drysuits for kayak fishing
Do I need a drysuit for kayak fishing?
You might! I recommend immersion gear for kayak anglers that regularly fish in conditions where the air temp (F) plus the water temp (F) do not exceed 120. If you are northern angler that regularly ventures out in the late fall, winter, or early spring or you fish in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean or north Atlantic seaboard then you’ll want to invest in immersion gear.
The primarily role of immersion gear is to protect you from the initial shock of cold water exposure which can lead to a gasp response and potentially accelerate the drowning process. Additionally, immersion gear is meant to keep you dry so that you can self rescue or be rescued without getting wet which would accelerate the onset of hypothermia. Depending on air and water temps you may have as little as 120 seconds before your mobility is seriously impaired. Without immersion gear those times can be even shorter.
Are drysuits my only option?
They are not but they do offer the best protection. Wetsuits are widely available and will work but are not as comfortable and do no provide an easy means to relieve ones self on the water (unless you don’t mind peeing on yourself). Another viable option is to wear dry paddling pants coupled with a paddling jacket. These offer nearly the same level of protection and are easier to put on and take off. Some anglers wear waders and waterproof jacket. This might work in a pinch but if you get water in your waders they may impede your ability to self rescue as now you have get yourself and the water in your waders back into the kayak.
drysuit recommendations
MUSTANG HUDSON CCS DRY SUIT
The Mustang Hudson CCS Drysuit is my favorite kayak fishing drysuit. It is made of Mustang’s waterproof durable and breathable Marinespec BP material. The wrist gaskets are neoprene and the neck gasket is made using Mustang’s closed comfort system which makes for comfortable and water tight seals around the wrist and neck. It has a single zipper that provides a relief zipper at the base and is front entry making it easy to get in and out of. Reinforced water proof socks mean you don’t have to worry about getting holes in your drysuit socks when walking around on the dock or at the boat ramp with your boots on. Suspenders on the inside stop the drysuit from sagging around the crotch so your movement in pedal kayak or when walking on the shore are not impeded.
Level 6 emperor dry suit
Overbuilt would be the word that best describes the Level 6 Emperor. If you are looking for the toughest kayak fishing drysuit on the market this is most likely it. Built with Level 6’s breathable Exhaust fabric the drysuit is reinforced in key areas with heavy duty Cordura fabric. Latex neck and wrist gaskets ensure zero water penetration but can be uncomfortable on long days on the water. Fleece lined chest pockets help keep your murder mittens warm between fish. Its a rear entry drysuit that makes it a bit of a challenge to get in and out but can be done solo with some creativity. A handy t-handle on the relief zipper ensures that you can get a tight closure after the using the bathroom.
Kokatat Supernova Hydrus 3.0 Angler Semi-Dry Suit
An entry level dry suit built with anglers in mind the Supernova Hydrus 3.0 is the most affordable drysuit I recommend. Lightweight and very breathable the Hydrus 3.0 material will keep you dry and help prevent overheating on the sunny days on the ocean. It has neoprene neck and wrist gaskets that are comfortable to wear all day. Kokatat’s zippers are notoriously difficult to secure unlike the Mustang and Level 6 zippers and more than once I’ve had them derail which derailed my fishing plans for the day. The Supernova Hydrus is lightweight and light duty so if you plan on spending 20 or 30 days a year on the water in the drysuit I wouldn’t recommend this one as it doesn’t have the durability. However, if you just need something for 5 to 10 outings a year this is an economical choice. They do make this model in Gore-tex and it is purported to be much more durable but I prefer the above brand’s as their customer service is superior.
The Best Drysuit for Women Kayak Anglers
Mustang Helix CCS Drysuit
The Mustang Helix CCS drysuit is the most unique and well designed dry suit for women kayak anglers. Like the Hudson the Helix incorporates the same comfortable neoprene wrist gaskets and close comfort neck system. Reinforced socks provide care free mobility on the dock and the suspender systems ensure better fit and mobility. The unique helical zipper design makes getting in and out of the drysuit easier and allows women kayak anglers to easily relieve themselves on the water or on the shore.
Best Accessories for Your Drysuit
NRS Boundary Boot
Even a wet drysuit will siphon heat away from your body. Keep your ankles and feet dry at the launch with these awesome Boundary Boots from NRS. I love wearing these with and without my drysuit. They keep my feet warm and dry and are comfortable to wear and easy to remove and put on. I size up one size to ensure I have ample space for drysuit and winter socks.
Mustang Kazan Dry Suit Liner
Ultra-comfy and ultra-warm the Mustang Kazan drysuit line might be my favorite drysuit accessory. Made from waffle design fleece this drysuit liner traps heat and wicks moisture away from the body leaving you toasty and comfy under your dry suit. Convenient flaps provide easy relief if nature calls, no matter if it is #1 or #2. The half-zip design makes it easy to take on or off. Although I prefer to keep it on around he house after a day on the water and pretend I’m a slightly overweight ninja much to my wife’s concern. The wrist and ankles are constructed from a hydrophobic fabric that will prevent water from wicking up your arms or legs should you get any water intrusion. Most of all the slick surface makes it easier to slide on your drysuit without the fabric binding up anywhere providing uniform thermal coverage.
Don’t forget the pfd!!!
No matter what drysuit you settle on always be sure to wear your PFD. I always like to tell people if your lungs are full of water, hypothermia is the least of your concerns!