Fishing in the rain (seriously) - what wet weather gear?

[bpm2000]

What kind of wet weather/rain gear do you guys have when you go hit the water during a downpour? My snowboard jacket used to fill that duty but if it is raining hard enough it still gets waterlogged and a bit heavy to wear around. Cheaper the better, but I will pay for effectiveness if I deem it worthwhile.

I skipped fishing on Sunday because it was raining too much for my gear and I don't want to let that happen again if I can help it! (caught some nice fish in the spring during torrential downpours!). Plus few shore fishing days are left this yr unless I wanna switch to trout or something

thx!

[the1fishingpro]

I try my best to get out on rainy days as much as I do on sunny days. I dont have a special weather jacket that I wear each time. I try to use hoodies or pull over jackets on rainy days, but on those days where it just wont stop pouring, I would recommend buying a rain coat through this website http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/ ... ckets.html
They have many different designs you can choose from and come in all different prices. Remember that when it comes to comfort, a little more spent can go along way. Hope you find what your looking for! tight lines!

[ChrisB]

My raingear isn't the best. I'm using a set from Costco. I want to buy Cabelas guide wear but I haven't ordered online because I want it to fit right. I'll be making a run down to Lacey and buying some when it opens. Its not cheap though, but does great from what I've read.

[dilbert]

I was going to mention Costco also. Usually around this time of year they get some inexpensive gor-tex type raingear. Some fingerless gloves help keep your hands warm too, either wool or neoprene are good and stay warm when wet. If it's really wet or cold, I'll wear my waders (keeps my feet warm and dry).

[bpm2000]

How much was that costco set?

thx

[EastsideRedneck]

I usually wear a cowboy hat (plastic coated) with my North Face mountaineering jacket, heavy canvas shorts, and Crocs (no socks). If it is especially cold (hasn't happened this year yet) I substitute my jacket with my Stearns class III PFD jacket and add Sierra Designs packable rainpants and wool/technical socks.

Two things to keep in mind:
1.) Make sure your gear breathes to some extent or you will be just as wet as not wearing any gear at all.
2.) If you are on a boat and wearing more layers, including raingear, you are gonna sink like a rock if you fall in. Even wearing jeans, boots, and a longsleeve t-shirt makes it very difficult to swim... add another layer on top of that and staying afloat will be an even greater chore.

I am almost always fishing alone, so there isn't going to be anyone around to save my behind if I go in. To that end, I make sure that I can easily doff any extra gear (why I won't wear boots). As the water cools, your reaction/salvation time get much more critical.

[Gringo Pescador]

I just picked some up about a month ago - went to Nate's Army Navy Surplus store down on 4th Ave near Michigan, but I am guessing any Army/Navy Surplus store would have em. I got a coat and bottoms that are chest high and held up with suspenders. The hooded coat is just a shell, but is heavy guage and has neoprene cuffs so water won't run down your arm if you raise your hand. I bought my mom a set of the yellow gear at Joe's last year (I think it was around $30) but the stuff I got is MUCH heavier.

What I liked is that I could buy them seperately - the coat is a different brand/style than the bottoms, I was able to get exactly what I wanted, a little better coat and a little cheaper bottoms.

I think I paid $70 for both and I bought the middle of the road stuff, but it works great!

[islandbass]

I saw a nice jacket that was waterproof and light and was just under $40 at sportsman's warehouse. I think I might grab it for myself. At this time I have an awesome Columbia Raincoat. The good thing is that nothing gets through it but that is also its down side. It is a true rain coat.

When it is that wet like this past weekend, I usually only don't care about my lower half staying dry.

[A9]

If it's rainy, I just wear an old North Face coat. Any old waterproof coat works, and then I slip on some waterproof pants that I can slip on over jeans or something. If it's really cold, I just layer up in fleece or something, and if it's cold and rainy, wear the raingear over the fleece/warm clothes...

[iPodrodder]

If you're really cheap, break out the garbage bag ponchos and sweatshirts.

[dilbert]

Do whatever it takes.

[MikeFishes]

I got a pair of pants from Joes last year that was only $15. Good quality stuff. I got them a bit too big, so I need to either find some suspenders or someone bigger than me to wear them. I already have a really good rain pull-over that I used back when I was backpacking (it was my at camp rain gear, real solid but unbreathable, pictured in my avatar). It works for when I'm just fishing on the bank. I'd like to get something more breathable and a bit warmer though. Although, layering is always good, cause you can take off the layers if you need to.

[EdmondsBassMan]

I got a pretty decent Stearns jacket from Walmart earlier this year for $20. They had pants as well but I did not get them yet cause I usaully have on my hip boots.The pants were $20 as well. I was on the river one day in a total down pour and the jacket kept me totally dry.

[WCCT]

Bass Pro Gortex rain suit. It is very effective. It is sold as seperate pieces. There is the parka, and either bibs or pants. I have the bibs, and they work great. The only complaint I have is the straps on the shoulders fall off more than they should. All in all, a very great set of rain gear.

[bpm2000]

thx for the suggestions all - guess its time to shop around and decide how much coin i wanna drop on some rain gear.

[ChrisB]

The costco set I got is really cheap. I think $40 for a jacket and pants. It has kept me dry many times. Helps to have a heavy sweatshirt on under it as it won't keep you warm like other top quality jackets.

[bpm2000]

yea i think id rather get a shell like that so i have the option of layering for different conditions.

[y2says]

Cabela's packable gore-tex rain jacket is great and it's on sale now for $59.

[jake campbell]

I use the FLW TOUR jacket and bibs, Great wind protection, and very waterproof, For UNDER 50$$ you cant beat them. I got mine at WAL Mart

[dilbert]

I saw this guy out a few years in a row on opening day. He stayed pretty dry. We called him "Trollin' Joe"