What do I need for winter kayaking?

[PBBrandon]

I’ve never fished from a kayak during the colder months and want to make sure I’m prepared. I live in north Texas where it doesn’t get too cold, but definitely cold enough for hypothermia. I have scupper plugs to keep the water out, but what should I wear to keep dry? Any clothing recommendations? Thank you

[flyfisher]

The best would be a dry suit but to me that is overkill for 90% of situations.  I live in VA and use stockingfoot waders with varying levels of insulation underneath, wading belt and then a shell with layers underneat as needed.  I have tested my set up in both moving and flat water and not a drop got inside.  

 

The big thing is synthetic or wool for your layering and keeping blood flowing to your feet.  If your socks or boots are too tight, your feet will get cold.  For hands I use cheap fleece gloves that i rotate throughout the day and if I have to, I use a handwarmer on my wrist area. 

[casts_by_fly]

What water and air temps?  
 

I don’t wear a dry suit ever. I also don’t go to waders. At ice out up here I’ll be in rain pants with polypropylene thermals and fleece under them. Similar on top. It keeps you dry but still able to move. My logic is that if I fall in with either waders or what I wear, I’ll be wet. Water will fill the top of the waders and seep through your clothes to everywhere. It’s a lot harder to get back in the boat with waders. 
 

of course it goes without saying to wear a pfd in cold water. The 120 rule is for hypothermia but that’s my rule for a pfd.  Air temp + water temp = 120 or less you’re at risk. 
 

otherwise, winter is like summer. Know your boat and tackle, keep your stuff organized, and know your limitations. 

[flyfisher]

15 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

What water and air temps?  
 

I don’t wear a dry suit ever. I also don’t go to waders. At ice out up here I’ll be in rain pants with polypropylene thermals and fleece under them. Similar on top. It keeps you dry but still able to move. My logic is that if I fall in with either waders or what I wear, I’ll be wet. Water will fill the top of the waders and seep through your clothes to everywhere. It’s a lot harder to get back in the boat with waders. 
 

of course it goes without saying to wear a pfd in cold water. The 120 rule is for hypothermia but that’s my rule for a pfd.  Air temp + water temp = 120 or less you’re at risk. 
 

otherwise, winter is like summer. Know your boat and tackle, keep your stuff organized, and know your limitations. 

Water is very difficult to get into waders.  That being wet is what you are trying to avoid as much as possible.  And yes, it is a lot harder to get back in a kayak with waders but I would bet that in say 45 degree water it is easier than it would be with rain pants on as you are wet and freezing

[casts_by_fly]

2 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

Water is very difficult to get into waders.  That being wet is what you are trying to avoid as much as possible.  And yes, it is a lot harder to get back in a kayak with waders but I would bet that in say 45 degree water it is easier than it would be with rain pants on as you are wet and freezing

if you fall in from a kayak, you’re going to submerge. At a minimum, you’re not falling feet first so anything above the wading belt is getting soaked. Falling into 45 degree water you’re going to be freezing no matter what you’re wearing. I’ve swum in 50-somethingdegree water for a triathlon and even with a wetsuit it takes your breath away. So in that case, I want the thing that’s going to make it easiest for me to be able to get back in the boat as quickly as possible and get back to shore. 

[Boomstick]

I would wear whatever is comfortable and then either some NRS boots or some

knee high dry socks with water shoes.

[DogBone_384]

I fish all year as long as there’s open water.  I wear thermals, fleece lined jeans, and sometimes neoprene waders as needed when it’s really cold.  I also have a Milwaukee heated hoodie. 

 

I stick to smaller waters, and ALWAYS wear my PFD.  I’m a 20 year Firefighter and had a cold water rescue in November 2019 - COLD water isn’t fun.  I’ve also gone off my kayak to save a rod in forty degree water.  Cold water is cold water.

 

I always keep a change of clothes in my truck, or in a dry bag in my kayak’s hull.

 

Lastly, always let someone know where you are.  If you belong to the Apple ‘club’, share your location.

[TnRiver46]

Life jacket is always your greatest tool, don’t take it off. I fell into 47 degree water with boots jeans and a Sherpa lined hoodie, I was back in the boat before I even fully realized what happened. Life jackets are amazing, straight foam homie. 

[Bankc]

Foam PFD's are great in winter!  They keep you warm!  Also, bring an emergency Mylar rescue blanket in case you fall in.  Wet clothes will wick away heat, so if you take a dip, it's a good idea to strip out of your clothes and get under that blanket to keep you warm while you make your way back to your car.    

 

I'm in OKC, so probably about the same climate as north Texas.  Here's my winter fishing setup.  Tall rubber boots.  That way I can wade in the water and keep my feet dry.  Important for launching.  Two pairs of socks, one over the other.  That just helps to keep my toes warm.  Thick wool socks might work just as well.  Long thermal underwear.  Longjohns are great for keeping you warm without adding too much bulk so you can still move around.  Jeans.  My jeans usually get damp with all of the water splashing up on the kayak, but with the Longjohns and tall rubber boots, my legs don't get wet.  It would probably be better to get some kind of waterproof pants, but the jeans work for me.  Thermal shirt, under my normal t-shirt.  Just to help keep warm.  A hoodie sweatshirt that's easy to take off.  A water resistant jacket.  It doesn't have to be waterproof, but something that can have water splash up on it and won't absorb too much.  I usually wear a leather motorcycle jacket.  Something like a beanie that covers your head AND ears.  Scarf.  It can cover your face and nose when the wind kicks up.  And two pairs of gloves.  One are neoprene gloves, which do nothing to keep your hands dry, but do pretty well at keeping them warm, and some regular winter gloves that I can swap with the neoprene gloves to warm my hands up if they get too cold and wet.  Sometimes I'll bring a hand warmer as well.  I like the neoprene gloves because my hands are gonna get wet.  So it's nice to have gloves that can get wet.  And the second set gives me a warmer, dry only set.  I'll also usually wear fishing gloves, like the summer fingerless, fishing gloves that block UV light, under either pair of winter gloves.  I don't like casting with gloves on, but if it's cold enough, I will.  

 

In other words, dress in layers.  In the wintertime, it can be hard to dress for the morning, afternoon, and evening temperatures.  And as you move around the lake, the wind and sun will play varying roles on how warm you are.  So you can overheat in the winter if you're not careful.  

[Darth-Baiter]

i own a dry suit.  i have worn it exactly ZERO times.  i tried it on, and i was almost exercise putting it on, and it is NOT comfy.  i also got bright yellow, so i look like a banana.   BURPING it is about the funnest thing about the dry suit.   it is much to warm for CA winters.

 

i wear NRS waterrpoof kayaking pants, the tall NRS boundary boots, and a merino wool sweater and synthetic quick dry hiking pants underneath the kayaking pants.  if it is cold, merino wool tights.  i wear a hoodie and a puffy vest.  i dont like puffy covered arms because i will get a hook into one of them and it is NOT fun to get out.  

 

i dont do bad weather and i tend to hug the shore.  no cross lake treks.  

[A-Jay]

I've posted this a few times - Just a reminder for those interested.

Stay Safe

A-Jay

[FishTax]

I dress for air temp, bring spare clothes, and hug the bank. If I go over it's likely I can stand in the water I'm in, or an a 1 min swim from it. I carry fire supplies as well but don't at a scenario of needing that where I fish. But better to be over prepared. I may add some hot hands to my dry bag this year, I think that'd be a great addition. 

Oh, I also don't stand to fish when it's cold. Not worth the risk. It'd be really hard to go in if I'm not standing. I think I'd have to get hit by a boat, and there'd be worse things than cold water in that scenario. 

[flyfisher]

1 minute ago, FishTax said:

I dress for air temp, bring spare clothes, and hug the bank. If I go over it's likely I can stand in the water I'm in, or an a 1 min swim from it. I carry fire supplies as well but don't at a scenario of needing that where I fish. But better to be over prepared. I may add some hot hands to my dry bag this year, I think that'd be a great addition. 

Oh, I also don't stand to fish when it's cold. Not worth the risk. It'd be really hard to go in if I'm not standing. I think I'd have to get hit by a boat, and there'd be worse things than cold water in that scenario. 

I think you highlight some of the most important things about winter kayak fishing.  You have to be honest with your skills and comfort level and stay in that zone.  I will disagree with just dressing for the air temps but your risk analysis tells me you are ok with that since you are staying deep in your comfort zone.   It is all about honestly assessing your risks and weighing the options and doing what you feel is safest for you, unfortunately many overestimate their abilities and can get in trouble.

[FishTank]

I have asked this question a few times as well and tend to get answers from dress comfortable to put on all the gear you can. I found the correct answer always is, dress like you're going into the water and it could kill you> Speaking from experience. 

 

So for me it's the following stuff.... 

 

NRS Sidewinder Dry Bibs - life altering

NRS Boudry Boots - go one size bigger

Sealskin waterproof socks - goes on outside 

Realtree Liner Socks - goes on the inside

Smart wool baselayer 

Pullover fleece based on temp

Jacket to keep dry - Hardshell if needed

Simms Fingerless gloves

Battery operated heated gloves - not essential 

Wool Tights 

Wool Sock Hat

Small towels to keep you and gear dry

Emergency whistle 

A change of clothes kept in a dry bag

Emergency blanket

PFD worn at all times

Extra flotation device

Rope 

Multi-tool

Food and water

Keep an Emergency waterproof fire starter kit in your life jacket

 

Above all else do not wear cotton and approach your day as though you are there to survive the conditions first and fish second. 

 

Also, remember the 120 rule... if the water temp and air temp combined are below 120, protective gear is required .

 

 

[airshot]

If I were going to go kayacking in the cold, I woukd make an enclosure over the cockpit and add a heater!

Me and the cold do not get along well...even have an enclosure and heater when I plow snow....Brrrr....

[Hawkeye21]

Make sure you have an extra set of dry clothes with you in a dry bag or in your truck.

[Choporoz]

I'll break skim ice to get out. As long as rod guides aren't freezing, it is warm enough to fish from my kayak.

 

Layers 

NRS Boundary boots

Bibs

Knit cap

Hand warmers in pockets; I can't fish in gloves

[CountryboyinDC]

In whitewater, we dress for the swim, not the temperature outside.  We're already wearing drysuits, or dry tops if we're fairly confident we're not going in the water (surfing small waves, etc.).  The water here, what there is of it, is 55 or so.  

Dry suits are uncomfortable at first, you have to get used to them and you have to get the gaskets either stretched or fitted around your neck and wrists.  But once you're used to them, they're not really that bad.  And they're really the only way to be safe when the water closes in on 40 degrees.

But I'll admit I use a dry suit little for fishing.  When it's that cold, I usually talk myself out of going fishing and either stay inside or go kayaking.

[Darth-Baiter]

@FishTank  those bibs wont save you if you go into icy water. 

 

dry suit helps.  ocean dudes wear wet suits around here.  my locals all wear wetsuits, in the ocean.  

[FishTank]

3 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

@FishTank  those bibs wont save you if you go into icy water. 

 

dry suit helps.  ocean dudes wear wet suits around here.  my locals all wear wetsuits, in the ocean.  

A dry suit is much better than the bibs for sure but these cinch at the top and at the middle.  When I got them I tested them in some shallow 50 to 60 degree water. I stayed warm, somewhat dry and I was floating.  As far as ice water, let's say 40 degrees and below,  I'm staying home.

 

This is the old version with a dry top, which I wish they had one that would fit my shoulders and arms but no such luck yet.

 

https://youtu.be/Ay-mm1I2VFM?si=l4PzPZHLKWaZKvkN

[Bankc]

On 11/5/2023 at 9:37 PM, casts_by_fly said:

Know your boat and tackle, keep your stuff organized, and know your limitations. 

This is really the most important point.  

Some of us are older guys, and hitting 35° out of a kayak could be life threatening.  Others are younger guys that could right their kayak and crawl back in in under a minute.  Some of us are Polar Bear Club types, where the cold water is invigorating.  Some of us might go into shock when we hit water that cold and lose control of their body.  For some, the best option is to stay dry.  For others, it's to stay warm.  Some will chance the worst conditions, and others will stay home.  

 

It's not going to be the same situation for everyone.  You're just going to have to figure out your own plan that works for you.  One thing I would suggest, no matter where you're coming from, is to never kayak alone in cold weather.  If you can, take a buddy.  If not, stick to lakes and areas that will be heavily populated in the winter.  And keep a signaling device on your body, like a whistle.  That way, if worse comes to worse, you can call for help, and help will be nearby.  In cold weather, you often don't have long if you hit the water, so having someone within sight and earshot can be a life-or-death difference.  

[PaulVE64]

Merino wool against the skin, wind layer and then something with bulk for a thermal layer and thick wool socks.

I dont care which brand that much.

 

Edit- I grew up on a farm in Canada with 2 brothers and we played alot of pond hockey. Sometimes you fell in and you remember those times.

Edited November 9, 2023 by PaulVE64

[Frezzy]

Once the water drops below 60 I’m wearing a semi dry suit all the time.  It has latex wrist gaskets but a neoprene gasket on the neck. It’s pretty comfortable and more importantly safe. When the water hits low 40s I put the kayak away and fish the bank if I want to reel a few in.  

[Koz]

What do you need? Nerves of steel helps.

 

I have the benefit of a pedal drive kayak, so I rarely get wet out on the water. I don't have to worry about splashes or drips from the paddle.

 

The first thing I make sure of is that my kayak is lightly packed. I'll take the bare minimum and sometimes I even strip off the electronics. My phone and a spare set of clothes stay in my dry bag. 

 

Yes, dressing in layers obviously helps. But on the off chance I end up in the water I don't want to be wearing layer after layer that will weigh me down if I get wet. So that means  when the wind chill dips too much I sit it out. And speaking of wind, my top layer needs to keep the wind from going through me. On windy days I stick to fishing off my dock.

 

As far as my PFD goes, no matter the weather, warm or cold, I always keep my PFD on when I'm on my kayak. But during the winter I stay close to shore. My thought is that if I get in trouble out there I will have to rescue myself.

 

Other than sun gloves, I just can't fish with gloves on. With that, I keep some of those chemical hand warmers with me. 

[Dwight Hottle]

Wet suit, dry suit or Coast Guard suit. Lot's of guys in the northern states wear costie suits for winter fishing. I did.