I am new to this section. I am a proud new owner of a pescador 10 kayak, and beyond ready to get it out on the water. The question I have for you guys is what are some safe suggestions for paddling gear on cold winter days. I have cabelas gortex guidewear bibs, frogtog jacket, and some neoprene boots (Muck Boots), but I am concerned about the saftey of such a setup. I've been searching through some old post, and seems like a lot of folks are using breathable waders, will what I have work or am I going to have to fork over the dough for some waders (or in reality wait till spring since I am poor lol). I was checking out dry suit prices, and they cost much more than my boat did, so that's not happening. I've also read about farmer john wet suits, and I've seen a few that aren't too pricy. I'd love to hear any suggestions. Thanks!

Jake

all i use is 30 dollar hip wader boots. works fine. i dont fish in cold weather tho. 40degrees and above

I spent $60 for some neoprene waders from Academy. They're great for cold weather and come in handy if you have to do a bit of wading.

I use the Cabela' 3 Fork Waders. I had a pair of Hodgman breathables before that but they started leaking after 2-3 trips. I got tired trying to repair them. The 3 forks are ugly and super baggy but this ain't no fashion show. They're not breathable but much lighter than the neoprene duck hunter type... Best thing about them is they're super durable. I was in the Hubbard river last weekend up to my chest in 50 degree water pushing my yak up and over a gnarly log jam that I had to crawl over afterwards.. They've held up to that kind of use for the last 3 years and still keep me dry as a whistle... I actually got mine for 59 when they were marked down from the normal 79 but you know I would still gladly pay that for them. I realize 79 bucks is 79 bucks but these have been good for me...

Glad to hear you've joined the plastic boat armada Jake. Look around on eBay and academy adds. It was this time last year that I got a pair of neoprene waders for about half of their original price.

wet suit is about as safe as it gets.


best combined with Artic Armor suit IMO.
https://www.idigear.com/tv-vid2.php

What you have will work for you. I would suggest doing some trips on smaller shallow bodies of water to get comfortable with it. A river trip would be ideal. Its best to test your limits where the consequences are at a minimum. Sure, water below 50 degrees sucks. Much worse in 20' of water then in 2' of water though. With all that gear on be dang sure you are wearing a good PFD!

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. I found some pretty good deals on ebay Bob, thanks for that! I'll probably get some waders come pay day. It's suppose to be in the 60's this monday, so I am going to try it out on a small feeder creek, or heck maybe even today . I have got a good life jacket, and I'll do like you said armadillo, and take it easy. Can't wait!

You probably already know this but don't wear cotton in cold wet conditions.
Congratulations on your new kayak

Yes sir roadtrip, but thank you! I took her out today, and it was great. I went to a fairly shallow creek that feeds into the lake, no boat traffic at all. She's not real fast, but handles well, and pretty stable. Now I am addicted!

Don't forget a whistle and make sure you have a 360* light with you if you're out around daylight or dusk.

Yep, foggy low light conditions requires light.

1-1-2013 forecast fog

Awesome, thank y'all.

I'm not where you're going with that Fish Zombie.