Launching and keeping dry / winter fishing

[Mkaos]

Hi there I am a winter fisho new to the kayak scene I have bought my self most my gear from SLH hobie in Mornington I wear a thermal benie and neck warmer thermal pants and long sleeve top a wind proof zipped jacket neoprene gloves and lovig waterproof breathable spray jacket and full waterproof Lovig dry pants and I use neoprene boots zipped above the pants with thermal socks and thick outdoor socks as well all needed to fish stay dry in cold winter early starts if you get the layers right it makes a difference keeping the warmth within.

[cheaterparts]

Hey guys,

I have a double banger question. How do you guys launch your yak while keeping your feet dry? I read about wetsuit boots, launching socks and dry pants. I read on this forum that dry pants make winter fishing "normal" so to speak. The only issue, they are pretty expensive.

My biggest concern is being able to get into my yak dry. I do mostly fresh water fishing, so once I am in, i usually dont get too wet.

Secondly, what are some helpful tips for winter fishing? In terms of not freezing said parts off. I try the usual things such as thermals and wind proofing. Fingers still get pretty cold and my feet. Yes, I am a bit of a wimp.

Thanks

the more you fish in cooler weather the cheaper good kayaking attire seams , there is nothing worse than than being cold at best it will shorten your trip

check out http://www.vyak.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=11394

[erik the viking]

Launching and keeping dry / winter fishing

Unread post by Harps » 25 Jun 2016, 19:06
Hey guys,
I have a double banger question. How do you guys launch your yak while keeping your feet dry? I read about wetsuit boots, launching socks and dry pants. I read on this forum that dry pants make winter fishing "normal" so to speak. The only issue, they are pretty expensive.
My biggest concern is being able to get into my yak dry. I do mostly fresh water fishing, so once I am in, i usually dont get too wet.
Secondly, what are some helpful tips for winter fishing? In terms of not freezing said parts off. I try the usual things such as thermals and wind proofing. Fingers still get pretty cold and my feet. Yes, I am a bit of a wimp.


Hi Dave;

I bought the Lovig dry pants for the exact reasons of dryness and warmth.
The older I am getting, the colder I feel. That's life.
Layer up with polyprop clothing with a windproof jacket on top.
The dry pants are relatively expensive compared to some other alternatives (3/4 waders, gumboots, dive boots), but they are worth every cent!
Especially when you land a good one, and it ends up on your lap for hook extraction, photo etc.
However, I have still to master the way to keep my fingers warm once they get a dunking when releasing said bigun.
The backs of my hands sunburn very easily, so I always wear some sort of covering.
I've tried different types of fingerless alternatives, but once they get wet,(when it's cold that is) they just don't keep the fingers warm at all.
Even the Snowbee fishing gloves are useless once wet!
I have contemplated full length rubber gloves up to the arm pits, with thermals underneath.
A couple of times recently, my fingers cramped up with the arthritis, and the pain was excruciating.
But I didn't come in though. Having too much fun!

So, to sum up, I recommend the dry pants. But I have no idea about the fingers yet.

Erik

[Wind Waker]

Easy. Come fishing with me and catch nothing

[Hvalross]

Re hands and cold fingers. This is going to sound sarky and smartass...that is not my intention at all

First....dont get your hands wet in the first place.
Second......purchase a proper boat size towel from one of the trekking shops...the crap available from BCFor Anaconda type outlets are crap. A good one that works well enough for old farts with arthritic fingers are not cheap but take up bugger all space and actually dry your body parts ........fast one wipe, no stuffing around but at $30- 60 they are hard to buy till you use one.

Next buy synthetic sun block gloves real light fabric with leather palm one size larger.

Before fishing rub 100% pure emu oil into your hands...gets to the joints and works like a barrier cream.

Now about keeping your hands dry....from net or fishgrip to a damp tea towel for fish and squid... dont get conned into swimming fish by hand...use the fish grip. Damp tea towel will protect slime barrier of released fish well enough AND only dampen parts of your hand.....quick wipe with the travel towel and hands + gloves are dry....takes a bit of practice.

If your hands do get wet the light synthetic palm glove ( buy a size larger) comes off easy and another light application of emu oil and BINGO....hold the towel firmly for a few moment to wick away excess water from your palm.

............IF thats too much like hard work......wet sore fingers are your reward for lazeyness.

Ps I have learned the hard way........been there done that!!

Cheers,

Andrew.

[4liters]

I understand a lot of the people using drypants are in Hobies with their higher seat position; how would they go for people in Prowlers and similar who sit in an inch of water for the entire trip? Does water get in if you sit in it for too long?

[Wind Waker]

Nope. Not as far as I am aware. I have used them walking up river sandflats and two hours later I'm still dry. Not standing for 2 hours in water but walking through water before standing ankle deep fishing. Seems to work well and I don't get smashed by sand flys

[laneends]

I understand a lot of the people using drypants are in Hobies with their higher seat position; how would they go for people in Prowlers and similar who sit in an inch of water for the entire trip? Does water get in if you sit in it for too long?

Not too bad, main issue is if your jacket rides up and you get water running down your back. You may get a slight damp bum but far better than any alternative. The Adventure was a notorious puddle seat. In summer some of the dampness is sweat.

Best solution for me to resolve any dampness was to wear thermals, then change out of my pants into neoprene paddle shorts over thermals, under the dry pants. This adds extra padding, warmth and if you do get a damp bum paddle shorts are more comfy than your pants. Then when you get off water you put regular pants back on. As you have thermals on you are only changing outer wear its not like having to get fully changed.

I actually get a colder bum on vantage seat than I did sitting in a puddle as you get cooling effect of air flow. Puddle warms up.

[Harps]

Wow, thanks for all the quality replies. There is a unanimous view that dry pants are the way to go. I will invest in such a pair. I am keen to continue fishing in winter. I do however feel the cold. Wet and cold is the worst.

Shane, 3 layers of long sleeves? That is interesting. If it keeps you warm, it is worth it. Similar to hiking perhaps, base layer, mid layer and outer shelf.

As for the fingers. You do need to keep all your "end points" warm. I do a bit of hiking and are able to wear gloves when cold.

Emu oil sounds like an option. How many use fingerless gloves? They are good for feel, but obviously not as warm as full gloves. I live lure fishing, so a little concerned about how cold my fingers will get. I know, i know, i am a bit of a wimp.

I also like the idea of carrying a quality quick dry towel. I will pack one for the next trip.

What sort of shoes do you wear over the dry pants once in the yak? I have a peddle yak. Do they change your required shoe size much?

Thanks again, i will definitely get some dry pants.

[Wind Waker]

I wear lava core socks. Sometimes another pair of wool socks. Then the drys then a pair of crocs. I tend to remove the crocs till the shoes and pants are dry then put them back on to help with wind chill.

For hands, get some of these...

http://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/ ... ers-2-Pack

You can buy them in bulk as well