How To Dress For Kayak Fishing In Cold Weather?

Last Updated on September 21, 2023

The cold winter weather should not prevent you from enjoying your kayak and fishing equipment. Kayak fishing in the winter may be a very satisfying activity, as well as a way to land prize fish for your table. However, when heading to the frigid winter waters in a kayak, it is critical to wear the proper attire.

Wear warm clothing for kayak fishing in the winter or cold weather. Waterproof trousers and jackets are required. Waterproof wrist and ankle restraints, as well as gloves, are required. Layer your apparel with wool socks, shirts, or cold-weather textiles.

Let’s look at some of the precautions kayak fishermen should take before heading out, such as the clothing they should wear to keep safe, warm, and dry.

Considerations for Winter Kayak Fishing Clothing

Those who want to go kayak fishing in the winter should check the temperature of their intended fishing place ahead of time, buy winter-appropriate kayaking gear, dress warmly, and be prepared for emergencies. Clothing that is waterproof, lightweight, and heat-trapping works well.

There are some clothing issues to remember no matter where you intend to take your kayak out for some cold-weather fishing. Almost all clothing products, for example, should be:

• Waterproofness
• Capability to trap heat
• weight

Of course, waterproof socks, underwear, and shirts may not be necessary. Furthermore, waterproof boots do not have to trap heat, as well as drysuits, jackets, and pants.

Understanding these many elements might assist you in making the best option for each piece of apparel.

Waterproofness

Almost all outerwear used while fishing should be waterproof, especially in cold weather. While breathable textiles may keep you from sweating, waterproof materials can assist in avoiding hypothermia if you accidentally fall into the water.

However, most of the gear you wear beneath this waterproof, non-breathable jacket can be almost any fabric, with wool or hi-tech cold-weather textiles being my recommendations.

When I was outside, I used to wear Pendleton wool shirts. Since the 1970s, hi-tech clothing, like that seen at Blackfishgear.com, has surpassed wool material (Source). Nonetheless, low temperatures frequently necessitate thicker, denser fabrics and materials.

Weight

Every kayaker understands the importance of weight, and those who enjoy fishing while kayaking appreciate the value of weight and balance even more. You don’t want to overburden yourself and attract fish, but you also don’t want to forget to bring the necessary.

It could be advisable to balance these two requirements by investing in lightweight kayaking apparel. Finding a happy middle can be difficult. Denser, heat-trapping materials weigh slightly more than their lighter counterparts.

Nonetheless, fleece and cotton are lightweight textiles that can help kayakers stay warm if they layer their clothing properly.

Capability to Capture Heat

Various soft textiles may keep you warm, absorb sweat pull it away from your body, and feel good against your skin. Among the most popular are:

• Cotton
• Wool
• Fleece
• Polypropylene

Each of these materials might be an excellent choice for individuals looking to stay warm when kayak fishing. This is especially true when kayakers use a waterproof outer layer over cotton shirts, fleece jackets, and wool pants.

Getting Ready for Winter Conditions

It’s critical to be prepared for winter weather in your home or away fishing waters to ensure you’re wearing the right clothing for winter kayak fishing. This can assist you in avoiding potentially dangerous seas and freezing conditions.

Before setting out to capture some fish, kayak fishermen should perform the following:

• Look into the temperature.
• Purchase heat-saving equipment.
• Expect the worst.

Even in light snow or cold weather, following these measures will result in a safer, warmer, and more enjoyable kayak fishing session. Even the best gear, however, cannot protect you from extreme situations such as sudden snowstorms or a storm sweeping in.

Temperature Investigation

Choosing what to wear while kayak fishing in the winter starts with knowing how chilly your destination is likely to be. Though determining this precisely several weeks or months in advance can be challenging, looking at temperature averages on Climate-Data.org can help.

To assist in preventing hypothermia during extended fishing expeditions, invest in heat-saving thermal wear or gear. When your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, you have hypothermia. A few degrees of reduction in body temperature can cause your body to stop working.

Purchasing Drysuit Clothing

Fortunately, several items of waterproof, heat-saving kayaking gear may make a frigid fishing trip significantly more comfortable. Wearing a dry suit as outerwear is generally advised.

It’s also critical to dress appropriately beneath your wet protective gear. Fleece is soft, absorbent, and good at retaining heat. Jackets, gloves, pants, socks, and boots with fleece linings can help keep you warm and comfortable. However, it is always a good idea to bring a backup suit.

While it’s never fun to think of the bad things that could happen while kayak fishing in the winter, it could save your life. Having a change of clothes, a first aid kit, and a waterproof, collision-resistant container on hand can assist keep you safe in an emergency.

Preparing for the Worst

Knowledge is the first step in preparing for the Worst Kayak adventure. If you know what you need to have and do to stay safe, you have a much better chance of surviving an emergency without panicking or incurring undue harm.

When going kayak fishing, there are several things you need to bring with you. They are as follows:

• Backup clothing
• A paddle float
• First-aid kit 
• A life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD)
• Flashlight
• Backup food
• Sunscreen
• Spare paddle
• A spraydeck

Conclusion

Understanding what to wear when kayak fishing in the winter begins with analyzing the expected temperature of your selected fishing area. Once you’ve determined how cool your desired location is going to be, you can start preparing. A dry suit can be quite useful.

Because it is waterproof, it can assist decrease heat loss. Fleece apparel is also an excellent choice to wear underneath your waterproof protection. It’s also critical to bring or wear emergency equipment while kayaking, as it could save your life.