I never wear my pdg unless I'm running lines or jugs, or the water is below 80 degrees. Hypothermia can set in quick and make a strong swimmer weak as a kitten in a very short time. Just ask Zombo.
Unless I'm gonna be wading I wear flip flops and take them off before I get in the kayak. If I'm wading I wear the wading boots I got from Academy. And possably my ray guards if needed too.
As far as guts getting in the way, I recommend 200 cruches every morning and evening. And a good hard cardio building paddle as often as possible.

Vibram KSOs for me. I've only had them slip once and all that slipped was one of my "pinkie" toes. And in order to do that I got thrown off of a JetSki I was driving through 3 foot swells on the main lake. See...


I've never had an issue with my PFD getting in the way. I have more trouble with the sleeves of my long-sleeve columbia shirts (since I don't always keep the cuff buttoned).

I guess being 6'5" helps with my arms being long enough that not even the butt of my 7' gar rod (close to an 15" handle) doesn't get in the way. Plus my PFD gives me a comfortable spot to put the rod while fighting bigger fish and I don't have it digging into my sternum or other not so fun places.

Probably my favorite shoe is Chacos.

I've had the same pair that I've worn every day, around town, walking to sporting events, hiking, wading, everything. For 3 years, and they're still going strong...

As for a pfd, I'm a strong swimmer, swam miles at a time, swim team for years. All that counts for nothing, if you're injured and in the water.

Those fivefingers have always disturbed me. But I will go try em on. Hoping I will just get use to holding my rod in the right position to be comfortable. I like wearing the PFD for more than the obvious reason. like the fact that I have my line clippers and needle nose attached to it. Thanks for all the replies.

dont wear shoes while on the water! Crocs do make comfy padding for your heels

I've really fought the PFD issue and it's honestly resulting in me having it on less and less. Again, I'm a strong swimmer and generally I'm on some rather small bodies of water with little to no boat traffic and I'm in bright orange/yellow/red most of the time when I'm out.

As for the shoes issue I've been VERY happy with the Merrell waterpro. http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/22602M/0/Mens/WaterPro-Manistee?dimensions=0 You can pick them up at Academy for around $90 and it seems like way too much for a pair of shoes to get in the water with but they are seriously comfy, very airy, and they dry quickly.

not just for your body

I saw a post on one of the fishing sites that described shortening the handle on his rods. The hacksaw above is the way to go if you do not want to invest in new rods. good luck on your adjusting to yak fishing... Its a great sport and a lot of fun.

I thought those vibram five finger shoes would be un comfortable but I tried them and they work great. I ran a 5k mud race a couple months ago and I needed something to run it in and bought them for that reason. Now I love wearing them for kayaking. The only issue with them is that they are a pain in the azz to put on. But they are comfy and keep all the rocks out while protecting your foot. Its pretty much liek adhearing a layer of rubber to your foot. You dont even feel like you have a shoe on.

That has been my cold weather solution for several years and I have been very pleased.

I tried sandals and got tired of gravel under my feet when wading shallows. after several false starts I went to hightop canvas tennis shoes this year and have been pleased with the results in a few early morning trips.

http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs/...51_?cm_vc=40164

dangit zombo. no banana boat! Bananas are bad luck!

I don't wear mine so no problems with the rods. I did modify one with a hacksaw and glued a rubber cap.
As for water shoes, sometimes i use some from walmart or scuba booties.

aqua socks 5 dollars academy.

clikit

Alright guys, I wouldn't be able to call myself a respectable kayak angler if I didn't chime in and encourage everyone to wear their personal flotation devices. I'm not a do-gooder, I just want everyone to be safe.

A few things to consider:

There is no relationship between swimming skills and personal floatation devices. That is to say, PFDs were not invented for this purpose. In fact, statistics show that people who have experience with water are much more likely to find themselves in a dangerous situation.

PFDs are a response to the illusion of control. Advanced swimmers are fine when they are conscious, but if they lose consciousness for whatever reason, their swimming skills are of little value.

There are many things you have no control over: sudden storms, passing out, sickness, other boats, kamikaze birds, waves, wind, rogue lightning, cute chicks in bikinis, wildlife, current, temperature, etc.

Stay safe guys. Sorry for the public service announcement.

Not so cute chicks in bikins can be a real hazard as well, my ex wife for one, just a warning out there.