zed

I do use waders in the winter, but only with a drytop that seals over the top of the waders. I have breathable Simms waders and a top I bought on Sierra Traders. I use lots of fleece/polypropylene underneath, and NO cotton! Some neoprene gloves and a good waterproof hat cap it off. It's actually fun to be out in wicked weather and be warm and fairly dry.

I do use waders in the winter, but only with a drytop that seals over the top of the waders. I have breathable Simms waders and a top I bought on Sierra Traders. I use lots of fleece/polypropylene underneath, and NO cotton! Some neoprene gloves and a good waterproof hat cap it off. It's actually fun to be out in wicked weather and be warm and fairly dry.

I do the same as Pisco. Looking forward to trying it out in the sound this year.
Z

Hey Zee I'm thinking of getting a dry suit! Can you recommend any? Oh how  is the wife and dog?

Charles

Hey Zee I'm thinking of getting a dry suit! Can you recommend any? Oh how  is the wife and dog?

Charles

The wife and dog are great! A dry suit huh? I think Pole² is the man to ask as he's recently looked through a bunch and bought one.

Z