What to wear

[Newt]

Mainly cose i aint to keen on real fur,

 

That's because you live in such a mild climate.

[Anderoo]

Don't forget a pair of fleece-lined moonboots. Not expensive and means you can concentrate on catching that big old chub rather than on your freezing toes

[Ducktape Corkfeet]

Don't forget a pair of fleece-lined moonboots. Not expensive and means you can concentrate on catching that big old chub rather than on your freezing toes

 

No, forget moon boots...................buy Muck boots instead!!!!!!! Much better!!

[mitch@humberston]

I have invested in a drennan team england drenchware bib and brace and jacket they do to models on thats lined and one thats not.Best thing i ever bought it even makes you sweat when you walk about.

there £120 on special offer when you buy both

there windprooof and waterproof

there are other good clothing you can get such as the daiwa tournament clothing but unless you have 250 for a bib and brace your better by something like the drennan drench ware

IS ANY ONE HERE FROM GRIMSBY

[ColinW]

It depends what you are doing. I have a one piece thermal suit I use for sea and pike fishing but it is way too hot for normal "active" float fishing. It's also extremely unpleasant if you break wind!

[Steve Burke]

Another vote for Muck boots from me. This is what I wrote a few months ago:

 

"I can thoroughly recommend the Muck Boots range of neoprene footwear, that Newt originally suggested. After a lot of research I bought the Esk style as they have a mesh liner to wick moisture away (especially useful in Summer), and are heavy duty enough for fishing.

 

I find them exceptionally comfortable to wear, especially as the neoprene lightly grips the calf. This also prevents mozzies getting in! They're also more rugged than wellies and so should last much longer. They're almost as warm in winter as Moon Boots, but very much more comfortable to walk in.

 

I spoke to several stockists, and although not quite the cheapest, Oakbury Welsh Cobs were the most helpful and so I ordered from them. Their web site is at http://www.oakburywelshcobs.co.uk/muckboots.htm

 

This is how they describe the Esk

 

"A state-of-the-art working boot, the Esk has a high rubber covering on the leg and a superb sole tread.

Other features include: a highly reinforced toe cap and instep; a removable 'Nitrocel' footbed for additional insulation and cushioning; an anti-shock heel made from MuckBoot's own 'Absorb' open cell polymer; a kick-rim to allow boots to be kicked off without damage; and a rubber Achilles protector to shield the wearer from blows to the back of the ankle. The Esk also has MuckBoots' own 'air-mesh' technology. Thousands of tiny vertical fibres allow air to circulate throughout the internal lining of the boot. When combined with the CR-Foam bootie, it provides an unmatched comfort range of +85oF to -85oF."

 

The price is £59.99 + postage. Granted, that's not cheap, but spread that over say 10 years and that works out at about 50 pence a month.

 

Finally, do bear in mind that you need to buy at least 1 size bigger than your shoe size. I take an 8½ shoe and found that I needed a size 10 Muck boot."

 

Turning to clothing, I too am a fan of several layers as they're both warmer and more versatile. Again this is from an old post of mine:

 

"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 (Eskimos) 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 Sleepskin 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. "

 

I'd add that I prefer clothes that are specifically designed for fishing. Our requirements are different from hikers for instance, in that we need freedom under the arms etc for casting, plus we may be sitting for a long time rather than just walking.

Edited November 9, 2007 by Steve Burke

[Guest Brumagem Phil]

Someone bought me for christmas a couple of years ago, a one piece suit.......its fully quilted so is dead warm. I was in Stratford a couple of weeks ago and decided to test just how good it was, so I wore nothing but the suit. It was 6 degrees outside and I was snug as a bug, in fact I nearly fell asleep twice!!

 

This isn't the exact one I have, but its the same sort of thing and for 30 quid you can't go wrong!

 

http://www.mullarkeys.co.uk/fishing/clothi...akespeare/1562/

 

A word of warning though..........I washed mine last year in the bath and once sodden it weighs a bloody ton so don't fall in wearing it!!!!

[Guest Rabbit]

Some great advice there and thanks for the links Check out those whips and Jodphurs Steve

BTW watched (again) preds on SKY (5.30 this morning ) with you and that lost 4LB perch, doesn't get any easier with the passing of time

 

The muck boots look just the job, but for a cheaper alternative I wear sheepskin lined rigger boots, treat them with a good waxing and they will keep you warm and dry. A steel toe cap as well for security.

 

Expect to pay £12-15 ebay or £25 in the tool hire shops or similar.