Fishing while staying dry: 5 tips by Picksea
Fishing in the rain is a delicate operation: staying dry means layering waterproof equipment at the expense of freedom of movement and agility. This is why we are often under-equipped, leaving early in the morning with just a raincoat, we can come back cold and soaked to the bone!
Some tips to stay dry while sea fishing?
A raincoat, but not just any raincoat. If you are an intensive fisherman and you often fish from a boat (open type) in very wet conditions for days on end, you should choose a high-performance 3-layer breathable suit. This type of marine clothing provides excellent protection against spray, rain and wind, while ensuring very good breathability. It is true that the budget is high (between 600 and 1000 euros), but the protection obtained is truly high performance, for an exceptional life span.
If you are an occasional fisherman, a simple set of waxed + traditional coverall will allow you to cross the grains while being perfectly dry. Beyond the very reasonable budget (count between 70 and 200 euros for a set) the traditional marine oilskins are designed for professionals and commercial fishing, they are therefore extremely resistant, indestructible; This allows to store them in the boat without particular maintenance. It is a very good option to have perfectly waterproof rainwear in case of need.
Tip 1: Choose a jacket instead of a vest
The jacket is lighter and more waterproof. The absence of the front zip means less weight but also less potential water entry. It is also the front zip that is usually the weakest area of a marine rain jacket. It is usually the part that breaks first over time, worn out by salt or intensive use. The jacket will therefore last longer due to the absence of a zip.
Tip 2: A pair of waterproof socks, fishing comfort!
Rubber boots are perfectly unsuitable to be worn for a whole day as they are not breathable. Breathable boat boots are unaffordable for small budgets and unsuitable for fishing, as they are dirty and not very robust for intensive use. An extremely innovative and practical solution is the use of waterproof socks. Lined with a membrane, available in thick, medium or thinner versions depending on the season, waterproof socks allow you to stay dry even with both feet in the water, while allowing perspiration from your feet to escape for perfect breathability. An excellent compromise for boat fishing. Also available as a waterproof cap or waterproof gloves using the same process.
Tip 3: A waterproof bag to prevent lures from rusting
Nothing is more annoying than finding your lures with rusty and seized hooks. In general it is a matter of checking before and recommending new hooks and lures for the season. But once the season is underway it is important to keep your lures dry in a small waterproof bag which will keep them in perfect condition away from salt water and possible shocks.
Tip 4 : A thick, ultra-resistant lure cover
To avoid getting soaked when setting nets or raising traps, you should take a leaf out of the book of professionals. They are all equipped with ultra-resistant oilskins, which once worn protect you from everything: water, sea spray, sand, fish blood, etc. No need to worry about protection on these jackets designed for the fishing environment.
Tip 5: A comfortable self-inflating life jacket
Don't dream, most accidents at sea prove that you don't have time to go and get your life jacket from the bottom of the boat and increase your chances of getting out of it without problems. The statistics are there, when you wear your lifejacket, you are saved! So to be sure to wear it at the right time, it should be worn ALL THE TIME. And to wear it all the time it must be comfortable... CQFD!
With all this we don't guarantee you to catch fish, but at least to have a good time. Enjoy it!