We just had our club tnx and it was miserable!  The conditions were 100% rain, 43* high, 25 mph gusts, water temp 53* dropping to 47* by the end of the tnx.  Rain/sleeted the whole time.  Suspended bass.  We almost called off the tnx but we were all there and wanted to fish, so we shortened it to 5 hours.

I was stressing out the day before and went on a mini-shopping spree.  That tnx was a good testing ground on what I bought and learned a lot about foul weather fishing first hand, and from others who fished the tourney.

Products:

Item: Thermal underwear

Brand: Rocky (Walmart brand)

Model: Medium weight (30 degF)

Snapshotmd Rated: B+

Description: When I put these on and my first layer, I started sweating.  I had to wait till I got out in the garage to put the rest of my layers on.  Awesome stuff for the price!  Wicks away perspiration and kept me warm the whole day.  My sleeves did get wet because of my gloves (see below).  Once wet, the fleece was overwhelmed and didn't wick away fast enough and the cold started to set in.

Item: Neoprene Fishing Gloves

Brand: Bass Pro

Model: Neoprene ($10.99)

Snapshotmd Rated: D

Description: These gloves were billed as 100% waterproof.  I got water in my fingers within 15 minutes of being in the rain.  The rain apparently permeated thru the neoprene and collected in the fingers.  When I raised my arm, the water ran down my sleeves.  At the end of the day, my hands were like prunes.  But, it did keep my hands from freezing.

Item: Rubber Boots

Brand: Redhead

Model: All-Purpose 6" Waterproof Boots

Snapshotmd Rated: A-

Description:  These boots kept my feet dry but they were too short.  When I sat down the top of my socks were showing.  The boat that I was on didn't have a dual console.  But miraculously, my socks didn't get wet.

Things I learned:

- When you get a good rainsuit, don't forget to get something for your feet!  A good waterproof boot could be rubber knee boots that can be bought from Walmart for about $20.  These are truely waterproof and tall enough to cover your legs when you sit.  Whatever you get, make sure they're tall enough to cover your mid-shin.

- When shopping for rainwear try to get sleeves which have elastic/strap around the wrist cuffs, waist, bottom of jacket, and ankles.  Bib pants would've given me extra insurance.  I left my parka pockets open and the rain seeped in through.  Bib pants would've kept me from getting wet.

- Like I said above; make sure your rainsuit pockets are zipped up!

- A sweat wicking undergarment is a must.  Turtlenecks are also a must!  Don't forget to get undersocks for your feet!  

If you find a truely waterproof glove that I could fish with let me know.

Great advice thanks! Where in Maryland do you fish? i am out in Ocean City and fish some ponds/rivers out here. Family is back in Bowie and Ellicott City area. Cant wait to get some of these items and fish this winter a little.

We're a Harford County based club, so we stick to the waters up here.

Good advice.   Thanks.