{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Kayak-toon-SUP- in the winter?

For whatever it is worth, I got dumped from a SOT wearing waders during the 2011/12 duck hunting season. Frightening at first, but far from the certain-death-by-drowning claims you see online. They quickly filled with water, ballooned out, and started floating me down river. It was very easy to undo the belt, swim out of them, grab the boot, dump the water, and trudge to shore. Thankfully, it happened at the take-out for the float we were on so in a few minutes I was in dry clothes and heating up in the car - had it been mid-way through the float, I would have been in trouble due to the cold. They do not drag you down (after all, water inside your waders is no heavier than water outside your waders so if you float in the pool, you'll also float in water-filled waders) but cold water is no fun and can pose a serious threat. If you wear a tight wading belt and a good paddling PFD, it will keep a lot of the water out as well (I had put my PFD on the shore with some other gear when I dumped). 

The best solution for fishing is going to be a dry suit, as mentioned above, but you can probably also find a decently discounted neoprene wet suit online. A dry top and rain pants will probably provide all the protection you need, but it is always good to prepare for the worst case scenario of dumping your boat fairly far from shore. 

On Wednesday, November 6, 2013 9:21:38 AM UTC-5, Charlie Church wrote:

Gene,

I have been kayak fishing through the winter for 5 or so years now? There is an excellent and very popular kayak winter fishery to be had in the Hampton Roads area from now until January.

That being said, you should dress right so you don't fall in and never come back.

In the past I have used a dry suit although a bit pricey. If thats too far out of your price range, a dry top + waders can achieve the same thing. The point is to be able to fall into the water and not get wet. Even a mustang survival suit would not get the job done.

Another thing to note is that I have a hard boat (not inflatable). My kayak is an ocean kayak 13 which in a way almost performs better when the conditions are bad out. 

Here is a link with more info on cold water gear: http://www.angling-addict.com/2013/10/cold-weather-gear-for-kayak-fishing.html

If you are interested in making the drive south for some winter fishing, you should follow TKAA.org or Pirates of Lynnhaven. A lot of those guys will go out and fish together in the winter.

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http://www.tpfr.org
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