Weather conditions can severely change your fishing experience. It affects not only the type of fish you encounter and the precautions you have to take, but the type of fishing gear you take out during a rainy day expedition to open waters. Some fishing aficionados take advantage of rapidly changing weather conditions to liven up their fishing routine.
Those veterans in the fishing industry know what gear is appropriate for those rainy days when you can’t help but take a boat out and catch the in-season fish in the nearest body of water; however, Miami Inshore Fishing has created a guide to help you pick the appropriate fishing rain gear and remind you of the importance of keeping dry during rainy months, unexpected downpours, and fishing in the rain.
What to look for?
When someone is in the market for a brand new piece of fishing equipment, they always look out for one factor: a good price/quality ratio. Not every piece of rain gear for fishing will be reasonably priced to the quality of their product, but there are certain ways you can know if that rain fishing jacket or that rain suit is worth the splurge.
Waterproof vs. Water Resistant
The most significant difference between a waterproof and water-resistant piece is the level of protection they offer. Water-resistant jackets and suits are made from materials that can be woven tightly together, like nylon and polyester, therefore making it harder for water to soak through the fabric. However, water-resistant materials can only withstand a certain amount of water.
On the other hand, waterproof fabrics provide a barrier that completely protects you from water. They also include an outer layer of tightly woven fabric like Nylon or Polyester, but below it, they have other layers of fabric protection, like Teflon or Polyurethane, that protect you from the hardest rainfalls.
Waterproof fabrics are highly recommended for any rainy-day fishing expedition. Keeping dry, warm, and impervious to the weather can make your fishing experience much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Breathable vs. Non-breathable
Although non-breathable fabrics provide the most thorough protection against rain, they can also lead to overheating and moisture accumulation, making your overall fishing experience less comfortable. Non-breathable jackets and bibs are helpful for fishing trips where standing still is a guarantee; however, moving around will trigger sweating. That moisture can accumulate inside your clothing and trap the heat, leading to overheating and damping.
Comfort and usability
After safety and protection, comfort is probably the most vital aspect when buying fishing rain suits and gear. Making sure the article comes in your appropriate size and feels pleasant on your body is certainly a factor to watch out for.
Although waterproof jackets consist of 3-layer pieces and may seem heavier than water-resistant ones, they have a mesh layer that provides added comfort. Make sure your fishing attire has a hood, which adds crucial protection from the rain.
Cold or Warm?
Rain does not always make weather conditions colder. Just like day and night fishing, cold-weather rain fishing and warm-weather rain fishing are different experiences that require different kinds of protective gear. It’s important that when deciding to venture into a fishing trip during a warm and rainy day, you use a lightweight and breathable jacket. Non-breathable jackets trap heat and moisture, as mentioned before, and make warm-weather fishing an unpleasant time.
However, if you’re fishing during a cold, rainy day, warm and insulated pieces of fishing rain gear should be essential. Making sure your jacket is windproof during cold days is also important, as cold winds can impact how the ambient temperature feels.
Types of Rain Gear for Fishing
Rain Suits typically include the top-and-bottom parts of fishing rain attire. These pieces can vary from jackets to parkas to bibs and pants.
Rain Jackets and Parkas
Rain jackets are perhaps the central part of a rain suit. They keep your upper body safe and warm from the elements; however, the main difference between a jacket and a parka is its length. Parkas are longer and cover a more significant part of your lower back, but they tend to be heavier and warmer, so depending on the temperature conditions, a jacket during a warm rainy day might be best.
Rain Bibs and Rain Pants
Bibs typically do a better job keeping you dryer, but they are harder to maneuver and less breathable than a pair of rain pants. Bibs are harder to take off and are generally less comfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary to benefit from a bib during heavier rain conditions.
Footwear
Rubber boots are a great option when trying to keep yourself completely dry. They come in various colors and sizes and should be an indispensable part of your rain fishing gear. They generally make your fishing experience better by keeping your feet dry and your other shoes from getting wet.
Waterproof bag
Protecting your gear from the weather should also be a priority. Buying waterproof bags made from similar materials like rain jackets and parkas can increase the longevity of your rods, lines, and other fishing materials indispensable to your fishing expedition.
Picking the best fishing gear is ultimately a personal choice. It’s important to keep in mind that properties like breathability and waterproofing are essential when it comes to buying protection from the rain, but as far as personal style choices like jackets and parkas, the world is your oyster. As long as you’re protected from the elements, fishing in the rain can be a pleasant experience.
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