I have had issues with my jacket being too baggy, and my rod butt catches on it.  When I'm moving around, parts of your clothes get tight, some get baggy, etc. I'm no tailor... Super distracting. 

 

There are lot's of variables. Also, I have lots of types of fishing (boat, canoe, shore, wading) and all kinds of weather (32 degrees to 90 degrees)

 

I'm trying to figure out how to dress more comfortably, so I can focus more on my lure, etc., and less and trying to make adjustments/cope.

 

The crux of my question has 2 parts.

• 1) How do you dress, so you are comfortable (and your rod butt doesn't doesn't rub on your sleeve/arm)
• 2) Any adjustments you make to your clothes? For example, you go fishing on a whim, and you don't have optimal clothing, how can you "make it better"? Sometimes, it's "spontaneous" and I don't have time to get change.

 

Thanks!

I know I have had the same issues. I had to quit using a heavy action rod I have because the long handle kept getting hung in my shirt at the torso when I flip or pitch. T-shirts help but I like wearing Magellan or Columbia fishing shirts (button up) so they are a loose. I'm afraid the answer is being conscious of the rods and handles we buy depending on how we use them. 

layers.  If it is cold, a good pair of thermal base layer does all of the insulation work.  Rain jacket if you need it or if it is windy.

 

For me in the early season this all typically means a good base layer with a Hoodie over it, add rain jacket as needed.  Shoulder season a lighter base layer plus hoodie or lighter base layer plus lighter hooded fishing shirt, maybe with hoodie over.  This time of year it's a thin undershirt with a fishing hoodie over it for morning and evening warmth and bug protection, day time sun protection.

 

The main thing though, don't wear baggy clothes.  And if your usual PFD is the class 2 in your picture, an upgrade will help there also.  Those class 2s are bulky.

As CbF said.....layers - layers - layers

 

Cold days I have 3-4 layers depending

Base layer of snug thermals

Lightweight shirt that's well fitted and a pair of cargo pants

Hoodie and maybe sweat-pants over the cargos.

If it's windy/raining - rain pants and jacket that are also windproof...not baggy, size to fit

 

Ya - Type 2 PFDs aren't meant to be worn during activities, they really get in the way.

 

Either MIT (if water reaches the trigger, it inflates - Onyx A/M 24 is such) or HIT (takes a sudden increase in pressure on the trigger to trip it - Mustang Elites are this type) inflatables would be better if you plan on keeping your PFD on all the time.

 

I don't really have an issue with clothes catching, but I do wonder if an archery arm guard or something similar would help you out?

sport motivated clothing has thinner arm sleeves.  Patagonia for example.   i bought a Simms light puffy jacket that i wear for fishing and the sleeves are tailerer slender.  i dont have issues.  all my fishing shirts are Simms.  i also buy all my clothing to layer with each other.  

 

except my lucky black fishing hoodie.  that is fairly baggy and it does get in the way, but its my lucky hoodie!!

You can also cut an inch or so off the butt of the rod if it's only one rod that's the problem.

That orange life jacket may be part of your problem LOL 

 

For what it's worth, I wear bibs as much as I can stand, nothing baggy to catch on anything around my waist. 

 

When it's cold, I wear a Simms Extreme Pullover, nice and tight in all the right areas, warm as can be, also works extremely well with waders/bibs... Pricey, but I am on my second year with mine and still in great shape, despite a lot of use. 

 

https://www.simmsfishing.com/products/mens-exstream-pull-over-hoody?srsltid=AfmBOopCAxbz69T3JH9F75wVSqVY9z9asdkBcr7tnDeUGLgtokDyfs0g

You are not fishing in 32 degrees unless it’s through the ice😎.

My advice is get a good (Eddie Bauer) warm down vest! Keeping your core warm is essential, arms and legs are secondary.

A light wind breaking water proof jacket with fairly tight fitting wrist adjustment.

SPF long sleeve fishing shirt, plus undershirt if needed.

Inflatable type 3 life vest (Mustang) if needed.

I wear jeans when fishing and comfortable walking shoes plus SunDays Afternoon hat to shade my face year around.

Avoid bulky clothing!

Tom

 

43 minutes ago, WRB said:

You are not fishing in 32 degrees unless it’s through the ice😎.

 

That's simply not true. 

52 minutes ago, WRB said:

You are not fishing in 32 degrees unless it’s through the ice😎.

My advice is get a good (Eddie Bauer) warm down vest! Keeping your core warm is essential, arms and legs are secondary.

A light wind breaking water proof jacket with fairly tight fitting wrist adjustment.

SPF long sleeve fishing shirt, plus undershirt if needed.

Inflatable type 3 life vest (Mustang) if needed.

I wear jeans when fishing and comfortable walking shoes plus SunDays Afternoon hat to shade my face year around.

Avoid bulky clothing!

Tom

 

strong point.  i love fishing in a puffy vest.  

If you want to be comfortable, you'll need to invest a bit in clothing.

 

My base layer is merino and I consider most important. And depending on thickness, it can be worn through much of the year.  It's shockingly versatile and keeps you cool when it's hot and warm when it's cold. A big bonus is merino doesn't stink as it's naturally anti microbial. Another bonus is it retains its insulating properties even when wet. There are many reasons I chose merino.

 

Add in your mid layer. Whatever shirt/pants you prefer. Mostly. 

 

Next your outershell. Depending on locale you'll want waterproof or windproof and many are both. They also have wind blocking ability. As some have mentioned, you'll want it to be tight-ish fitting. And, preferably, packable. To that end, I use wind/water proof stuff typically used for Alpine climbing and sometimes referred to as an "Approach Jacket". They require full range of motion, an unobtrusive fit and tough.  My preferred brand (OR) has a lifetime warranty. As an alternative to (potentially) expensive alpine gear, check out golf "wind shirts and pants". I used these for years! These work very well indeed. 

 

They also pack down extremely small. The jacket packed in its own pocket is about the size of a "Pizza Pocket" and the wind pants about golf ball (but longer) size. Both fit easily in hand. See image.

2 hours ago, WRB said:

You are not fishing in 32 degrees unless it’s through the ice😎.

 

 

As someone who lives in the great white north and fishes in that weather....I'd say you're wrong.

1 hour ago, NorthernBasser said:

That's simply not true. 

When line freezes in the guides it’s too cold for this old man🥶

5 minutes ago, WRB said:

When line freezes in the guides it’s too cold for this old man🥶

Oh, now that IS true! LOL 😆 

 

I myself find the older I get the more "fair weather fisherman" I become! LOL 😆 

17 minutes ago, WRB said:

When line freezes in the guides it’s too cold for this old man🥶

 

Well THAT'S true. 😄 I've done it, but don't particularly enjoy it. Especially if the fish aren't playing along!