awful weather

[carphead07]

hello there anglers

 

i think a few of us experienced the conditions of Sundays weather and i got absolutely drenched and was not happy as i wanted to fish for longer, but couldn't because of the weather.

so i was wondering if any one can help me on buying waterproof gear so i can fish for longer on rainy day

 

all help is appreciated

 

mike

[Newt]

I really like Frogg Toggs. Lightweight and don't mind being crushed when packed. Breathe well so you don't get sweat soaked and still keep water out. They have both bib and drawstring trousers and the bibs are much better for fishing. Not sure about UK availability but BassPro sells them and the prices are not bad at all.

 

[Steve Burke]

I wouldn't ever again buy waterproofs that aren't breathable. In hot weather or when you get sweaty from a long walk to your swim in winter the moisture just stays on the inside - uncomfortable and when you cool down often cold as well!

 

I also prefer 2 piece waterproofs as they're a lot more flexible. Sometimes I'll wear both top and bottom, other times just one. For instance waterproof trousers are great in high vegetation or even long grass.

 

My summer waterproofs are also put to good use in the winter. I don't like lined jacket and trousers as they're too inflexible. Instead I wear a fleece underneath - again 2 piece. This gives me 4 garments rather than just the commonly recommended 1 piece suit. This is much more flexible as again I can use 1, 2, 3 or 4 pieces according to the conditions. Indeed, I'll often put on or take off 1 or more garments through the day. This is the basis of the clothing the Inuits (Eskimos0 use - and they know a thing or two about extreme conditions!

 

As for a specific recommenation, take a look at the Sundridge range (now distributed by Diawa). Sundridge own their own factory out in the Far East and so have total control over quality, plus they're competitively priced. I got their Nimbus waterproofs and fleeces some years back and they've been outstanding - very comfortable plus plenty of pockets (something I insist upon). Unfortunately the Nimbus has now been discontinued and so you'll need to check their current range.

[RPM]

I do a lot of Hill Walking and Scrambling in rain, snow, summer etc an have found that for fishing, walking gear works better than the fishing clothing as it is specifically designed for its use for outdoors wear.

 

As mentioned above, breathable waterproof fabric is one of the most important factors as this will keep rain off and allow (some but not all) moisture to escape. 2 pieces would be best and you could look at anything from Berghaus, Lowe Alpine, Mountain Equipment, The North Face and others and at the top end Paramo, many of which are also windproof. Look for Goretex or similar high tech fabric. Problem is, these are not cheap and a lightweight, summer option could cost you £60+ and a heavier winter one would cost £130plus at standard retail prices. Trousers are normally about 15-20% cheaper and you may get good deals on the many camping and outdoor websites. TK Maxx is also fantastic for last seasons bargains and I got a £160 Lowe Alpine Ceramic Waterproof jacket for £40. You might also consider the Millets or Blacks own brand waterproof which are cheaper and may be more suitable. I have a great Peter Storm (Millets) water/wind proof jacket which has seen some very rough days in the Pennines/Lake District for a much reduced price.

 

Looked after well, this clothing will last 7-10 years and so its worth paying a little extra now to get good longevity.

Edited May 15, 2007 by RPM

[DavyR]

I agree with RPM that outdoor specialist gear is often better value and more effective than the stuff you can buy from fishing tackle suppliers. However, if conditions are really bad and you're sitting for a long time in wind-driven rain, almost any waterproof gear is eventually penetrated. I find the only thing that keeps me dry and comfortable is wearing decent waterproofs *and* huddling under a JRC Stealth Brolly with storm sides. And even then, you invariably find that you're facing into the wind, and it "rains in".

 

I don't own any myself, but I've heard a lot of anglers raving about the products of Halkon Hunt - made to order and British, but certainly not cheap. They don't have a website, contact details are as follows:

 

Halkon Hunt

Unit 1, 14-20 Gunhills Lane

Armthorpe

Doncaster

DN3 3EB

South Yorkshire

Tel: 01302 834145

Fax: 01302 833274

[BoozleBear]

Ski wear can be very good. Whilst being breathable it is extremely waterproof.

 

I suggest you get simple waterproof trousers but also a ski jacket that has a removable fleece as the lining, so if you get hot the fleece can be removed.

 

Fishtec and fishingdirect.co.uk will also have cheap bankside shelters too.

 

Cheers,

 

Simon

[Steve Burke]

I too thought that hillwalking clothing would be good for angling. This was the reason I went to one such well-known UK company in my time in the tackle trade.

 

However they had to develop an item especially for angling as our requirements are slightly different. In particular we need freedom in the arms for casting etc. We also may wear moon boots instead of hiking boots and so need wider-fitting trousers that will go over the top. We also may need more and different pockets. Additionally, angling is often a much more sedentary occupation and so the garments must also be practical and comfortable sitting down.

 

The prototype of the clothing that was developed was excellent, but unfortunately too expensive to be commercially viable.

 

Certainly hiking clothing would be a good choice though, and definitely better than some of the poorly-designed garments sold by many tackle companies! I reckon that many of these aren't designed specifically for fishing but are just rebadged general purpose items. In fact I suspect that the vast majority for clothing in the tackle shops fall into this category.

 

However there's also some excellent clothing available through the tackle trade that has been designed specifically for angling. The problem is that you can't tell the difference from a description in a tackle catalogue. The Sundridge range I recommended above though is purpose-designed for us anglers.

[VSTOL Lures]

If you can get some in good condition and for a decent price, the current UK military issue gor-tex is very good. Its kept me dry in everywere from Poland to the deck of HMS Invincible ;o)

 

Army surplus is probably your best bet

[FishyFraser]

I do a lot of Hill Walking and Scrambling in rain, snow, summer etc an have found that for fishing, walking gear works better than the fishing clothing as it is specifically designed for its use for outdoors wear.

 

As mentioned above, breathable waterproof fabric is one of the most important factors as this will keep rain off and allow (some but not all) moisture to escape. 2 pieces would be best and you could look at anything from Berghaus, Lowe Alpine, Mountain Equipment, The North Face and others and at the top end Paramo, many of which are also windproof. Look for Goretex or similar high tech fabric. Problem is, these are not cheap and a lightweight, summer option could cost you £60+ and a heavier winter one would cost £130plus at standard retail prices. Trousers are normally about 15-20% cheaper and you may get good deals on the many camping and outdoor websites. TK Maxx is also fantastic for last seasons bargains and I got a £160 Lowe Alpine Ceramic Waterproof jacket for £40. You might also consider the Millets or Blacks own brand waterproof which are cheaper and may be more suitable. I have a great Peter Storm (Millets) water/wind proof jacket which has seen some very rough days in the Pennines/Lake District for a much reduced price.

 

Looked after well, this clothing will last 7-10 years and so its worth paying a little extra now to get good longevity.

 

I agree, after looking myself I find most fishing specific kit to be either a ) overpriced b ) not fit for task or c ) both. Much better to spend a decent amount in blacks or some other outdoor clothing specialist. Better made and longer lasting although it will cost you a few more quid in the short term.

 

http://www.blacks.co.uk

[rarepleasures]

Would ex - Army/Navy gear be any good anyone know ?