Hey all, So I'm getting ready to enter my second year of Kayak fishing. Got my first yak last year in last spring/early summer so was fishing in pants or shorts from day one. I haven't been out during the winter and I'm getting an itching to head out with all this warm weather we've been having. So how many of you fish during winter without waders? I'm thinking the worst would be wet feet at launch and paddle drip.

If you get waders don't get the kind with a rubber lining cause they sweat on the inside and will keep you damp.

I have used them but I also wear the water-resistant type pants. They are usually good enough to keep you from getting too wet from paddle drips.

Waterproof pants are ok. I like to use waiders because i can walk out in the water or dangle my feet over the sides. It does complicate things while taking a leak but imo worth the trouble. I have the cheepo $40 pair of breathable waiders from academy. Rubber will freeze your feet on the cold days.

Whether you 'need' them or not depends on your kayak. If you're sitting high and dry in your 'yak, then you might be able to get away with mud boots for getting in and out of your 'yak in cool weather. But in some kayaks you're sitting in an inch of water, and then you really need waders IMHO.

Breathable waders are more versatile than neoprene waders.

I sit high and dry but still choose to wear them. Conditions have changed on most...if not all of us. It just pays to play safe and be totally dry... imo.

Yes in my humble opinion. Its hard to get the chill out of the bones once they get wet. Help keep you warm on those cold days

I sit high. I should have thought about just mud boots before. $50 waders from academy sounds good to.

You can always wear wading pants.

Im confused. People buy yaks that they knowingly have to sit in with standing water inside them? Why not just use plugs?

There many different styles of kayaks some actually sit on the deck tend to get wet butts, no matter how you try there will still be water gathering. Paddling just getting into the yak ...even choppy water. Different strokes different boats..what do you fish from spiderjig?

Waders for me. I'd rather sweat a bit than be soaked to the core and miserable due to a mishap launching, or getting in / out of my yak.
So far, with the little experience I have yak-in in cold weather.... My Game Winner Sportsman 400 Neoprene Boot-Foot Waders have been worth their weight in gold. (Academy / $99.00)

The BassRustler

Sometimes I wear waders and sometimes I just wear a pair of knee high rubber boots to launch. It all depends on where I'm going. If I need to just be in the water up to 1ft deep I'll go with the boots. Otherwise, I'd wear the waders.

I find waders are almost indispensable during cold weather - get breathables with stocking feet if you do. They also hose off real nice on those days you've been dragging fish all over you. Understand there is some "risk" with waders - wear a belt with them to help keep water out if you go in the drink. Tight lines.